Data Manager and Engineer

Data Manager and Engineer - Brussels, Belgium

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Intro

RELYzIT Talent is seeking an elite Data Manager and Engineer (Expert Level) for a high-impact freelance assignment with our client, a leading federal administration at the forefront of digital transformation. This is your opportunity to shape the future of data-driven public services, working alongside a team of top-tier professionals on a mission-critical modernization program. If you thrive on building, not just maintaining, and want your expertise to drive real-world outcomes, this is your next challenge.

Why This Role Matters

Our client is undergoing a major digital transformation through the ambitious eDossier programme, designed to modernize and secure the management of sensitive data for individuals seeking international protection. As a Data Manager and Engineer, you will be instrumental in ensuring the integrity, security, and accessibility of data that directly impacts the lives of vulnerable people. Your work will enable the organization to transition from legacy systems to a robust, cloud-based data platform, supporting data-driven decision-making and compliance with Belgian, European, and international standards. The stakes are high: your expertise will help safeguard rights, streamline processes, and set new standards for public sector innovation.

About the Role

This is a freelance position, with a project duration expected at least until the end of 2028. You will join a multidisciplinary team of experienced professionals, collaborating closely with architecture and data teams. The role is hands-on, focused on analysis, design, and implementation—ideal for builders who want to see their impact realized. Office presence is required three days per week in Brussels to foster collaboration and team spirit.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of master data management and metadata management, creating a comprehensive data glossary and dictionary for the eDossier initiative and the wider organization.
• Drive data quality, governance, and security initiatives, ensuring compliance with complex organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Design and execute data collection, modeling, and visualization processes, enabling the transition from descriptive to predictive and prescriptive analytics.
• Engineer robust data pipelines (batch and real-time), automating workflows and integrating structured and unstructured data from on-premises systems to Azure Cloud.
• Oversee data migrations, ensuring seamless and secure transfer of critical information to cloud environments using both native and commercial solutions.
• Develop and maintain data storage architectures, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Implement and manage data visualization solutions, particularly with Power BI and SAP BO, to deliver actionable insights to internal and external stakeholders.
• Propose and realize architectural data designs, translating them into actionable implementation plans.
• Champion the organization’s growth in data maturity, fostering a data-driven culture and collaborating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Communicate complex technical concepts and recommendations clearly to diverse audiences, supporting informed decision-making at all levels.

Technical Skills & Experience

• Minimum 10 years of hands-on experience in data management and data engineering within complex organizations (not just departments or single companies).
• At least 5 years’ experience in master data management, metadata management, data quality, data governance, data integration, and data security.
• 5 years’ experience in predictive and prescriptive data analysis.
• 10 years’ experience with on-premises and cloud data engineering for both structured and unstructured data.
• 5 years’ experience with data pipelines (workflow automation, batch and real-time), data storage, and data architecture.
• 3 years’ experience with data migrations from on-premises to cloud environments.
• 5 years’ experience with data collection, processing, transformation, and integration.
• 3 years’ experience with SAP BO and Power BI for data visualization.
• 3 years’ experience setting up and using Azure Cloud data platforms.
• 5 years’ experience working within agile teams.
• Continuous self-training and up-to-date knowledge of sustainable trends and innovations in data management and engineering.

Language Proficiency

• Excellent command of English (mandatory).
• Excellent command of either Dutch or French (mandatory).

Other Requirements & Assets

• Degree in computer science from a recognized European college or university (diploma required upon application).
• Ability to propose alternative solutions and recommendations, tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong listening, communication, and collaboration skills; goal- and results-oriented mindset.
• Experience with API design/definition and development (asset).
• Experience with microservices development and integration (asset).
• Experience with software design (cloud, API, microservice, event-driven) (asset).
• Knowledge of Event Driven and/or Behavioral Driven Development (asset).
• Knowledge of Domain Driven Design (asset).
• Familiarity with federal government building blocks and services (asset).
• Prior knowledge of asylum institutions and procedures (mandatory for interview stage; resources available online).
• Availability for three days per week in-office presence in Brussels (remote work up to two days per week).
• Emphasis on hands-on execution—those seeking purely advisory or lead roles should not apply.

Ready to build the future with RELYzIT Talent? Upload your CV now and join a community where elite builders drive real impact. Your expertise deserves a stage—let’s build what matters, together.