Data Engineering Tech Lead

Location: Waterford, Waterford, Ireland

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Job Description:

Data Engineering Tech Lead

Role Overview

The Data Engineering Tech Lead is a hands‑on leadership role within Sun Life’s evolving Data & Analytics organization, supporting the High Net Worth (HNW) business. This role is responsible for shaping and executing the technical vision for cloud‑based data platforms on AWS, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, high‑performing, and business‑aligned.

You will act as both technical authority and delivery leader—driving data architecture decisions for HNW, guiding an engineering team, and remaining actively involved in building and deploying critical data solutions. This role is ideal for an experienced data engineering leader who enjoys solving complex business problems through modern data platforms and takes ownership of outcomes end‑to‑end.

What You’ll Do

Technical Leadership & Architecture

• Lead the design, development, and delivery of enterprise‑scale data solutions using AWS core data services, advancing capabilities across Data Engineering, Integration, Governance, and Virtualization.
• Define and implement data platform strategies spanning Data Pipelines, Data Lakehouse, Data Warehousing, Master Data Management (MDM), and Advanced Analytics.
• Drive continuous improvement of the HNW data platform, enhancing performance, resiliency, scalability, and security, while introducing modern data technologies and engineering practices.
• Champion best practices in data engineering, AWS architecture, and data governance, advising on tools, standards, and patterns.

Hands‑On Engineering

• Remain actively involved in architecture, coding, and deployment of critical data systems, providing hands‑on expertise where it matters most.
• Ensure the health and reliability of the platform through proactive monitoring, performance optimization, and issue prevention.

Team & Delivery Leadership

• Lead and mentor a team of Data Engineers, providing technical direction, coaching, and quality oversight.
• Own end‑to‑end delivery accountability, ensuring solutions are delivered on time, at high quality, and aligned to business priorities.
• Navigate ambiguity and complex dependencies while providing structure and clarity for the team.

Stakeholder & Partner Collaboration

• Partner closely with business stakeholders to translate complex business requirements into effective technical solutions.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional and global partners, including Enterprise Architecture, Asia Regional Office teams, and US IT, to ensure coordinated delivery and value realization.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Data Quality & Accountability

• Be accountable for the accuracy, consistency, and quality of data used across applications and analytical processes.
• Support strong data governance and stewardship practices across the platform.

What You Bring

Core Skills & Experience

• Deep, hands‑on experience designing and delivering cloud‑based data solutions, with strong expertise in AWS.
• Proven experience with AWS data services such as S3, Redshift, Athena, Glue, and associated architectural patterns.
• Strong background building enterprise data platforms, including Lakehouse, Data Warehouse, MDM, and Advanced Analytics solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical depth with strategic thinking and business alignment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex solutions clearly and effectively.
• Experience leading teams in multi‑project, fast‑paced environments, ensuring consistent, high‑quality delivery.
• Strong problem‑solving mindset, with a structured, data‑driven approach to decision‑making.
• Proven leadership and mentoring capability, fostering technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Ability to operate effectively in global, matrixed environments across multiple locations and time zones.

Nice to Have

• Experience in the Insurance or Financial Services domain.
• Strong understanding of data governance frameworks and Master Data Management principles.
• Background as a Data Architect transitioning into or operating within a technical leadership role.

Why This Role

This role offers the opportunity to lead and shape modern AWS data platforms supporting a high‑impact, data‑driven business. It is well‑suited for a senior data engineering leader who wants to combine technical expertise, architectural ownership, and people leadership while delivering meaningful business outcomes.

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