Data Engineering Graduate Scheme 2026
Ocado Retail invites you to join our Data Engineering Graduate Scheme starting September 2026. This is a permanent, full‑time role based in Hatfield (blended work – 3 days in office).
Key Details
- Contract type: Permanent
- Start date: September 2026
- Location: Hatfield (blended working – 3 days in the office)
- Working hours per week: 40
- Level: Entry Level – Graduate
- Starting Salary: £32,000
- Application opening date: Monday 20th October
- Application closing date: Sunday 9th November
About Ocado Retail
Ocado Retail is a market‑leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S and the world’s largest online supermarket. We also operate Zoom by Ocado, our same‑day grocery delivery service. Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop through choice, service and value.
About Data Engineering at Ocado Retail
Our Data Team ensures that data flows seamlessly from its source to decision makers. We use Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and machine‑learning tools to automate data ingestion, processing and storage. We build interactive dashboards, automate data feeds, and maintain the cloud infrastructure that powers our analytics.
What You’ll Do
The scheme begins with programming; you’ll learn SQL and Python and contribute to the core data engineering and reporting teams. You’ll then be given opportunities to rotate into other areas such as IT operations, IT transformation, Data Governance and Insights. Throughout each placement you will develop strong data manipulation, exploration and summarisation skills.
Placements • Broadening Exposure
- Learn the technology infrastructure with our IT operations team.
- Experience how new technologies are introduced and managed with our IT transformation team.
- Explore Data Governance to protect our data, business and customers.
- Work with our Insights team, who use data to answer questions and recommend improvements.
- Participate in cross‑functional rotations to gain broader business exposure.
Who You Are
- Curious and driven to fully understand the work you are doing.
- Methodical, ensuring problems are completely solved.
- Detail‑oriented, spotting unusual patterns and potential problems.
- Strong logical reasoning, able to understand complex code and identify sources of issues.
- Experience with programming languages and large datasets is beneficial.
- Experience visualising and explaining data to different audiences (Tableau, PowerBI, Excel, etc.) is beneficial.
Expectations During and After the Scheme
- Become proficient with SQL and Python.
- Work in a continuous‑improvement (CI/CD) environment, using DevOps tools like Gitlab.
- Master business‑intelligence and data‑visualisation tools (Tableau, Excel, Google Sheets, Google Apps Script/VBA).
- Gain exposure to data and data users across the business.
- Understand data‑architecture principles behind designing, building and running a data warehouse.
- Lead change projects and develop project‑management skills.
What You Need To Apply
- CV and Cover Letter describing why you want to work at Ocado Retail and what you hope to achieve.
- Evidence that you possess the traits and experiences listed in the “Who you are” section.
- Academic qualification: 2:1 or above in a STEM field or a field with significant data usage.
- Graduate from an accredited UK university.
- Legal right to work in the United Kingdom.
When Will You Hear From Us?
We will inform you within 2 weeks of the closing date (Sunday 9th November 2025). Applications will close on that date; we will not extend the deadline.
Contact
Email:
Benefits
- Private medical insurance, digital GP appointments, family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance.
- Annual bonus scheme, recognition platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions.
- £15% Ocado discount, £20% M&S discount.
- Free breakfast in office, electric vehicle leasing, free shuttle bus from Hatfield station.
- Blended/Hybrid working, 26 days holiday + 8 flexible bank holidays, extra holiday options, two weeks work from anywhere.
- Learning & Development with the Walnut system.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and ensure fair treatment for all applicants. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or an alternative format for this job description, please contact us at .
