Manager, Data Platforms, Engineering & Operations

Department: Department of Technology Division: Technology Applications – Data & Analytics Reports To: Senior Director, Technology Applications Matrix Collaboration: Business Applications; Technical Support Services; CIO Office; KPI Modernization Teams1. Position SummaryThe Manager of Data Platforms, Engineering & Operations leads MARTA’s enterprise data and analytics ecosystem, including cloud data engineering, data pipelines, AI‑enabled platforms, database administration, DevOps/CI/CD automation, and data governance. The role ensures secure, reliable, governed, and scalable data delivery supporting operations, Oracle Cloud, KPI reporting, and enterprise modernization initiatives.2. Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesA. Strategy and LeadershipLead multi‑year strategy and modernization roadmap for data platforms, cloud adoption, automation, and analytics enablement.Convert organizational and business priorities into actionable engineering, DevOps, and DataOps plans.Staying abreast of latest Data Technology innovations in the world market and guiding MARTA IT leadership on technology selection/ implementation decisions and strategy executionProvide strategic/thought leadership across data platform functions, aligned with CIO and IT-Senior Director priorities.B. Data Engineering and ArchitectureArchitect and oversee cloud-based data platforms, real-time ingestion systems, and enterprise data warehouses.Direct ETL/ELT development, data transformation workflows, KPI lifecycle operations, and integration architecture.Lead ARB (Architecture Review Board) reviews and procure approvals for Data designs/blueprints Ensure platform alignment with Oracle Cloud ERP/HCM, Intelligent Transit Systems (ITS) and other operational data flows.C. Platform Operations and ReliabilityEnsure 24×7 reliability of data systems, pipelines, databases, and deployment automation.Implement monitoring, observability, alerting, runbooks, and incident response procedures.Partner with Technical Support Services on infrastructure stability and deployments.D. Database AdministrationOversee database engineering including performance tuning, backup/restore, HA/DR, and capacity planning.Govern auditing, encryption, secure access, patching, and compliance.Standardize schema design, indexing, and optimization practices.E. DevOps and CI/CDLead Azure DevOps CI/CD including YAML pipelines, automated tests, gated releases, and multi‑environment deployments.Implement Git workflows, code reviews, pull requests, and continuous integration standards.Champion DevOps processes including infrastructure‑as‑code, automated validation, environment provisioning, and secure deployments.F. Cross‑Functional CollaborationLead collaboration with Business Applications, Research & Analysis, Operations, HR, Finance, Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity.Engage internal clients to define requirements, prioritize needs, and align data platform capabilities with business strategy.Maintain integrated business and technology roadmap for data and analytics modernization.Support major initiatives including Business Apps Cloud migration, strategic KPI modernization, analytics transformation and AI use cases adoption.Coordinate with vendors and partners to ensure alignment, solution readiness, and operational stability.Maintain strong communication and alignment across enterprise delivery teams.3. Supervisory ResponsibilitiesSupervise Technical Product Owner, Data Engineers, Data Platform Analysts, QA Engineers, Cloud/Data DevOps Engineers, and Database Administrators.Lead hiring, coaching, performance evaluations, and team development.Provide leadership oversight of client engagement activities requiring escalation or strategic alignment.Oversee business and technology roadmap management for Data Platforms.Direct project intake, prioritization, resource allocation, and delivery sequencing.Manage vendor relationships including performance reviews, contract oversight, and escalation handling.Oversee financial management including budgeting, forecasting, cloud cost optimization, and vendor spend.Direct preparation and delivery of ABRs (Annual Business Reviews) and QBRs (Quarterly Business Reviews) for IT and Business Leadership.4. Education and Experience RequirementsBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field; Master’s preferred.Minimum 8 years of experience in data engineering, cloud systems, DevOps, or database operations.Minimum 4 years supervising technical teams.Experience collaborating with technology, business, and operational stakeholders.5. Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesDeep expertise in Azure Cloud: Data Lake, Data Factory, Event Hub, Azure SQL.Hands‑on Databricks experience: Unity Catalog, Apps, AI/BI Genie, Genie Code, Asset Bundles, Skill Files, Delta Lake optimization, distributed compute, ML workflows.Working knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and ML: feature engineering, modeling, deployment, LLMs, prompt engineering.Architecture and development experience with Microsoft Power BI, Tableau and Google Looker Studio Business Intelligence platformsExperience using Microsoft Copilot and generative AI tools for documentation, automation, and analysis.Knowledge of Data Governance Platforms (for e.g. Alation, Bigeye, Profisee, RightData, etc.) for Metadata mgmt., Data Quality, Data Privacy/security, Data Literacy, Master Data Mgmt.Strong CI/CD pipeline development using Azure DevOps: YAML pipelines, automated testing, releases.DevOps expertise: Git workflows, infrastructure‑as‑code, continuous monitoring, automated validation.SQL expertise: indexing, tuning, schema design, optimization.Experience with observability tools, ITIL/SRE practices, incident management.Strong communication, leadership, collaboration, and analytical skills.6. Working ConditionsStandard office environment; hybrid schedule based on MARTA policies.Occasional after‑hours work for critical deployments or incidents.Frequent interaction with technical teams, business units, and leadership.7. Physical RequirementsProlonged periods working at a computer.Occasional travel between MARTA facilities.8. Key Performance IndicatorsPlatform stability, uptime, and SLA adherence.CI/CD and automation throughput; reduction in manual tasks.KPI cycle accuracy, timeliness, and reliability.Vendor performance, contract utilization, and budget adherence.Data quality improvements and governance maturity.Successful coordination and delivery across enterprise initiatives.MARTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.