Head of Data Engineering

About the Company

We are seeking an experienced Freelance Head of Data Engineering to lead and scale the data engineering function for a growing Dutch organisation based in Amsterdam. This is a strategic, hands-on leadership role where you will shape the data platform, define best practices, and guide teams in delivering robust, cloud-based data solutions using Microsoft Azure.

About the Role

You will work closely with senior stakeholders across technology and the business, acting as the owner of the data engineering vision while remaining close to the architecture and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the data engineering strategy and roadmap, aligned with business goals
• Lead the design and evolution of a modern Azure-based data platform
• Set engineering standards, best practices, and governance across data pipelines and platforms
• Provide technical leadership to data engineers, including mentoring and hands-on guidance
• Oversee the development of scalable, secure, and reliable ETL/ELT pipelines
• Collaborate with Data, Analytics, AI, and Business teams to enable data-driven decision-making
• Drive improvements in data quality, performance, observability, and cost optimisation
• Act as a senior advisor to leadership on data architecture and cloud strategy

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior or leadership role within data engineering (Head of, Lead, or Principal level)
• Strong background designing and delivering Azure-based data platforms at scale
• Hands-on expertise with SQL and Python
• Experience setting architecture standards and engineering processes
• Ability to operate in a freelance, advisory, and delivery-focused capacity
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience working in Dutch or European organisations

Required Skills

• Experience in consulting or interim leadership roles
• Exposure to AI, advanced analytics, or real-time data platforms
• Familiarity with data governance, security, and compliance frameworks

Preferred Skills

• Freelance / B2B contract
• Amsterdam-based (hybrid working model)
• Competitive market rate
• Opportunity to make a long-term strategic impact

Pay range and compensation package

This role suits a senior freelance data leader who enjoys combining strategy, architecture, and hands-on leadership in a modern Azure data environment.