Data Lead

DescriptionKforce has a client in Chicago, IL that is seeking a Data Lead.Responsibilities:* Define and operate observability tooling and monitoring practices for platform health, cost optimization, model performance, data quality, and governance compliance; Drive continuous improvement initiatives* Drive cloud cost optimization through cluster configuration, capacity planning, storage management, and cost allocation across business units* Implement platform security controls, including encryption, access management, and audit logging, in alignment with IT Security policy and HIPAA and other regulatory requirements* Define, configure, and enforce platform-level governance controls (e.g., Unity Catalog, access policies, lineage tooling, data quality monitoring, validation, and issue-escalation processes)* Partner with the Data Governance Lead to translate Enterprise Data Office policies into platform configuration and automated enforcement* Implement technical controls supporting AI governance, including model lifecycle management, monitoring, and drift detection* May include other responsibilities as assignedRequirements* High School diploma/GED required* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field preferred or equivalent work experience* 7+ years of experience in data engineering, data platform engineering, or data architecture required* Proven experience designing, building, and operating a large-scale data platform, preferably and business disciplines* Strong ability to influence, negotiate, and drive alignment across stakeholders without direct authority * Ability to balance innovation and delivery speed with operational reliability, cost efficiency, and regulatory requirementsJob TypeDirect HireCompensation180000 - $200000