Head of Data Platform Engineering

Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for overall responsibility for the design, build, and maintenance of the Snowflake and Azure enterprise data platform. You will manage platform engineering, quality and governance delivery teams, delivering both projects and BAU activities, aligning to CIO ways of working and co‑ordinating delivery plans with end‑to‑end outcomes across CIO. Next to delivery you will need to focus on a clear understanding of the Hastings strategy and an ability to interpret that into the daily work to push our achievements and support the continued growth of the company.

As a strategic leader the role holder will be expected to work beyond technology to influence decisions and outcomes for the greater good.

• Data Platform Operations:
  Managing production ETL/ELT pipelines and data orchestration frameworks.
• Ensuring data platform security, compliance, and access controls.
• Implementing and governing data quality, lineage, observability, and metadata management.
• Ensuring the sustainability and scalability of the data infrastructure to enable the company to achieve its business objectives.
• Data Platform Optimization:
  Ensuring that the team is working efficiently and effectively, bringing an agile mindset to adapting to changing circumstances while working within the organisational constraints of budget, resource and quality.
• Work closely with CIO Fin Ops and all data teams across the company to ensure data platform run cost stays within the agreed budget.
• Centre of Excellence:
  Implement a data platform engineering CoE within the PDA community to support all data teams at Hastings to use the Snowflake platform efficiently and effectively.
• Coding Standards:
  Create, implement, maintain and control adherence to appropriate coding standards in line with industry best practices to meet quality measures and guarantee the achievement of high‑quality outcomes.

• Proficiency with traditional database and cloud data platform ETL technologies.
• Proficiency with Big Data integration technologies.
• Significant experience of CI/CD, data platform engineering, testing and release principles and best practice.
• Significant experience in a business within a fast‑paced and constantly evolving market.
• Must have previous experience leading and maintaining a high standard in a data engineering department.
• Knowledge/experience working with numerous methodologies and tools.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and an equally proficient listener with all audiences and stakeholders.
• Deep passion for research and analysis, outstanding troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills, and the ability to manipulate, interpret, and understand large amounts of data.

• Competitive salary and £6k car allowance.
• Flexible working – we champion a flexible hybrid working approach.
• Competitive bonus scheme – all colleagues are eligible for our annual 4
  
  Cs performance bonus.
• Physical wellbeing – private medical insurance (PMI) covering specialist consultations.
• Financial wellbeing – life assurance cover, income protection at no extra cost, matched pension contributions up to 10%, and a package that includes discounts, cashback, free independent mortgage advice and free access to financial wellbeing support.
• Mental wellbeing programme – thrive mental health app, colleague assistance programme available 24/7, in‑house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team.
• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your weeks, access to health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year and much more.

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status.

We also conduct thorough referencing including credit and criminal record checks. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.

Job posting end date: 31/07/2026.