Azure Databricks Practice Lead

Position: Data Practice Lead / Director – Data & Analytics

Experience: 15+ years

Location: Remote

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Data Practice Lead / Director to build and lead our Data & Analytics practice. The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in Microsoft Azure and Databricks, along with experience in designing enterprise data platforms, leading large data teams, managing client relationships, and driving business growth.

Key Responsibilities

·      Lead and grow the Data & Analytics practice, including strategy, delivery, capability development and team growth.

·      Provide technical and architectural leadership across Azure Data and Databricks platforms.

·      Design and oversee modern data architectures including Lakehouse, Data Lake, Data Warehouse and Data Engineering solutions.

·      Lead large-scale data transformation and modernization programs for enterprise clients.

·      Drive presales, solutioning, RFP/RFI responses, proposals and client presentations.

·      Build strong relationships with CXO-level stakeholders and technology leadership.

·      Manage and mentor data architects, engineers, analysts and technical leads.

·      Define technology standards, reusable frameworks, accelerators and best practices.

·      Partner with sales and business teams to identify new opportunities and expand existing accounts.

·      Own delivery governance, project quality, utilization, margins and overall practice performance.

·      Stay current with emerging technologies across Data Engineering, Databricks, Azure, AI/ML and Generative AI.

Required Skills

·      15+ years of experience in Data Engineering / Data Architecture / Data & Analytics.

·      Strong hands-on/architectural experience with Microsoft Azure.

·      Strong expertise in Databricks, including Lakehouse architecture, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog and data engineering.

·      Experience with Azure Data Factory, ADLS, Azure Synapse, Azure Functions and related Azure data services.

·      Strong understanding of PySpark, SQL and ETL/ELT frameworks.

·      Experience leading large data engineering / analytics teams and enterprise programs.

·      Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills.

·      Proven experience in presales, solutioning and practice development.

·      Experience working with global / enterprise customers is preferred.

Good to Have

·      Exposure to Generative AI / Machine Learning / AI-led Data Platforms.

·      Databricks certifications or Azure certifications.

·      Experience in building and scaling a Data & AI practice.

·      Strong commercial understanding of revenue, margins, utilization and account growth.