Head of Data Engineering

Job Description

JOB TITLE:Head of Data Engineering

LOCATION(S):Manchester or Bristol

HOURS:Full-time

WORKING PATTERN:Hybrid – spend at least two days per week (or 40% of your time) at one of our locations.

About this opportunity:

We're seeking aHead of Data Engineering—a senior data expert and technical leader ready to help shape our enterprise data strategy. Join theEnterprise Data Provisioning Platformto drive innovation and create safe, scalable data capabilities across the organisation.

With rapid change in the data landscape and a powerful modern tech stack in place, this is a chance to make a significant impact on our future.

What you’ll be doing:

We're developing adata mesh architecture on Google Cloud Platform (GCP)that supports decentralised, self-serve data product development.

You’ll set the data engineering vision, define standards, and solve complex challenges. This role requires deep expertise, strategic thinking, and a passion for agile, innovative delivery.

You will:

• Shape strategic direction and mentor data engineering teams
• Provide technical leadership in data architecture and product delivery
• Ensure high-quality, secure, and scalable data product development
• Lead data engineering support for live environments
• Collaborate with architecture and platform teams to set engineering and data standards
• Advise on tools, practices, and future tech direction
• Align long-term data strategy with business goals
• Support recruitment, training, and development of junior engineers

What skills you’ll need:

• Data Engineering:Proficiency in modern data engineering practices and tooling
• Cloud Platforms:Familiarity with GCP, Azure, or AWS
• Data Migrations:Experience leading large-scale migrations to the cloud
• Data Literacy:Ability to drive decision-making through clear communication and collaboration
• Data Design:Skilled in modelling and designing efficient, interoperable data structures
• Leadership & Vision:Inspire inclusive culture, lead transformation, and build high-performing teams
• Values:Purpose-driven and customer-focused with a change-ready mindset

Desirable experience:

• Expertise in GCP services (BigQuery, Data Fusion, Cloud Composer, IAM)
• Defining success through objectives and measurable metrics

Why join us?

We’re investing in a bold data future—and people like you will help make it real. Be part of a progressive, ambitious organisation that values innovation, , and purpose-driven growth.

Inclusive working and benefits

We celebrate and support inclusive working environments that help everyone feel they belong. We welcome applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and are committed to accessibility and workplace adjustments.

Our benefits include:

• Up to 15% employer pension contribution
• Annual performance-related bonus
• Share schemes including free shares
• Lifestyle benefits including discounts and wellbeing programs
• Up to 30 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Comprehensive parental leave and support

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