Data Engineering Team Lead

Core details

• Company type: International Retail Group – In-House Engineering
• Location: Cluj-Napoca, Romania
• Work model: Hybrid
• Engagement: Employment Contract, Permanent, Full-Time
• Role level: Team Lead / Line Management – newly formed squad of 8–10 engineers
• Reports to: Engineering Manager, Data (global)
• Experience level: (to confirm with client)
• Key Skills: People leadership and line management, coaching and career development, data engineering background, modern data platforms and pipelines, stakeholder management, Agile delivery
• Department: Engineering – Data
• Industry: Retail – Home Improvement

About the client

Our client is a large international retail group with an in-house engineering organisation, technology built internally, not outsourced. Teams own what they design and run, end to end, on platforms that serve the group's markets and brands across Europe.

The Cluj engineering hub is part of a wider international ecosystem, and the local capability continues to grow.

They hire for range, and value people who bring a perspective the team doesn't already have. Apply even if you don't tick every box. They're also open to flexible and agile working, with a blend of working from home and time in the Cluj office.

About the role

The squad is newly formed: eight to ten Data Engineers, and a chance to shape how they work together from the start rather than inherit someone else's habits. That is the appeal of this role, and also the hard part of it.

This is a people leadership role first. You will line manage the team — their growth, their careers, their wellbeing — while making sure the squad delivers data solutions the business can rely on. Your data engineering background matters because it earns you credibility in technical discussions and lets you guide the team properly, not because you will be writing the pipelines yourself.

You will have real scope to set ways of working and engineering standards, and to support the development of modern data platforms and pipelines across the organisation. You will report into the Engineering Manager for Data, who leads the data engineering discipline globally, so you have senior technical backing rather than being on your own with it.

You will be responsible for supporting, developing and empowering Data Engineers while ensuring the team delivers high-quality outcomes, working closely with Chapter Leaders, Product teams and stakeholders across the wider organisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Data Engineering team members in a line management capacity, focusing on individual growth, career development and wellbeing through regular check-ins, coaching and performance discussions.
• Coordinate the team's work and delivery priorities, ensuring scalable and reliable data solutions are delivered in line with business and product objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement in ways of working, engineering standards and collaboration practices across the Data Engineering team.
• Support engineers through regular feedback, mentorship and technical guidance, strengthening both their professional development and their delivery capability.
• Work closely with Chapter Leaders, Product teams and stakeholders to align delivery plans, support capability growth and ensure effective cross-team collaboration.
• Use your leadership experience and data engineering background to help the team deliver high-quality data platforms, pipelines and solutions, while promoting accountability and engineering excellence.
• Set clear goals for the team, monitor progress, and proactively identify and address delivery risks to ensure consistent and sustainable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and developing engineering teams, with a strong focus on people management, coaching and career development.
• Previous experience in Data Engineering or a closely related engineering area, with a solid understanding of modern data platforms, pipelines and scalable data solutions.
• Good understanding of software and data architecture principles, enough to hold effective technical discussions and make informed decisions.
• Experience working in complex, fast-paced environments, supporting teams through change, growth and shifting business priorities.
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills, with the ability to align teams, priorities and delivery goals across an organisation.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to build trust, foster collaboration and create a positive team environment.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, solve complex challenges and support teams in delivering practical, outcome-focused solutions.
• A genuine passion for people leadership and mentoring, and a commitment to building inclusive, engaged, high-performing teams.
• Broad understanding of modern engineering and delivery practices, including Agile ways of working and collaboration across engineering and product teams.
• Excellent command of English, written and spoken.

About the offer

Our client offers a competitive package and room to grow:

• Annual performance bonus and employee referral bonus
• Private medical coverage through Regina Maria – Priority Plan, extendable to your spouse or children at no additional cost
• Life insurance through Metropolitan Life
• Eyeglasses vouchers and a co-funded 7Card fitness membership
• Access to LinkedIn Learning, LEO Learning and Bookster
• Meal vouchers, plus gift vouchers on several occasions throughout the year
• 21 days of annual leave, increasing with tenure up to 25 days
• Additional days off when public holidays fall on weekends
• Paid leave for special life events
• Hybrid working model and a flexible schedule
• Modern, collaborative workspace with fresh fruit and premium coffee

Why GetFrankly?

At GetFrankly we are guiding talent and creating futures.

We understand that a career move is not just about a new role – it's about finding a place where your skills, ambitions, and values align.

Give us a call to discuss what's important for your career and future, and we'll try our best to get you involved in interesting projects and provide you with fulfilling career pathways.

We will guide you towards the right environment where your abilities will thrive and have a significant impact.