Sr Manager Platform Development - Data Services (Databricks, AI)

Essential Functions

• Lead, develop, and mentor technical teams across Data Engineering, CDC, BI, and Data Curation; own hiring, coaching, performance, career growth, and team health.
• Define and execute the Data Services strategy and operating model, aligned with NISC's business objectives, data-driven decision-making, and AI-enabled solutions for Members.
• Drive continuous improvement of CDC pipelines to enhance the speed, quality, and reliability of data moving from operational systems into the cloud lakehouse.
• Oversee the design, development, and optimization of scalable data pipelines, the lakehouse, and analytics frameworks in AWS and Databricks.
• Lead the BI platform modernization and go-forward BI strategy, including the semantic/curation layer and the self-service "bring your own tool" experience for customers.
• Champion best practices in data governance, data quality, data cataloging, lineage, and reliability; treat security, privacy, and compliance as first-class platform capabilities.
• Establish FinOps practices — cost modeling, forecasting, and optimization across the Databricks/AWS platform and Member usage tiers.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate automation, AI, and advanced analytics into platform workflows and Member-facing products.
• Promote collaboration and alignment between Data Services, Application Development, Product, and business stakeholders; reduce handoffs and clarify ownership.
• Establish and track KPIs for platform performance, pipeline reliability, team productivity, cost, and business/Member impact.
• Manage resource planning, prioritization, and delivery across multiple concurrent initiatives using a single, transparent intake and prioritization process.
• Partner with senior leadership to translate business and Member needs into technical roadmaps and priorities.
• Stay current on emerging data and AI technologies and bring innovative, practical solutions to improve platform capabilities.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 6+ years in data engineering, analytics, or data platform roles, with 4+ years in formal people leadership.
• Experience leading a cloud data platform migration or modernization, a BI tool replacement, or a self-service/"bring your own tool" data-access program.
• Experience in utility, broadband, cooperative, or other regulated/Member-focused industries is a plus.

Technical Expertise

• Strong experience with modern cloud data platforms — Databricks, Oracle, and AWS (S3, Lambda, Spark, Aurora/PostgreSQL, etc.).
• Deep understanding of data engineering concepts: ETL/ELT, data modeling, the medallion/lakehouse pattern, streaming and batch processing.
• Hands-on familiarity with Change Data Capture frameworks and streaming (e.g., log-based CDC, Debezium-style approaches, Kafka) and DevOps practices for data pipelines (Terraform, CI/CD).
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, Scala, or Java.
• Familiarity with BI/reporting tool integration (Power BI, Tableau, AWS QuickSight) and data visualization best practices, plus semantic-layer and self-service analytics concepts.
• Working knowledge of data governance, cataloging, and access control (e.g., Databricks Unity Catalog) and of identity/OAuth-based access patterns.
• Working knowledge of AI/ML and GenAI integration within data ecosystems.

Leadership & Management

• Proven ability to lead, develop, and scale high-performing technical teams — ideally multiple teams or team leads.
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills with a focus on employee growth and engagement.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration across disciplines.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment at all organizational levels, especially through periods of change.

Strategic & Operational Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Experience defining and implementing technical strategy and multi-year roadmaps.
• Ability to balance long-term vision with near-term execution and to prioritize amid competing demands.
• Strong project and program management capabilities; experience introducing scalable intake and prioritization processes.
• FinOps / cloud cost-management awareness.

Communication & Collaboration

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, including with Members.

Personal Attributes

• Innovative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Results-driven, with strong ownership and accountability.
• Adaptable and comfortable leading in a Member-focused, rapidly evolving environment.
• Passion for leveraging data and technology to drive tangible value for NISC and its Members.

Work Schedule

Hybrid from one of our office locations: Atlanta, GA, Cedar Rapids, IA, Lake Saint Louis, MO, Mandan, ND. Virtual Office: Candidates working from a remote location within approved states will be considered for those who have applicable industry experience.

NISC's Shared Values & Competencies

• We're a cooperative, which means we're owned by the Members we serve. It also means that our focus is on taking care of our Members and our employees, rather than having a big bottom line.
• Quality service and innovative technology starts with happy and dedicated employees.
• Integrity – We are committed to doing the right thing – always.
• Relationships – We are committed to building and preserving lasting relationships.
• Innovation – We promote the spirit of creativity and champion new ideas.
• Teamwork – We exemplify the cooperative spirit by working together.
• Empowerment – We believe individuals have the power to make a difference.
• Personal Development – We believe the free exchange of knowledge and information is absolutely necessary to the success of each individual and the organization.