Senior Data Engineering Manager

Location: Manchester, UK

Role Overview

The Senior Data Engineering Manager (SEM) at Booking.com leads a group of Data Engineering Managers and their teams within the Trips Data Function. The SEM is responsible for the technical strategy, roadmap delivery of one or more tracks or track groups, ensuring sustainable engineering practices and strong, reliable delivery while embedding data compliance and governance. Reporting to the Director of Data, the SEM participates in strategy discussions and collaborates across the Data Function.

Key Responsibilities

• Impact & Leadership: Own delivery within assigned tracks, forecast medium‑term technical viability, and manage budget and headcount. Create and execute delivery roadmaps, plan capacity and skills, and manage risks, dependencies, and data governance.
• Technical Ownership: Own end‑to‑end data services and pipelines, monitor health, set metrics, respond to SLAs and security incidents, and maintain documentation such as runbooks and continuous delivery practices.
• Architectural Guidance: Advise product teams on technical solutions, set clear direction for architecture improvements, and align with AWS/cloud‑native data patterns.
• Communication & Coaching: Deliver clear, audience‑appropriate information, coach Engineering Managers, and foster high‑performing, psychologically safe teams.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement process and system improvements, champion agile and CI/CD practices, and innovate new enablers.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Proven experience leading Data Engineering Managers or Team Leads.
• Experience shaping data products from conception to large‑scale delivery.
• Strong background in Agile environments and culture.
• Thought‑partner experience for product and business stakeholders.
• Excellent communicator and collaborator, facilitating rapid decision‑making.
• Delivery excellence leadership focused on customer impact.
• Deep understanding of data engineering craft and technology.
• Proficiency in delivery and program management of engineering teams.
• Influencer of senior stakeholders and business strategy.
• Commercial acumen.

Benefits & Perks

• Brand new office in the heart of Manchester.
• Free breakfast and lunch.
• 25 days’ paid holiday + bank holidays (increases to 28 after 3 years).
• Health & well‑being benefits, including mental health support and health insurance.
• Employer pension contribution.
• Industry‑leading parental and adoption leave.
• Discounts on accommodation, car rentals, and other group benefits.
• Fully paid parental leave (22 weeks) for all new parents from day one.
• Carer’s leave: 10 days fully paid per year.
• Hybrid working (UK): minimum 40% office attendance with flexible work options.

Inclusion & EEO Statement

Booking.com is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive.