This role in summary

We are seeking a Director, Data Governance, Strategy & Engineering to serve as a strategic architect and leader for Whirlpool’s global data ecosystem. This role is not just about managing pipelines; it is about defining the vision for our Data Fabric and overseeing the transition of complex enterprise data into high-value Data Products as part of our S4 Transformation. You will be a pivotal leader in our Global Information Technology group, ensuring our data strategy scales with our digital & AI transformation goals.

Your responsibilities will include

• Establish Data Fabric & Architecture: Define and execute the roadmap for a modernData Fabric architecture that integrates disparate data sources across the enterprise, ensuring seamless access and sharing of data.

• Data Product Leadership: Lead the shift from project-based delivery to aData Product mindset, overseeing the full lifecycle of data assets from inception to sunset, ensuring they meet specific business outcomes.

• SAP S4 & BDC Integration: Provide executive oversight for the integration of SAP S4/HANA and Business Data Cloud (BDC) into our GCP-based environment, ensuring core ERP data is leveraged for advanced analytics.

• Enterprise Data Governance: Partner with data stewards to implement robust Data Governance frameworks, ensuring data quality, lineage, and security are "built-in" rather than "bolted on" for all BU’s.

• Strategic Roadmapping: Independently drive solutions that meet strategic business capability needs across multiple application solutions, demonstrating mature judgment to solve global business complexities.

• Thought Leadership & Mentorship: Provide mentorship to architects and lead developers, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the technical community.

• Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Manage a cross-functional team of data architects, analysts, and regional SMEs. Act as the primary liaison between IT and Business stakeholders to align data strategy with commercial and supply chain goals.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM or related field

• 10+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, and Data strategic leadership roles.

• Deep understanding of Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or related platform technology, including BigQuery, Dataflow, and Pub/Sub, coupled with the ability to lead teams using DBT, Python, and Spark.

• Proven track record of architecting data solutions that integrate with SAP S4/HANA and handle the BDC environment.

• Extensive experience (5+ years) in Data Fabric design, analytics strategy formulation, and business case development for disruptor-based analytics.

• Deep understanding of Data Governance principles and Agile SDLC implementation within public cloud ecosystems, including CI/CD and resource optimization.

• 5+ years of experience leading enterprise-level Master Data Management programs, specifically defining the "Golden Record" strategies for global domains like Product, Consumer, Material & Supplier within a Data Fabric and SAP S4/HANA ecosystem leveraging the MDM tool

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into strategic value for executive stakeholders.

Preferred skills and experiences

• Master’s Degree in Engineering or Quant background preferred.

• SAP BDC Certification and/or GCP Cloud Architect Certification.

• Experience in the CPG/Retail or Manufacturing sectors at a global scale.

• Familiarity with advanced analytics and visualization products like Looker and Tableau.

• Experience in SAP MDG and Collibra Tooling.

• Experience in Data Modeling and Agentic AI Framework.

What we offer

Generous benefits package, Whirlpool employee discount, fitness & educational reimbursement programs, kitchenettes, and more! Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: Beautiful, recently renovated office space, free coffee, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required).

Additional information

Whirlpool’s Ways of Working

Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day. While employees in this role work in-person Monday through Friday. We offer flexibility and industry leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what’s important at work and at home, including:

• Always On Flexibility - You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed.

• Two-Week Work from Anywhere - Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.

• Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.