Engineering Manager - Data Platform

At SumUp, our Data Platform team is evolving from a multi-team setup towards a unified, initiative-based operating model. As part of the Platform Tribe, we're responsible for delivering scalable, high-impact data infrastructure that supports both operational and analytical workloads. Our engineers work in cross-functional initiative groups, collaborating closely with Product Managers and Engineering Managers to drive ownership and delivery of key milestones.

We're on a journey to strengthen our capabilities across data engineering, streaming services, and infrastructure-all with the goal of building "One Data Platform" that accelerates business impact across SumUp.

This is a unique opportunity to make a strategic and technical impact, enabling both our internal teams and customer-facing channels to operate at scale with greater intelligence and efficiency.

What you'll do:

• Lead the Data Platform function through a strategic transition to an initiative-based operating model, enhancing focus and impact.
• Drive collaboration and alignment across the Data Platform and broader organisation-including Machine Learning, Data Science, Data Analytics, and Engineering teams-to deliver a robust operational and analytical data infrastructure.
• Provide technical leadership, define clear goals, and ensure high-quality execution across data engineering, streaming services, and infrastructure initiatives.
• Partner closely with Product Managers to define milestones, manage priorities, and ensure accountability within initiative groups.
• Coach and support engineers and team members in their professional growth, fostering both technical development and delivery excellence.
• Lead strategic topics such as Kafka & PCI, Machine Learning operations, observability, and cost efficiencies (e.g., Snowflake optimization).
• Work closely with Platform Infrastructure teams and lead key forums to drive alignment with stakeholders.

Do you have experience in Spark?, * 6+ years of experience in Software/Backend and Data Engineering, including at least 2 years of hands-on technical leadership and experience leading cross-functional teams.

• Hands-on experience maintaining critical data infrastructure, such as Kafka and streaming processing services (e.g., Apache Flink, Spark).
• A product-oriented mindset with the ability to drive high-impact engineering work, identifying opportunities for automation, simplification, and cost optimisation.
• The ability to translate engineering concepts into business outcomes.
• Strong experience coaching and mentoring engineers and team members, removing blockers, and building high-performing, collaborative teams.
• The ability to communicate clearly and influence effectively across technical and non-technical stakeholders (e.g., Platform Infrastructure, Payments, Risk ML teams), fostering alignment and knowledge-sharing.
• A pragmatic approach to challenges, thriving in ambiguity, and leading with a team-first focus to deliver sustainable outcomes.

Opportunity to work with SumUppers globally on large-scale fintech products used by millions of businesses worldwide, from our Berlin office. This involves an office-first setup

We take learning and experimentation seriously with Hack Days every second Friday, and entire global Hack Weeks.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a workplace that values and promotes diversity, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone's perspectives are respected and embraced

A dedicated annual L&D budget of €2,000 for attending conferences and/or advancing your career through further education

Enrolment onto our VSOP program: You will own a stake in SumUp's future success

A corporate pension scheme where we match up to 20% of your contributions

30 Days Sabbatical: Enjoy the unique opportunity to take a well-deserved break with our 30 days sabbatical benefit after completing 3 years of employment with SumUp

Referral Bonus: Earn additional rewards by referring talented individuals to join the SumUp team

• ️ Numerous other benefits such as Urban Sports Club subsidy, Kita placement assistance, relocation assistance, subsidised office lunches