Head of Data Engineering Azure

Head of Data Engineering

Hybrid - Kent (3 Days per Week)

Up to £130,000 + 30% Bonus + Benefits

Are you an experienced data leader ready to take ownership of a large-scale data transformation? We're working with a leading UK financial services group that's on a major journey to modernise its data estate - and they're looking for a Head of Data Engineering to lead the migration from on-premise to a modern, Azure-based cloud platform.

This is a high-impact leadership role, ideal for someone who combines strategic vision with hands-on technical credibility and thrives on building, scaling, and delivering enterprise-grade data solutions.

Why this role?

• Lead the migration of legacy on-premise systems to Azure, driving one of the organisation's most strategic technology programmes.
• Shape and execute the data engineering roadmap, delivering scalable, secure, and compliant data solutions.
• Build and mentor a high-performing engineering team, embedding modern cloud-first practices.
• Hybrid flexibility: 3 days per week in the Kent office, with the rest remote.
• Excellent package: up to £130,000 + 30% bonus and comprehensive benefits.

What you'll be doing:

• Leading the end-to-end migration from on-prem to Azure, defining architecture, governance, and delivery best practices.
• Designing, developing, and optimising data pipelines, integration frameworks, and ETL processes in Azure.
• Building and maintaining scalable solutions using Azure Data Lake, Synapse, Data Factory, and Databricks.
• Establishing robust data governance, quality, and lineage frameworks across all environments.
• Collaborating closely with data architecture, analytics, and IT to ensure a seamless transition and platform stability.
• Managing delivery across multiple workstreams, ensuring projects are on time, within budget, and high quality.
• Developing team capability - coaching engineers and fostering a culture of innovation and ownership.
• Presenting updates and strategic insights to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.

What we're looking for:

• Proven track record leading data engineering teams through large-scale transformations.
• Strong, hands-on understanding of Azure data services - e.g. Synapse, Data Factory, Data Lake, Databricks, Purview.
• Direct experience migrating from on-premise environments to Azure, ideally within a regulated or financial services context.
• Deep technical knowledge of data architecture, ETL/ELT, and data modelling.
• Excellent coding skills in SQL and Python, with experience implementing DevOps for data and CI/CD.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement - able to translate technical progress into business outcomes.
• Strategic thinker with a delivery mindset and the ability to influence at senior levels.

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience with Snowflake or hybrid multi-cloud data solutions.
• Familiarity with banking or financial data frameworks such as BCBS239 or IRB.
• Background in agile delivery and infrastructure automation using Terraform or similar.

Package & Benefits:

• Salary up to £130,000 + 30% annual bonus.
• Hybrid working - 3 days per week in Kent office.
• Private medical insurance, life assurance, and pension scheme.