Principal Data & Analytics Lead - Virtual, United States

At MetLife, data isn’t just a tool – it is a catalyst for growth. As part of our Data & Analytics organization, you’ll unlock trusted insights that drive bold decisions, power personalized customer experiences, and deliver lasting business impact. We’re building the future of data – one that’s governed responsibly, engineered for scalability, and designed for growth. When you join us, you’re not just supporting the business – you’re empowering it. Let’s transform insight into impact and data into action, together.

The Data & Analytics Lead is responsible for leading the strategy, architecture, and delivery of enterprise Data & Analytics solutions that enable business growth, operational excellence, and data-driven decision making across MetLife. This role provides an opportunity to lead large-scale data modernization and transformation initiatives, driving the adoption of cloud-based platforms, data governance standards, and advanced analytics capabilities. Data and Analytics Lead will combine deep engineering expertise with data governance, architecture, and strategy skills, driving data roadmaps and mentoring Data & Analytics talent as part of a collaborative, cross-functional team.

• Lead the vision, strategy, and execution of enterprise Data & Analytics initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives, technology strategy, and enterprise architecture standards.
• Drive the design and implementation of scalable data platforms, data products, and analytics solutions across cloud and on-premises environments, leveraging Databricks, Azure, and modern data architectures.
• Partner with senior business and technology leaders to identify opportunities, define roadmaps, prioritize investments, and deliver data capabilities that support growth, operational efficiency, risk management, and customer insights.
• Provide oversight for solution architecture, data engineering, data integration, governance, quality, lineage, security, and compliance across multiple programs and domains.
• Establish and institutionalize Data & Analytics best practices, operating models, delivery frameworks, and standards that improve scalability, consistency, and time-to-value.
• Lead complex cross-functional teams and vendor partners, ensuring successful planning, estimation, execution, risk management, and delivery of strategic initiatives.
• Champion data modernization, automation, AI/ML enablement, and emerging technologies to drive innovation and maximize business value from enterprise data assets.
• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing Data & Analytics teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, accountability, and technical excellence.
• Communicate effectively with executive stakeholders through strategic storytelling, business cases, roadmaps, investment proposals, and executive-level reporting.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in Data & Analytics, Data Engineering, Data Architecture, Data Management, or related disciplines, including leadership of large-scale enterprise data initiatives.
• Extensive experience delivering cloud-based Data & Analytics solutions leveraging Databricks, Azure Data Platform technologies, and/or modern data architecture patterns.
• Proven track record of defining and executing enterprise data strategies, roadmaps, operating models, and modernization programs that drive measurable business outcomes.
• Strong expertise in data engineering, data integration, data warehousing, data lakes, data governance, metadata management, data quality, lineage, and master/reference data management.
• Demonstrated experience leading multiple cross-functional teams, managing stakeholders across business and technology organizations, and influencing strategic decisions at senior leadership levels.
• Strong knowledge of SQL, Python, Spark, distributed data processing, and modern data platform technologies.
• Exceptional communication, executive presentation, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value.
• Experience leading Agile delivery teams and managing large-scale programs with multiple workstreams, priorities, and dependencies.

• Experience implementing enterprise data governance and quality frameworks, including metadata management, lineage, and data stewardship capabilities.
• Experience enabling AI/ML, Generative AI, and advanced analytics solutions through scalable and trusted data foundations.
• Deep knowledge of insurance, financial services, employee benefits, or related industries.
• Experience leading enterprise-wide data transformation, modernization, or digital transformation initiatives.

The expected salary range for this position is $140,000 - $210,000. This role may also be eligible for annual short-term incentive compensation and stock-based long-term incentives. All incentives and benefits are subject to the applicable plan terms.

Benefits We Offer About MetLife MetLife is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regards to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status (although applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States), uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law (“protected characteristics”).