Lead Data Engineer

Lead Data Engineer - Manchester - £70,000-£75,000 + Bonus

Hybrid - 2-3 days per week in the office

We're representing an award-winning, tech-driven organisation in the travel industry that's scaling its data capability to support rapid growth and digital transformation. They're seeking a Lead Data Engineer to guide a small, dynamic team and help shape the future of their cloud-based data platform.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a technically strong engineer with a collaborative mindset, someone who can translate complex data challenges into clear business outcomes. You'll be joining a company where data sits at the heart of decision-making and innovation, working alongside passionate professionals in an ambitious, people-focused culture.

The Role

• Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of two Data Engineers.
• Design, build, and optimise data pipelines and integrations (using dbt, Airbyte, OpenFlow, APIs, and Python) to deliver reliable and scalable data.
• Support the development of a new cloud-based data platform, driving modernisation from legacy Microsoft systems.
• Oversee data architecture, modelling, and automation (including elements of ML Ops).
• Collaborate with Data Scientists, Analysts, and key business stakeholders to deliver insights that drive tangible business value.
• Balance hands-on technical delivery with team leadership and stakeholder engagement.
• Bring structure and prioritisation to a fast-paced, evolving environment.

About You

• Highly proficient in SQL and Python.
• Experience with data modelling (3NF, Kimball) and modern data integration tools.
• Exposure to cloud-based platforms such as Snowflake, BigQuery, or similar is advantageous.
• Experience with DBT, Airbyte, or APIs is desirable.
• Strong communicator who can link data initiatives to commercial outcomes.
• Enjoys mentoring, providing direction, and developing others' technical growth.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving environment-able to prioritise and stay calm under pressure.
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or similar BI tools is a plus.
• Understanding of GDPR and data governance best practices.

What's On Offer

• £70,000-£75,000 + annual bonus
• Hybrid working - 2-3 days per week in the Manchester office
• 25 days' holiday (increasing with service)
• Private medical or healthcare cash plan, pension, and life assurance
• Enhanced parental leave and flexible working culture
• Career growth opportunities within a values-led, award-winning organisation

This is a brilliant opportunity for a skilled data professional ready to step up into leadership or an experienced Lead Data Engineer who enjoys balancing hands-on technical work with mentoring and stakeholder engagement.

Interested? Apply now or contact us in confidence to learn more about the role and interview process.