Lead Analyst - Data Operations

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

The Data Operations Manager will oversee the daily running of the Data Desk, combining technical expertise with people management to maintain high standards of service, data accuracy and team performance.

The role has three main priorities: maintain an efficient request queue, automate recurring tasks, and ensure that all data outputs meet the required quality standards. You will oversee incoming L1/L2 requests, review all code submitted by junior team members before external delivery, and turn recurring requests into self-service dashboards and automated solutions.

The ideal candidate takes pride in operational accuracy, enjoys developing junior talent, and brings advanced SQL skills with the ability to identify subtle errors in queries and data models. This role offers an opportunity to improve how the Data Desk operates while building the technical capabilities of its team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the incoming request queue and serve as the first point of triage for all L1/L2 tickets submitted to the Data Desk.
• Categorise requests across four service areas (Query Design, Exports, Operations, and Finance) and assign each request to the appropriate pod coordinator or team member without delay.
• Monitor SLA performance across the queue in real time and flag potential delays to the Head of Data Ops before service timelines are affected.
• Maintain and regularly update the triage playbook, refining categorisation rules as request patterns change and new ticket types emerge.
• Identify recurring requests and assess opportunities to automate them.
• Work with Pod Coordinators to define requirements, design and deliver self-service dashboards and automated data pipelines that reduce repeat requests.
• Work with the Data Engineering pod to ensure all automated outputs meet Sun King's data quality and governance standards.
• Review all code submitted by junior team members before any output is delivered to a business stakeholder.
• Review SQL queries, LookML configurations and dashboard calculations for accuracy, performance and compliance with the Sun King Data Standard.
• Provide technical guidance and constructive feedback to strengthen code quality and build the team's technical capabilities
• Conduct daily stand-ups for the Data Desk team, ensuring clarity on priorities and removing barriers affecting ticket delivery.
• Hold regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports and monitor progress against professional development plans established in consultation with the Head of Data Ops.
• Onboard new graduates into the Data Desk's processes, tools and quality standards as part of the Data Academy rotation curriculum.
• Represent the Data Desk in cross-functional meetings, including sprint reviews and stakeholder check-ins, when the Head of Data Ops is unavailable.
• Are comfortable balancing hands-on technical work with team coordination and people development.

Requirements

You would be a strong candidate if you

• Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a technical field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics or a related discipline.
• Have 4–9 years of experience in data operations, business intelligence or a related technical function, including at least 1–2 years reviewing code, mentoring junior team members or managing a technical team.
• Have a proven record of converting recurring manual tasks into automated processes or self-service solutions.
• Bring strong practical SQL skills, working knowledge of LookML or equivalent BI layer tools (Looker, Tableau, Power BI or Metabase), and familiarity with AWS-based data environments.
• Have experience reviewing queries, dashboards and data outputs for accuracy, performance and quality.
• Can communicate technical concepts clearly and provide practical guidance to colleagues at different levels of experience.
• Have experience coordinating workflows, monitoring service timelines and maintaining high standards across a technical service function.

Benefits

• Professional growth in a dynamic, rapidly expanding, high-social-impact industry
• An open-minded, collaborative culture made up of enthusiastic colleagues who are driven by the challenge of innovation towards profound impact on people and the planet.
• A truly multicultural experience: you will have the chance to work with and learn from people from different geographies, nationalities, and backgrounds.
• Structured, tailored learning and development programs that help you become a better leader, manager, and professional through the Sun Centre for Leadership.
• We place great importance on sustaining a diverse, inclusive work environment.

We believe that innovation and understanding comes from diversity on every spectrum. We work to make sure every Sun King team member knows that they belong, knowing that sustaining an inclusive workplace requires conscious effort and is a continuous journey, not an end-state.

Sun King recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes people based on their experience, skills, effort, and results. We explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, religion, caste, national origin, colour, gender, marital status, family structure, sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status, or disability.