Lead Data Engineer

An exciting opportunity has opened for a Lead Data Engineer to join a fast-growing digital transformation and consultancy practice. In this role, you’ll design and develop data processing systems at scale and lead agile teams in building secure, high-performance data solutions across complex digital programmes. You’ll work in a hands‑on capacity while also mentoring team members, ensuring delivery quality, and shaping best practices in data engineering.

• Designing, coding, testing, and delivering robust data components and pipelines for high-scale systems.
• Leading the technical delivery of subsystems or full solutions within agile teams.
• Driving standards in design, development, testing, and operational readiness.
• Collaborating with architects to meet non-functional requirements (e.g. performance, resilience).
• Ensuring the team follows best practices for unit and integration testing.
• Supporting product due diligence, system integration, and deployment readiness.
• Working closely with security and operations teams to ensure compliance and reliability.
• Estimating delivery effort and advising on technical implications for user needs.
• Coaching, mentoring, and managing a small team of engineers to support career growth and performance.

• Proven experience leading engineering teams on large‑scale data platforms.
• Strong skills in one or more of:
  Java, Scala, or Python.
• Hands‑on experience with data processing technologies (e.g. Informatica, Azure Databricks, or other ETL tools).
• Expertise in SQL or analytical SQL extensions.
• Deep understanding of distributed data systems and frameworks.
• Proficiency in designing both analytical and operational data models.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex technical designs to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• A genuine interest in AI technologies and data innovation.
• Experience with Data Warehouse design and delivery.
• Participation in data or engineering communities.
• Knowledge of cloud data services (AWS, Azure, or GCP certification desirable).
• Experience with continuous improvement and driving engineering best practices.
• Familiarity with AI tools, methods, or delivery processes.

• Competitive salary of £90,000 – £110,000 plus performance bonus
• Flexible working model – remote‑first with hub options in major UK cities
• Lead on complex, high‑impact digital transformation projects
• Strong team culture focused on collaboration, learning, and inclusion
• Career development supported through mentoring, training, and industry engagement