Client Engagement Manager

Ness Digital Engineering • Chicago, IL

25d • Remote

About The Position

We are looking for a seasoned Delivery Leader to oversee large and complex data modernization and transformation programs. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in traditional and modern data engineering methodologies and platforms, coupled with extensive experience in the finance and capital markets domain. The role requires proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage stakeholders at multiple levels, and ensure successful delivery of enterprise-scale programs on modern data platforms and cloud.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (15+ years) managing large-scale data engineering programs.
• Strong understanding of traditional (DWH, ETL, BI) and modern (Data Lakehouse, Delta, Mesh, Fabric, Cloud-native) data methodologies.
• Proven track record in finance and capital markets domain – delivering complex, high-value transformation programs.
• Strong program management expertise: planning, governance, budget management, risk/issue tracking.
• Exposure to AWS Cloud and modern data platforms (Snowflake, Databricks, Kafka, Spark, Python, Parquet, Iceberg, etc.).
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including executive-level communication and reporting.
• Strong leadership with ability to manage cross-functional global teams.
• Experience with Agile and hybrid delivery models.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Business Management, or related fields.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with regulatory reporting, risk & compliance programs in financial services.
• Familiarity with AI/ML-driven data modernization use cases.
• Certifications: PMP, SAFe Agile, AWS/Azure certifications, Data Governance certifications.
• Advanced certifications in Program Management and Cloud are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall program governance, planning, and execution for complex data transformation initiatives.
• Drive end-to-end delivery of modernization programs, ensuring alignment with business objectives, timelines, and budgets.
• Manage relationships with CXO-level stakeholders, ensuring proactive communication, risk management, and issue resolution.
• Provide strategic guidance on data engineering methodologies (ETL/ELT, batch, streaming, real-time), modern data architectures (Data Lakehouse, Medallion, Delta, Fabric, Mesh).
• Oversee technical delivery on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Snowflake, Databricks, etc.).
• Establish and monitor program KPIs, SLAs, and success metrics.
• Guide cross-functional teams across data engineering, DevOps, cloud, and business stakeholders.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and data governance in financial data programs.
• Foster customer trust and long-term partnership growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees