Lead Data Engineer

Job summary

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is a unique organisation that works to save and improve lives every day.

We are looking for a Lead Data Engineer who is passionate about using data to make a real difference to join the NHSBT Data Intelligence Programme. This programme is central to NHSBTs modernisation and transformation plans, helping turn data into meaningful insights that improve donor and patient care.

Through innovative, efficient, and high-quality services, the programme supports key organisational goals, including strengthening blood stock resilience, improving clinical quality, and delivering safer, more inclusive, and more efficient operations. It also ensures that managers have access to faster, more timely, and reliable data to support decision-making.

Everything we do is ultimately about improving care and outcomes for donors and patients, and we are bringing together professionals with the vision, influence, and expertise to unlock the full potential of data in NHSBT. So, if you share our passion and want your work to make a meaningful, measurable impact on healthcare across the UK, wed love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

The Lead Data Engineer will manage all Data Engineering services from both technical and service perspectives ensuring that they are fit for purpose and effective IT Service Management processes and activities are in place and being followed. Your responsibilities will include:

Manage and lead a team of Data Engineers in the Data Product Centre, including appraisal, development, and recruitment.
Authorise expenses and other similar payments.
Provide technical and strategic leadership to drive improvements in the quality and efficiency of Data Engineering services.
Undertake research and development tasks, including reviewing of new and emerging technologies, products, and tools, and bring these to the attention of the Data Product Centre.
Effective stakeholder management and communication to ensure DDTS and user communities at all levels are engaged on topics related to the Data Engineering services that they use.
Contribute towards Data Engineering design activities to ensure they are fit for purpose and take ownership of these services within day-to-day BAU.
Provide all lines of support as required for services owned.

You may be required to work irregular hours and to travel, including overnight stays when required (with appropriate prior notice).

About us

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, youll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.

Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do. By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever.

You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Job description

Job responsibilities

What we offer:

Hybrid working arrangements – because NHSBT works nationally, we’re able to offer hybrid working options that give you more flexibility to balance work with life.
Flexible working options – we promote flexible working where the role allows. We’re happy to discuss what flexibility might look like for you.
Generous annual leave - 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.
Inclusive pension scheme - the NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns). Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/information-about-nhs-pensions‎
Supportive learning culture - we’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.
Health and wellbeing support – we offer confidential services including occupational health, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing resources. Our support is available to all colleagues and we endeavour to provide tailored workplace adjustments where possible.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applications from disabled candidates. We will talk with you to explore any adjustments that may help you during the recruitment process.

You can find more information about accessibility, our culture, and how we support applicants on the NHSBT Careers website.

To learn more, please see the job description and person specification. These can be accessed via the link below, or by clicking ‘Apply’ if you are viewing this advert on another site.

Next steps

This vacancy will close at 23:59 on 15 July 2026.

The assessment process for this role may include an assessment task and an interview. Interviews are anticipated to be held on 29th July 2026 – subject to confirmation.

For informal enquiries please contact Ross D'Souza - Lead Product Manager • Digital Delivery - Data & Integration Solutions via email at Ross.DSouza@nhsbt.nhs.uk

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Masters Degree in a related discipline OR equivalent experience
Extensive training in database tools and methodologies

Experience

Essential

Substantial experience of database platforms and technologies in both on-premises and cloud environments
Good understanding of relational database theory and technology
Knowledge and experience of working in the Microsoft BI Stack (e.g. Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse, Power BI)
Able to manipulate, analyse, and interpret complex data in a structured manner, and draw conclusions, whilst having an eye for detail
Readily being able to identify potential inaccuracies or inconsistencies in sets of highly complex data.
Substantial knowledge of Database Quality Standards and protocols
Knowledge and experience of delivery methodologies including Waterfall and Agile Iterative models
Knowledge and experience of Change Management
Knowledge of general IT legislation such as the Data Protection Act and the Computer Misuse Act

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Blood and Transplant

Address

England

Bristol Filton Blood Centre, 500 North Bristol Par