Data Operations Lead

**This role is located in Munich (Germany) or Budapest (Hungary) - We are a hybrid work environment and are in the office 3+ days/per week.**

Tulip, the leader in frontline operations, is helping companies around the world equip their workforce with connected apps, leading to higher quality work, improved efficiency, and end-to-end traceability across operations. Companies of all sizes and across industries have implemented composable solutions with Tulip’s cloud-native, no-code platform to solve some of the most pressing challenges in operations: error-proofing processes and boosting productivity, capturing and analyzing real-time data, and continuous improvement.

A spinoff out of MIT, Tulip is headquartered in Somerville, MA, with offices in Germany and Hungary. Focused on composable, human-centric solutions for industrial environments, Tulip is disrupting the MES category and has been recognized as a World Economic Forum Global Innovator. Tulip has also been named one of Energage’s Top Workplaces USA and one of Built In Boston’s “Best Places to Work” and “Best Midsize Places to Work” for 2024. 

About You:

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Data Operations Lead to build and manage our new Data Operations function. Based in one of our hub offices (Munich, Germany or Budapest, Hungary), you will report to the IT Lead and play a critical role in shaping the future of data infrastructure, governance, and accessibility at Tulip. You will lead a team responsible for ensuring the reliability, quality, and performance of our data systems and data products, enabling data-driven decision-making across the organization. This is a unique opportunity to establish a vital capability, drive significant technical initiatives, and mentor a growing team in an international setting.

What skills do I need? 

• 7+ years of relevant experience in data engineering, data operations, or related fields within a cloud environment.
• 2-3+ years of direct people management experience, including hiring, coaching, and developing technical talent (e.g., Data Engineers, Analysts). Experience managing distributed teams is a plus.
• Proven experience managing and scaling production data pipelines using tools like Airflow and dbt.
• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing data quality frameworks and monitoring solutions.
• Hands-on experience with cloud data warehouse technologies (e.g., Redshift, Snowflake, BigQuery), including direct experience with data warehouse migration projects.
• Strong proficiency in SQL and experience with scripting languages, particularly Python.
• Experience administering and managing cloud infrastructure, ideally within AWS.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for various audiences and work effectively across time zones.
• Experience implementing or managing data governance tools (experience with Datahub is a plus).
• Familiarity with BI tools (experience with Sigma Computing is a plus).

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and Lead: Recruit, manage, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of Data Operations Engineers and Data Analysts, potentially across multiple locations. Foster a collaborative and results-oriented team culture.
• Own Data Operations: Oversee the day-to-day management, monitoring, and optimization of our data pipelines, ensuring timely and reliable data delivery.
• Manage Internal AI Infrastructure: Oversee the day-to-day management of Librechat, n8n, and other internal tools that connect our data with LLMs and automation tools..
• Ensure Data Quality & Governance: Design, implement, and manage frameworks and processes for monitoring and improving data quality. Oversee the implementation and adoption of our data governance platform (Datahub).
• Develop Data Products: Oversee the build-out and maintenance of high-quality, validated 'data products' accessible through our data discovery platform ('data supermarket'), ensuring they meet business needs and quality standards.
• Manage Data Infrastructure: Take ownership of our data warehouse (currently Redshift) and BI platform (Sigma Computing) administration, focusing on performance, security, and cost-effectiveness.
• Drive Strategic Improvements: Assess our current data infrastructure, develop recommendations for modernization (including potential data warehouse migration), and lead the execution of approved projects.
• Uphold Security & Compliance: Implement and maintain robust security measures and ensure compliance with relevant data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work closely with Engineering (SID team), TechOps, Product Management, and business stakeholders across different regions to understand data needs, manage dependencies, and deliver effective data solutions.

Our Tech Stack

• Cloud: AWS
• Data Warehouse: Redshift (under review)
• ETL/Orchestration: dbt, Airflow
• Automation: Zapier, Workato
• AI: Librechat, n8n
• Database: PostgreSQL
• BI: Sigma Computing
• Languages: SQL, Python
• Governance: Datahub (implementing)

Key Collaborators:

• IT
• Product & Engineering 
• Operations

Working At Tulip

We know even great candidates experience imposter syndrome. Even if you don’t match every requirement, applying gives you the opportunity to be considered. 

We’re building a strong, diverse team that values hard work, families, and personal well-being. Benefits of working with us include:

GmbH Employees

• Direct impact on product and culture
• Company equity
• Competitive benefits package including commuter benefits, learning and development benefits, team events, catered lunches 3 days a week.
• Flexible work schedule and unlimited vacation policy
• Learning and Development Benefit
• Virtual company events and happy hours

KFT Employees

• Direct impact on product and culture
• Company equity
• Flexible work schedule and unlimited vacation policy
• Virtual company events and happy hours
• In-office catered lunches and stocked kitchens
• Private Healthcare
• Learning & Development benefits

We are an equal opportunity employer. At Tulip, we celebrate all. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Help us build an inclusive community that will transform frontline operations.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.