Head of Data Engineering

Primary location: HELSINKI We are seeking an experienced and people-oriented Head of Data Engineering for our AI & Analytics unit to lead our data engineering organization and develop data capabilities, operating models and future competencies. Your workplace will be our Vallila office in Helsinki, where we meet colleagues several times a week. When duties allow, you can also work remotely for part of the week. What is the role about? Our AI & Analytics unit is responsible for developing S Group’s AI, analytics and data capabilities. As Head of Data Engineering, you will lead the data domain in a competence organization and ensure our businesses have the right expertise, resources and technologies to achieve their business objectives. In addition to data engineering, the domain includes data and ML platforms used across all business units. The aim of the role is to centralize the data domain’s personnel and administrative responsibilities so other managers can focus more strongly on developing competencies, technologies and working practices. You will address questions such as how to build the data domain to meet future business needs, balance internal expertise with external partners, strengthen capabilities, culture and operating models over the long term, and use new technologies effectively, securely and cost-efficiently. You will lead your own team of approximately 10 people and be the manager of three managers in the data domain. Your key stakeholders will include business functional-team leads and product owners, development directors, other AI & Analytics team leads, technology-unit leaders and HR. Your responsibilities include recruiting, resource planning, developing career paths, ensuring consistent compensation together with team leads, and supporting managers on personnel matters. You will also contribute to developing the data domain’s vision, strategic direction and common operating practices. What kind of professional are we looking for? We hope you have strong management experience and a track record of leading large expert organizations. You have experience in a modern product organization, a competence-center model and agile ways of working. You have successfully developed new operating models and implemented changes together with different stakeholders. We also expect a strong technical background in data engineering and practical experience with modern data technologies such as AWS, Snowflake, data lakes, dbt, data catalogs and contracts, Python and Terraform, even if you have done less hands-on work recently. A software-development background is an advantage. In particular, we are looking for strengths in: People and expertise leadership: You can lead experienced experts and managers, develop competence over the long term and create the conditions for success throughout the organization. Strategic thinking and vision: You can form a view of the future of the data domain and establish a direction that supports changing business needs. Business orientation: You understand how data engineering enables business benefits and can engage effectively with non-technical stakeholders. Change leadership and continuous improvement: You are energized by new ways of working, lead changes purposefully and help the organization improve continuously. Interaction and collaboration: You build trust among stakeholders, prevent conflicts and move work forward in collaboration with others. Why choose us? In this role, you can influence the development of data engineering capabilities across S Group and build an organization whose work is visible throughout our businesses. You will have the opportunity to lead experienced experts and managers and play a central role in defining the future direction of the data domain. In addition: Good performance and results are rewarded, and every employee is covered by performance-based pay. You will have access to Finland’s broadest employee benefits, including discounts on food, restaurants, hotels, electronics, cosmetics, clothing, home appliances and car washes. Working with us makes life outside work a little easier and a lot more fun. You can read more about our benefits HERE. S Group is Finland’s largest private employer, so opportunities here do not run out. Career paths are often long and sometimes winding, but always full of possibilities. At S Group, we are committed to a diverse and non-discriminatory work environment that respects and values the unique backgrounds, skills and perspectives of all our employees. What do you think? Could you be our new colleague? If this role sounds promising, please apply by 20 October 2026. If you would like to discuss the role beforehand, you can reach recruiting manager Annika Nordbo (Director, AI & Analytics) on 12 October from 9:00 to 10:00 at 041 441 0053. The call time is intended only for applicants interested in the role. During our recruitment process, you will meet your future manager, recruiter and future collaborators. You will also participate in an aptitude assessment comprising a work-personality questionnaire, aptitude tests and a feedback discussion. #SOK #SOKDigitalTalent