Lead Data Engineer
Lead Data Engineer | Azure | SQL | Python | Team Leadership
Hybrid Working – 3 Days Office / 2 Days Remote
Competitive Salary + Benefits
We're partnering with a market-leading, highly regulated organisation to recruit a newly created Lead Data Engineer position. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on data engineering leader to take ownership of a growing data function, leading a team while remaining actively involved in technical delivery.
Acting as the bridge between senior leadership and the data team, you'll be responsible for the data engineering roadmap, platform development, engineering standards, and delivery capability. This is a genuine player-coach role, with a roughly 60/40 split between hands-on engineering and leadership responsibilities.
The Role
- Lead and develop a team of Data Engineers and Data Analysts
- Own the data engineering function, platform roadmap, and delivery priorities
- Design, build, and optimise data pipelines, integrations, and warehouse solutions
- Drive best practice across SQL, Python, data modelling, and engineering standards
- Improve platform reliability, performance, and scalability
- Lead data quality, monitoring, and observability initiatives
- Work closely with senior stakeholders across the business to deliver data-driven outcomes
- Evaluate new tools, technologies, and future platform requirements
Technology
- Microsoft Azure
- SQL
- Python
- Data Warehousing
- Data Integrations & Backend Engineering
The business takes a pragmatic approach to technology and is increasingly leveraging AI-assisted development practices to accelerate delivery.
About You
- Strong Data Engineering experience with ownership of data platforms or warehouses
- Advanced SQL and Python skills
- Experience working within Azure environments
- Previous team leadership or mentoring experience
- Strong understanding of data architecture, engineering best practices, and data quality
- Comfortable working with legacy source systems and improving data reliability
- Able to communicate effectively with both technical and business stakeholders
Why Apply?
- Newly created role with significant ownership and influence
- Opportunity to shape the future of the data platform and engineering function
- Strong mix of leadership and hands-on technical work
- Direct exposure to senior stakeholders and strategic decision-making
- Fast-paced environment with genuine investment in data and technology
This role would suit a Lead Data Engineer, Principal Data Engineer, or hands-on Data Engineering Manager looking to make a significant impact within a growing organisation.