Head of Data Engineering - Data Monetisation (Hands on Python, SQL, Cloud, AI)

Location
London, Reading
Job Family
Digital & Technology
Job Type
Full Time
Posted Date
16-Feb-2026
Ref #
71496

We have a great new role for a Head of Data Engineering to join our Data Monetisation team. This is a brand new role responsible for leading the data engineering function and building scalable, privacy-safe data products that drive commercial value from complex data assets.

This is a hands-on senior role, owning engineering strategy, architecture and delivery within a commercially focused data product environment. This role is 60% leadership/strategy and 40% hands on working with Python, SQL, GCP, AI solutions.

As Head of Data Engineering, you will be responsible for leading and mentoring a team of 4 in the creation and maintenance of our strategic data products. This programme operates within data monetisation and AI application, developing high value customer signals and data segments derived from a complex, multi source data ecosystem.

You will define the architectural strategy for our extensible and reusable data platform and act as the team’s delivery lead, managing the agile workflow and roadmap priorities in coordination with senior management and key stakeholders.

Working primarily in the Google Cloud ecosystem, you will make high level decisions on data platforms, governance, data privacy and lead the evaluation and adoption of new technologies to drive innovation across the team.

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• Define and own the technical strategy and architecture for the data product platform, ensuring systems are extensible, reusable and scalable.
  
• Lead the team’s agile process, facilitating stand ups, managing the backlog and setting roadmap priorities with senior stakeholders.
  
• Mentor a team of Product Data Engineers, providing technical guidance, support and fostering professional growth.
  
• Drive high standards for data quality, output accuracy, platform SLAs, data privacy and governance.
  
• Evaluate, prototype and recommend new technologies and tooling to continuously improve team efficiency and product capabilities.
  
• Maintain an understanding of data consumers and paying customers to ensure product development is aligned with high value business outcomes.
  
• Ensure data lineage, accessibility, privacy and security are correctly implemented throughout the data lifecycle
  

The UK’s fastest broadband network. The nation’s best-loved mobile brand. And, one of the UK's biggest companies too. We put our customers first, making life simpler, smoother, and more joyful. With big ambitions and a brilliant team, we’re building a more connected future for everyone.

We’re a flexible-first organisation, because we know people do their best work when they have choice and clarity. To support meaningful collaboration, we ask everyone to spend at least eight days each month connecting in person. That doesn’t just mean time in the office, it could be team meetings, offsites, volunteering days, cross-functional projects, or away days - anywhere meaningful collaboration happens. What matters is making those moments purposeful, so when we come together, it really counts.

Virgin Media O2 is an equal opportunities employer and we're working hard to remove bias and barriers for our people and candidates. So, we build equity and inclusion into everything we do, from the policies we craft to the relationships we shape. We support and encourage you to be your authentic self throughout your application journey with us.

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• Technical leadership of remote engineering teams
  
• Strong Python and SQL skills; writes clean, maintainable, production-grade code
  
• Architecture ownership for complex, scalable data and ML/AI solutions
  
• End-to-end data platform design (ingestion, modelling, analytics)
  
• Google Cloud (or equivalent) experience incl. BigQuery, Analytics Hub, Cloud Functions, dbt
  
• Commercial mindset with evidence of data product adoption, cost and delivery awareness
  
• Clear communicator across technical/non-technical audiences, up to C-suite
  
• Experience building external-facing SaaS or data products with partners
  
• Working within data contracts, privacy and regulatory constraints
  
• Effective delivery in ambiguous, fast-paced environments (Agile, Jira, Confluence)
  
• Coaching engineers with strong hands-on Python and SQL capability
  

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• Built new products from scratch (greenfield over legacy)
  
• Worked with sensitive data in regulated industries (e.g. telco)
  
• Experience with data cleanrooms (Google, Snowflake or equivalent)
  

As you're already a valued member of the Virgin Media O2 crew, you'll know lots about the amazing stuff we do to take care of our people. If you need a reminder, head on over to the benefits portal via the main intranet site.

If we feel like a place where you can belong, we'd love to learn more about you as a person and your experience to date. Once you've submitted an application the next steps of the process, if successful, are likely to include a technical and competency based interview.

When you apply, you'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, therefore we may bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you’re offered a job with us, it will be conditional, based on the passing of background checks. All roles require a criminal record check and some roles need a financial probity check. Your recruiter can provide you with more information if needed.

Thanks for your patience and for showing an interest in joining the Virgin Media O2 family.