Business Area Lead

We’re looking for an experienced Business Area Lead to join our client’s Data & Analytics organization. In this strategic leadership role, you will help shape the company’s journey toward becoming a truly data-driven enterprise. You’ll oversee multiple Agile delivery teams of data engineers, data scientists, and analysts who design, build, and maintain innovative data and analytics solutions that empower decision-making and enhance customer and operational outcomes.Role OverviewAs Business Area Lead for Data & Analytics, you will define the roadmap and delivery strategy for your assigned business domains, ensuring alignment with overall company goals and digital transformation priorities. You’ll take responsibility for the full lifecycle of data products — from design and development to stability, availability, and continuous improvement. This position combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery management across diverse data platforms and technologies.Key ResponsibilitiesDefine and deliver a data and analytics roadmap aligned with business and IT strategyOversee multiple Agile teams, ensuring high-quality delivery of data products and servicesDrive end-to-end ownership of data products, including performance, stability, and evolutionEstablish and track key performance metrics for teams and promote a culture of continuous improvementCollaborate closely with internal stakeholders to align priorities and manage expectationsOversee incident management and ensure service continuity within agreed SLAsManage OPEX and CAPEX budgets (including >€1M portfolios) and ensure accurate financial forecastingLead resource planning and capacity management across projects and teamsCoach, mentor, and develop team members through regular 1-to-1s, training, and performance reviewsApply ITIL and release management processes within the data environmentEnsure adherence to best practices in Agile, DevOps, and data governanceContribute to the design and delivery of data platforms and analytics solutions using SAP, Azure, and Databricks technologiesProfile & RequirementsMaster’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Economics, or a related discipline15+ years of relevant experience within corporate IT, including at least 5 years in people managementProven track record managing budgets exceeding €1MStrong experience delivering data and analytics solutions (data platforms, ingestion, reporting, AI/ML)Knowledge of SAP (BW4, Datasphere), Azure, and DatabricksExperience with Agile delivery and Scrum methodologies; PM² or PMBOK certification is a plusFamiliarity with ITIL processes and release management frameworksExcellent communication and presentation skills in Dutch, French, and English (Dutch or French C-level, English B2)Strategic thinker with strong stakeholder management, planning, and organizational abilitiesCustomer-focused and results-oriented, with the ability to thrive under pressure