Engineering Manager - Data Platform

Berlin, Germany · Data Engineer/Scientist

About the Data Platform Team:

At SumUp, our Data Platform team is evolving from a multi-team setup towards a unified, initiative-based operating model. As part of the Platform Tribe, we’re responsible for delivering scalable, high-impact data infrastructure that supports both operational and analytical workloads. Our engineers work in cross-functional initiative groups, collaborating closely with Product Managers and Engineering Managers to drive ownership and delivery of key milestones.

We’re on a journey to strengthen our capabilities across data engineering, streaming services, and infrastructure—all with the goal of building “One Data Platform” that accelerates business impact across SumUp.

This is a unique opportunity to make a strategic and technical impact, enabling both our internal teams and customer-facing channels to operate at scale with greater intelligence and efficiency.

What you’ll do:

Lead the Data Platform function through a strategic transition to an initiative-based operating model, enhancing focus and impact.

Drive collaboration and alignment across the Data Platform and broader organisation—including Machine Learning, Data Science, Data Analytics, and Engineering teams—to deliver a robust operational and analytical data infrastructure.

Provide technical leadership, define clear goals, and ensure high-quality execution across data engineering, streaming services, and infrastructure initiatives.

Partner closely with Product Managers to define milestones, manage priorities, and ensure accountability within initiative groups.

Coach and support engineers and team members in their professional growth, fostering both technical development and delivery excellence.

Lead strategic topics such as Kafka & PCI, Machine Learning operations, observability, and cost efficiencies (e.g., Snowflake optimization).

Work closely with Platform Infrastructure teams and lead key forums to drive alignment with stakeholders.

You’ll be great for this role if you have:

6+ years of experience in Software/Backend and Data Engineering, including at least 2 years of hands‑on technical leadership and experience leading cross‑functional teams.

Hands‑on experience maintaining critical data infrastructure, such as Kafka and streaming processing services (e.g., Apache Flink, Spark).

A product‑oriented mindset with the ability to drive high‑impact engineering work, identifying opportunities for automation, simplification, and cost optimisation.

The ability to translate engineering concepts into business outcomes.

Strong experience coaching and mentoring engineers and team members, removing blockers, and building high‑performing, collaborative teams.

The ability to communicate clearly and influence effectively across technical and non‑technical stakeholders (e.g., Platform Infrastructure, Payments, Risk ML teams), fostering alignment and knowledge‑sharing.

A pragmatic approach to challenges, thriving in ambiguity, and leading with a team‑first focus to deliver sustainable outcomes.

Why you should join SumUp:

• 🌍 Opportunity to work with SumUppers globally on large‑scale fintech products used by millions of businesses worldwide, from our Berlin office. This involves an office‑first setup
• 🧑🔬 We take learning and experimentation seriously with Hack Days every second Friday, and entire global Hack Weeks .
• 🌈 Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a workplace that values and promotes diversity, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone\’s perspectives are respected and embraced
• 📚 A dedicated annual L&D budget of €2,000 for attending conferences and/or advancing your career through further education
• 🚀 Enrolment onto our VSOP program: You will own a stake in SumUp’s future success
• 💶 A corporate pension scheme where we match up to 20% of your contributions
• 🔄 30 Days Sabbatical: Enjoy the unique opportunity to take a well‑deserved break with our 30 days sabbatical benefit after completing 3 years of employment with SumUp
• 🔗 Referral Bonus: Earn additional rewards by referring talented individuals to join the SumUp team
• 🚵🏾♂️ Numerous other benefits such as Urban Sports Club subsidy, Kita placement assistance, relocation assistance, subsidised office lunches

About us:

Be empowered to do more that matters.

At SumUp, we\’re on a mission to empower small businesses across the globe by providing simple and affordable tools that allow them to thrive. Today, over 4 million businesses in 36 markets rely on SumUp as their financial partner to manage payments, finance and customer relationships.

Our commitment to small businesses is reflected in our diverse team of over 3,000 SumUppers from over 90 nationalities, united by global collaboration and an innovative mindset. Our core values lay the foundation for who we are and what we stand for, shaping our work culture and driving our success. We foster inclusivity and a continuous learning culture, providing a safe space for personal and professional growth. Our differences make us unique and strong as we strive to create an environment where everyone belongs and feels supported, no matter how they identify.

SumUp is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, actively seeking and embracing diversity in our workforce. We don\’t make hiring or employment decisions based on race, colour, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other basis protected by applicable laws or prohibited by company policy. Our commitment extends beyond recruitment to creating a safe and respectful workplace where harassment of any form is strictly prohibited.

Explore career opportunities with us and join a team driven by collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision of creating a world where everyone can build a thriving business. Discover more about our vibrant and inclusive work culture and how we work on our careers website, and follow our journey on LinkedIn and Instagram .

Job Application Tip

We recognise that candidates feel they need to meet 100% of the job criteria in order to apply for a job. Please note that this is only a guide. If you don’t tick every box, it’s ok too because it means you have room to learn and develop your career at SumUp.