Lead Data Operations Analyst

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

The Role
Xylem is seeking an experienced and strategic Lead Data Operations Analyst to join our Data & Analytics team. This pivotal role requires a seasoned professional to lead data operations efforts across enterprise data platforms including Databricks, Power BI, SAP, SQL Server, and Oracle. The successful candidate will oversee the design and execution of comprehensive development, support, and maintenance strategies to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of business-critical data pipelines and reporting solutions.

As Lead Data Operations Analyst, you will play a key role in establishing best practices, mentoring Data Ops team members, and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to drive quality across the full software development lifecycle.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, execution, and testing of enterprise-wide support and maintenance requests for:

• Data pipelines in Databricks and Azure Data Factory systems

• Reports and dashboards in Power BI
• SAP data extracts and integrations

• Complex SQL logic and stored procedures in SQL Server, Oracle, and T-SQL

• Define and maintain coding standards, methodologies, and best practices across support & maintenance requests and projects. Collaborate closely with data engineers, business analysts, quality analysts, and product owners to ensure accurate validation of KPIs, business logic, and reporting metrics.

• Drive code reviews, code promotion best practices, and UAT testing cycles for data and analytics platforms.
• Own the defect lifecycle from detection through resolution, using tools such as Azure DevOps or JIRA.
• Manage incident responses for complex troubleshooting efforts for data-related incidents, working to resolve issues with minimal downtime.
• Establish and maintain documentation that supports the ongoing reliability of data systems, including system validation reports, data traceability logs, and operational support guides.
• Mentor and support junior Data Ops staff, fostering continuous improvement and technical growth.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies and act as an advocate throughout development sprints.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
• 5–8 years of experience in Development or Data Operations, with a minimum of 2 years in a leadership or senior role.
• Expert-level proficiency in SQL across multiple platforms (SQL Server, Oracle, T-SQL).
• Demonstrated experience testing in Databricks, Azure Data Factory, Power BI, and SAP environments.
• Deep understanding of data quality principles, data governance, and validation of ETL/ELT pipelines.
• Skilled in using ticket management and defect tracking tools such as Azure DevOps, JIRA, or TestRail.
• Strong communication and documentation skills with proven ability to collaborate across business and technical teams.
• Experience designing and facilitating UAT processes with business stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Azure DevOps pipelines, Git, and CI/CD practices.
• Familiarity with data governance frameworks and tools.
• Experience with Business Objects reporting and Universe design.
• Certifications such as Databricks, SAP, or equivalent.
• Experience with test automation frameworks or scripting for data validation.

Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience, and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range. At Xylem, we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement

Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.