Senior Manager

Position Summary

Join a high-performing Data Engineering team responsible for managing and optimizing both internal and external data sources, and for designing and building modern data warehouses. The team leverages leading technologies including Microsoft Azure and AWS cloud platforms, Databricks and Snowflake, and a robust ecosystem of tools such as Fivetran, Hightouch, DBT and Alation.

A strong emphasis is placed on the adoption of emerging AI technologies to enhance development efficiency and analytical capabilities. This includes tools such as Snowflake Cortex, Databricks Genie, GitHub Copilot, and Claude Code among others. The ideal candidate will be comfortable integrating AI into their workflow to accelerate the development of scalable data pipelines and analytics solutions.

This role requires a highly results-driven individual who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The position demands versatility, initiative, and a proactive mindset. You will regularly collaborate with business stakeholders to translate requirements into actionable data solutions and insights, as well as partner with external vendors to ensure alignment and successful delivery.

Success in this role requires strong adaptability, the ability to quickly learn new technologies, and comfort navigating evolving priorities. The NBA environment is fast-moving, and candidates must be able to think critically, respond to change, and continuously upskill—particularly as AI capabilities rapidly evolve.

As a member of the Data Engineering team, you will be expected not only to leverage AI tools effectively, but also to remain agile as these technologies advance. Responsibilities will include developing data pipelines, as well as contributing to lightweight front-end solutions that enable business users to perform reporting and analytics.

You will play a key role in supporting the organization’s growth objectives by managing multiple initiatives simultaneously, contributing both independently and collaboratively across business and technical teams. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution, demonstrating an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong sense of ownership.

We are seeking a passionate data professional who embraces challenges and is committed to delivering high-quality solutions that drive value for internal stakeholders, while fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.

This position reports to the Data Engineering Team Lead.

Major Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain scalable, fault-tolerant batch and real-time data pipelines to support internal applications, operational workflows, and business intelligence platforms
• Leverage and advance AI-driven capabilities to enhance data pipeline development, deployment efficiency, and analytical insights
• Translate business requirements into high-impact data solutions that deliver value to both internal stakeholders and end users
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to ensure requirements are clearly defined and successfully delivered; actively engage with end-user communities to gather feedback, address concerns, and recommend improvements
• Demonstrate strong technical expertise while contributing to the evolution of overall data and system architecture
• Support the implementation and adoption of the NBA’s Enterprise Data Architecture, ensuring alignment across functional teams, including Data Strategy, Marketing, Finance, HR, and others
• Provide technical guidance and insights during the design and development of complex, high-impact machine learning and data-driven applications across multiple business domains
• Ensure solutions align with enterprise architecture standards and effectively utilize approved enterprise platforms and tools
• Apply Agile methodologies, developing and delivering solutions in alignment with prioritized business needs and sprint objectives
• Develop and maintain data-driven applications that enable seamless integration with NBA partners and external systems
• Establish and promote best practices for data management, quality, and governance across the organization
• Drive continuous improvement of deliverables, development standards, and Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) processes

Required Education/Professional Experience

• Bachelor’s or equivalent. Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Management of Info Systems/Technology preferred
• Advanced Education in Statistics or Mathematics would be a plus
• 3+ years building data warehouses using Snowflake
• Experience using Snowflake tools like Snowpipe and Snowpark
• 2+ years of experience using DBT to build data pipelines
• 3+ years of experience in developing Big Data and/or machine learning solutions
• 3+ Years of experience defining and/or designing data architectures
• 1+ years using AI development tools such as Github Copilot, Claude Code and others

Required Skills/Knowledge Attributes

• Demonstrated enthusiasm for leveraging AI technologies to enhance productivity and effectiveness in data engineering workflows
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure and/or Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Strong proficiency in SQL, NoSQL, Big Data, and graph technologies, along with programming experience in languages and tools such as Python, R, Kafka, and Storm
• Solid background in Agile software development methodologies, including experience with Scaled Agile Frameworks (SAFe)
• Proven coding expertise, with the ability to rapidly develop and prototype solutions
• Strategic mindset with the ability to conceptualize and deliver innovative digital products while effectively managing multiple competing priorities
• Results-oriented approach with a bias for action, embracing iterative development and continuous improvement
• Experience collaborating with and/or managing both internal and external teams across multiple brands and digital platforms of varying maturity levels
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively partner with non-technical stakeholders, reconcile differing objectives, and align teams around unified solutions
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to shifting priorities, and deliver under dynamic conditions
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders, drive organizational change, and implement standardized processes within complex business environments
• Passion for data and a commitment to continuous professional growth and development
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Collaborative team player with a proactive mindset, willing to support others and seek input when needed
• Ability to translate business and user needs into practical, scalable technical solutions

Salary Range

$160,000-$175,000

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life/AD&D insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Fertility assistance
• Family-forming assistance
• Wellbeing allowance
• Educational assistance
• Mental health coaching
• Mental health therapy
• Healthcare FSA
• Dependent care FSA
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Vacation time off
• Sick time off
• Personal days

About the NBA

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. Built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in 60 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2024-25 season featured a record-tying 125 international players from a record-tying 43 countries. NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 2.3 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms. NBA Cares, the NBA’s global social responsibility platform, partners with renowned community-based organizations around the world to address important social issues in the areas of education, inclusion, youth and family development, and health and wellness.