Dir. Data Engineering

UKG; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 3,000,000 - 5,500,000; Full time

Job summary

UKG is a leading Workforce Operating Platform shaping how organizations understand their workforce and use AI-powered insights. The Director, Data & AI will steer enterprise data architecture, MD governance, and AI strategy to deliver scalable data products and measurable business outcomes.

The ideal candidate combines deep cloud data platform expertise with AI/ML leadership, executive influence, and a proven ability to drive cross-functional transformation at scale.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in Data Engineering, Data Architecture, Analytics, or AI.
• 8+ years of people leadership experience.
• Experience leading enterprise-scale Data & AI transformations.
• Proven ability to manage large cross-functional programs and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the enterprise Data & AI strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Develop multi-year roadmaps for Data Platform modernization, AI adoption, and analytics transformation.
• Define the enterprise MDM vision, roadmap, operating model, and priorities.
• Launch reusable AI agents for key business functions.
• Mentor Architects, Engineering Managers, Product Managers, and Principal Engineers.

Skills

Data architecture

GenAI expertise

Cloud data platforms

Stakeholder management

Strategic leadership

Program management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

Hadoop

Spark

Job description

Why UKG:

At UKG, the work you do matters. The code you ship, the decisions you make, and the care you show a customer all add up to real impact. Today, tens of millions of workers start and end their days with our workforce operating platform. Helping people get paid, grow in their careers, and shape the future of their industries. That's what we do.

We never stop learning. We never stop challenging the norm. We push for better, and we celebrate the wins along the way. Here, you'll get flexibility that’s real, benefits you can count on, and a team that succeeds together. Because at UKG, your work matters-and so do you.

Job Summary

We are seeking a strategic and technically accomplished Director, Data & AI to lead the organization's enterprise data, Master Data (MDM) and AI strategy and execution. This leader will be responsible for enhancing a modern data platform, establishing enterprise data governance, delivering business-focused data products, and enabling AI/GenAI capabilities that drive measurable business outcomes.

The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in enterprise data architecture, cloud data platforms, AI/ML, and organizational leadership with the ability to influence executive stakeholders and lead cross-functional transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Data & AI Strategy

• Define and execute the enterprise Data & AI strategy aligned with business objectives.


• Develop multi-year roadmaps for Data Platform modernization, AI adoption, and analytics transformation.


• Define the enterprise MDM vision, roadmap, operating model, and priorities aligned with business and technology strategy.


• Establish data ownership, stewardship, standards, policies, data-quality rules, and governance processes across business functions.


• Partner with executive leadership to prioritize investments in Data, AI, and automation.


• Drive enterprise-wide adoption of data as a strategic asset.


• Build and lead high-performing Data & AI teams.


• Launch reusable AI agents for key business functions.


• Build an enterprise Context Layer and semantic model to support AI and analytics.


• Improve platform reliability, scalability, and cost efficiency.


• Increase self-service analytics adoption across business domains.


• Mentor Architects, Engineering Managers, Product Managers, and Principal Engineers.


• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning.


• Develop organizational capabilities in AI and modern data technologies.


• Lead strategic vendor and technology partnerships.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.


• 15+ years of experience in Data Engineering, Data Architecture, Analytics, or AI.


• 8+ years of people leadership experience.


• Experience leading enterprise-scale Data & AI transformations.


• Proven experience managing large cross-functional programs and budgets.

Company Overview:

UKG is the Workforce Operating Platform that puts workforce understanding to work. With the world's largest collection of workforce insights, and people-first AI, our ability to reveal unseen ways to build trust, amplify productivity, and empower talent, is unmatched. It's this expertise that equips our customers with the intelligence to solve any challenge in any industry - because great organizations know their workforce is their competitive edge. Learn more at ukg.com.

UKG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, including the recruitment process.

Disability Accommodation in the Application and Interview Process

For individuals with disabilities that need additional assistance at any point in the application and interview process, please email [e-mail]