Director, Data Engineering

Director, Data Engineering

Reports to: Vice President of Technology

Location: Toronto, Ontario (hybrid working environment)

Our client is a boutique commercial insurer that delivers exceptional expertise and service to our broker partners and insureds. Our mission is to be the best for our employees, customers and shareholders. By being the best we mean generating better experiences and better outcomes for these three stakeholders. In order to achieve this our strategy is simple. Find the industry expert in a line of business and empower them to better serve that specific niche, we do this by encouraging each other to think outside the box, be innovative and create new opportunities.

Position Summary:

• We are looking for a Director, Data Engineering with strong Microsoft SQL Server experience, solid knowledge of commercial insurance, and excellent leadership skills. You will oversee the development and maintenance of the relational database solutions that support the company’s management information needs. This includes line management and technical leadership of a team of 3 engineers. We need a detailed, articulate and highly organized technical leader who can guide and co-ordinate other technologists, but still enjoys doing hands-on engineering work. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the technology landscape of a growing business in an influential role.

What will your typical day look like?

• Acquire a detailed and thorough understanding of the company’s existing SQL Server solutions, including overall architecture, data structures, procedural code, configuration, operational support processes, maintenance requirements and technical debt.
• Develop and articulate technical product roadmaps and high-level solution designs, in collaboration with IT colleagues and business subject matter experts.
• Ensure solutions consistently deliver high-quality, trusted data to the organization.
• Coach, guide and professionally develop the data engineering team.
• Organize and oversee the data engineering team’s work; break down projects into technical deliverables for engineers, ensuring appropriate segregation of duties and knowledge sharing.
• Manage the delivery and quality of technical work products; perform code reviews as needed; ensure work execution complies with internal controls, policies and standards
• Manage the team’s support of existing solutions; ensure the team can respond effectively to issues raised, including correcting defects and patching data where appropriate.
• Partner with DBAs, infrastructure and security analysts to ensure solutions are operationalized in a scalable and sustainable way.
• Ensure high-quality technical documentation is in place for all solutions.

You will also have the chance to…

• Make a noticeable impact on a small but growing team where the benefits of your contributions will be highly visible to the rest of the organization.
• Draw from resources and expertise available in the wider Berkley Group of companies.
• Enjoy a competitive benefits package including a personal budget for professional development.
• Join a supportive and empowering company culture that recognizes and values the diversity of our people.
• Work flexibly in a hybrid remote/on-site environment.

Characteristics of the successful candidate:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience developing enterprise data solutions using Microsoft SQL Server with practical exposure to SSIS, SSRS and SSAS).
• Minimum 8 years’ experience line-managing IT staff involved in software application delivery.
• Expert-level knowledge of relational data modelling, database development, ETL/EL development and query writing/tuning.
• Experience working in a commercial insurance business and knowledge of insurance concepts.
• Knowledge of enterprise business intelligence platforms such as Power BI.
• Collaborative, supportive and approachable with a consistently positive attitude.
• Excellent communication skills - written, visual and vocal; ability to communicate clearly and concisely at all levels, technically and non-technically.
• Enjoys coaching, developing and motivating others.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, both for self and for team.
• Thorough, conscientious, and attentive to detail, with excellent analytical skills.
• Creative, self-motivated, self-directed and interested in solving problems.
• Strong sense of cost-benefit.
• Post-secondary educational qualification in computer science or business is a plus.