Data Operations Manager

Kpler; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kpler is seeking a Data Operations Manager to lead the Maritime Data team, building a high-performing group of data professionals and driving technical capabilities, processes, and operational excellence behind our maritime datasets.

You will work with Data, Product, Engineering and Commercial teams to shape data collection, validation and delivery, blending leadership with hands-on data and automation to deliver trusted data at scale.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in data management, data operations, analytics, or related technical data roles.
• 3+ years of direct people management experience.
• Advanced, hands-on proficiency in SQL and Python.
• Proven experience designing, optimising, and maintaining ETL processes and data workflows.
• Experience working with APIs and data ingestion.
• Strong understanding of data quality, data validation, and automated validation methodologies.
• Experience identifying and implementing automation and process improvements to increase efficiency and scalability.
• Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau or Looker.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of data professionals, fostering ownership, growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Build and strengthen the team’s technical capabilities through coaching, enablement, knowledge sharing, and development opportunities.
• Establish and continuously improve data management and operational processes, ensuring they are scalable, efficient, and fit for purpose.
• Provide technical leadership across data workflows, including SQL, Python, ETL processes, APIs, data ingestion, automation, and data validation.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and improve efficiency, scalability, and reliability of data operations.
• Design, develop, and maintain business logic, data validation frameworks, dashboards, and data workflows.
• Support the adoption and integration of new tools, technologies, and data sources, working closely with stakeholders.
• Ensure strong data quality and operational standards through monitoring, validation, documentation, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with senior domain experts to enable effective delivery across key maritime datasets.
• Collaborate with Product, Engineering, Data, and Commercial teams to understand requirements and improve data delivery.
• Define and monitor KPIs and OKRs to identify improvements and support strategic decisions.
• Manage resources and priorities, balancing delivery with capability improvements.

Skills

SQL

Python

ETL processes

APIs

Data ingestion

Data visualization

People management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Maritime Studies, or related field

Tools

Tableau

Looker

Dataiku

Job description

At Kpler, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate complex markets with ease. By simplifying global trade information and providing valuable insights, we empower organisations to make informed decisions in commodities, energy, and maritime sectors.

Since our founding in 2014, we have focused on delivering top-tier intelligence through user-friendly platforms. Our team of over 700 experts from 35+ countries works tirelessly to transform intricate data into actionable strategies, ensuring our clients stay ahead in a dynamic market landscape. Join us to leverage cutting‑edge innovation for impactful results and experience unparalleled support on your journey to success.

Your future position

Join Kpler’s Maritime Data team as our next Data Operations Manager and help shape the future of maritime intelligence.

In this high-impact leadership role, you will lead and develop a talented team of data professionals while driving the technical capabilities, processes, and operational excellence behind some of Kpler’s most valuable maritime datasets.

Your focus will be on building a high-performing and well-enabled data team: strengthening technical capabilities, improving ways of working, introducing scalable processes and automation, and ensuring the team has the tools, knowledge, and support needed to deliver high-quality, trusted data efficiently.

Working closely with Data, Product, Engineering, and Commercial teams, you will help shape how data is collected, managed, validated, and delivered. You will combine strong people leadership with hands‑on technical expertise to identify opportunities for improvement, solve complex data challenges, and build scalable solutions that support Kpler’s continued growth.

You will also work closely with senior domain experts and specialists covering key maritime data areas, enabling them to focus on their areas of expertise while ensuring the wider team operates effectively, consistently, and efficiently.

If you are passionate about developing people, improving data operations, and using technology to build scalable and efficient data solutions, this is an opportunity to make a visible impact in a fast-growing global company.

Internally, this role is known as Vessel Data Manager.

Your mission is to:

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of data professionals, fostering ownership, growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement.


• Build and strengthen the team’s technical capabilities through coaching, enablement, knowledge sharing, and development opportunities.


• Establish and continuously improve data management and operational processes, ensuring they are scalable, efficient, and fit for purpose.


• Provide technical leadership across data workflows, including SQL, Python, ETL processes, APIs, data ingestion, automation, and data validation.


• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and improve the efficiency, scalability, and reliability of data operations.


• Design, develop, and maintain business logic, data validation frameworks, dashboards, and data workflows.


• Support the adoption and integration of new tools, technologies, and data sources, working closely with relevant technical stakeholders.


• Ensure strong data quality and operational standards through effective monitoring, validation, documentation, and continuous improvement.


• Work closely with senior domain experts and specialists to enable effective delivery across key maritime datasets.


• Collaborate with Product, Engineering, Data, and Commercial teams to understand requirements, resolve challenges, and improve how data is delivered to customers.


• Define and monitor KPIs and OKRs, using data and insights to identify opportunities for improvement and support strategic decision-making.


• Manage resources and priorities effectively, balancing operational delivery with longer‑term capability and process improvements.

Experience & Background

Essential:

• Extensive experience in data management, data operations, analytics, or related technical data roles, including 3+ years of direct people management experience.


• Proven experience as a People Manager, with a track record of building, developing, coaching, and empowering technical or data‑focused teams.


• Advanced, hands‑on proficiency in SQL and Python.


• Proven experience designing, optimising, and maintaining ETL processes and data workflows


• Experience working withAPIs and data ingestion.


• Strong understanding of data quality, data validation, and automated validation methodologies.


• Experience identifying and implementing automation and process improvements to increase efficiency and scalability.


• Practical familiarity with data visualisation tools such as Tableau, Looker, or similar platforms.


• Strong ability to translate operational or business challenges into practical technical and data solutions.


• Experience working cross‑functionally with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Experience in the maritime industry or working with maritime data, or a genuine interest in the maritime industry and the opportunity to develop knowledge in this space.


• Project management experience.


• Experience with Dataiku or similar data science and workflow automation platforms.


• Experience working in a data‑intensive product or technology organisation.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong people leadership skills, with a focus on coaching, development, empowerment, and team performance.


• Technical curiosity and confidence working hands‑on with data and technology.


• Ownership mindset with accountability for data quality, operational excellence, and delivery.


• Structured and process‑oriented approach, with the ability to prioritise effectively.


• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.


• Analytical thinking and a continuous improvement mindset.


• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on problem solving.


• Ability to create an environment where technical experts and specialists can perform at their best.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Maritime Studies, or a related field.

We are a dynamic company dedicated to nurturing connections and innovating solutions to tackle market challenges head‑on. If you thrive on customer satisfaction and turning ideas into reality, then you’ve found your ideal destination. Are you ready to embark on this exciting journey with us?

We make things happen

We act decisively and with purpose, going the extra mile.

We build together

We foster relationships and develop creative solutions to address market challenges.

We are here to help

We are accessible and supportive to colleagues and clients with a friendly approach.

Our People Pledge

Don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that women and people of color are less likely than others to apply if they feel like they don’t match 100% of the job requirements. Don’t let the confidence gap stand in your way, we’d love to hear from you! We understand that experience comes in many different forms and are dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team.

Kpler is committed to providing a fair, inclusive and diverse work‑environment. We believe that different perspectives lead to better ideas, and better ideas allow us to better understand the needs and interests of our diverse, global community. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives and are an equal opportunity employer.

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