Data Engineering Lead

Sector:
Tech Reference: 15926

Data Engineering Lead – SQL / Azure / Fabric

Location:

Manchester, hybrid (2–3 days on site)

Contract:

Permanent Salary: £80,000 – £110,000 + benefits

Overview

Are you a data engineering leader who still knows SQL inside out? This role is about bridging the gap between architecture and delivery: taking the big-picture direction and turning it into standards, patterns and work the team can actually deliver.

We’re working with a well-established, growing professional services firm that is investing heavily in its data function. They need a Data Engineering Lead to head up a team of eight engineers across platform operations and engineering, including offshore resource. It’s mainly a leadership role, but you’ll need a genuine hands-on background and be comfortable stepping in when needed. The environment is SQL-heavy, with a mix of on-prem and Azure, and the firm is planning a full move to the cloud, most likely Microsoft Fabric.

Key Responsibilities Lead and develop a team of eight data engineers, including offshore resource.

Translate data architecture into clear technical standards, reusable patterns and well-defined work packages.

Review designs and engineering work to make sure they meet agreed standards.

Own CI/CD and source control standards for data engineering assets.

Lead on change, incident and problem management for the data platforms.

Deliver key projects, including improvements to the core data warehouse and integrating a new application into the business.

Help shape the move from on-prem and Azure to a full cloud platform, likely Fabric.

Work closely with architects, stakeholders and senior leadership, including regular travel to London.

Requirements Very strong SQL. This is the must-have.

A solid career in data engineering or data architecture.

Experience leading engineering teams, ideally including offshore teams.

Hands-on experience with Azure data services such as Synapse and Data Factory.

A good understanding of CI/CD, source control, and release and incident management.

Able to be on site in Manchester 2–3 days a week and travel to London roughly once a month.

Desirable Microsoft Fabric experience.

Databricks or Snowflake experience, with a willingness to move into Fabric.

A background in a regulated environment such as financial services, insurance, legal or healthcare.

Power BI and Fivetran experience.

Experience of on-prem to cloud migration.

Why Join?

A clear route towards a Head of role.

The chance to shape a major move to the cloud.

A team of eight to lead and develop.

Exposure to senior leadership.

Hybrid working, 26 days’ holiday, and a strong benefits package.

Apply If you’re a data engineering leader with strong SQL and team leadership experience, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today for a confidential discussion.