Lead Data Engineer - HR Data Migration (Workday) - People VF

As part of an internal replacement, we are recruiting a Lead Data Engineer, based in Lille.

We want to accelerate the transformation and digitalisation of our HR processes, partly through a strong command of our People data and how it is used. To support this transformation, we are deploying a global HR platform (Workday) that will include an HR CORE and several talent management modules for the 65 countries in which Decathlon operates.

Your mission: At the intersection of strategy and technical execution, you will be the technical guarantor of the migration of our data from our legacy systems to Workday. As Lead Data Engineer, you will design the transformation architecture, lead the creation of data pipelines, and set up rigorous monitoring to ensure a "zero defect" migration. You will work under the responsibility of the Program Leader and in close collaboration with local and global project teams.

YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Architecture and Data Transformation Strategy:

• Define the technical architecture and data migration strategy from our source systems (legacies) to the target Workday template.

• Identify the technical scope of the migration and design data models that meet functional and security requirements.

• Document precisely the source systems, the flows, and the complex transformation rules.

2. Engineering and Development (Hands-on & Leadership):

• Design, develop and supervise robust, scalable and secure data pipelines (ETL) to extract, transform and load local data to the global platform.

• Define and implement advanced transformation rules to adapt our historical data to the strict standards of the Workday integrator.

• Ensure the integrity, encryption and security of HR data (sensitive data) throughout the process.

3. Error Monitoring, Testing and Data Quality:

• Set up pipeline monitoring and error management tools (alerting, logs) to identify, isolate and correct anomalies in real time during testing and "Go-Live" phases.

• Design automated quality control mechanisms (Data Quality) to guarantee the absolute compliance of migrated data.

• Coordinate migration tests (unit, integration, functional) and organise post-migration validation activities.

4. Technical Leadership and Coordination:

• Technically manage the data resources involved in the migration, run technical rituals and ensure deadlines and the quality of deliverables.

• Maintain clear communication with stakeholders (Data Stream Leader, business teams, external integrator), explain technical issues in plain terms and escalate alerts with mitigation plans.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED

Technical Expertise (Decathlon Stack):

• Data Engineering & Architecture: Very strong command of designing data pipelines (ETL, orchestration) and Data Warehouse architectures (e.g. AWS Redshift).

• Databases: Proficiency with relational databases (PostgreSQL) and understanding of NoSQL databases.

• Development & Quality: Proficiency in data programming languages, CI/CD practices (GIT, Jenkins), containerisation and software testing.

• Security & Data Privacy: Solid knowledge of data protection, encryption and compliance (GDPR).

• Tools: Overall understanding of information systems (ERP, HRIS, CRM) and ideally prior knowledge of Workday integration formats (a real plus).

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills:

• Proven experience leading technically on complex data migration projects.

• Ability to lead and unite teams and interact with a wide variety of profiles (technical, functional, international).

• Strong analytical mindset, a problem-solving culture and excellent priority management (risk and time management).

• Absolute rigour (handling critical data) and flexibility in a changing environment.

Languages:

• Fluent French

• Fluent English essential (international context).

WHAT WE OFFER

• Freedom to choose your work tool (Mac, Windows).

• Local project team and sharing with the global network (international career path).

• Skills development and mentoring (variety of projects, languages and technologies, certifications, events).

• Internal and external training.

• Employee share ownership.

• Monthly and quarterly bonuses.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY

At Decathlon, we recognise the immense value that diversity brings to our teams and we continually strive to foster and cultivate an inclusive and equitable workplace: this is why Inclusion is one of our Human Fundamentals. We encourage people of all backgrounds and all abilities to apply, because we are convinced that the diversity of thoughts, cultures, identities and lived experiences makes us stronger.

Decathlon is also committed to offering a selection process that is inclusive and accessible to all candidates. If you need an adjustment, you can request it via the application form; this will be confidential. These requests do not affect the outcome of the recruitment process"