Azure Data Engineer

Softcat plc; Manchester, Marlow, Leeds; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading IT infrastructure provider in Manchester is seeking an Azure Data Engineer to design and maintain data pipelines, optimize data flow, and collaborate with technical teams. Ideal candidates should have strong skills in Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, Python, and SQL. The position offers flexible working patterns and a competitive salary along with a benefits package that supports personal development and work-life balance.

Benefits

Pension

Share incentive plan

Life Assurance

Holiday

Trips

Vouchers

Partner/family Benefits

Maternity, Paternity and Adoption support

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with Azure Data Factory.
• Strong hands-on experience with Azure Databricks.
• Strong SQL development skills, including working with large datasets.
• Proficiency with Python for data engineering tasks.
• Proficiency with DBT for data modeling.
• Experience with Azure DevOps for deployment pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain robust data pipelines.
• Prepare, clean, and transform data for LLM training.
• Develop Python-based ETL/ELT scripts.
• Implement CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps.
• Collaborate with Data Scientists and Analysts.

Skills

Azure Data Factory

Azure Databricks (PySpark, Spark SQL)

SQL development

Python for data engineering

DBT (data modeling)

Azure DevOps

Job description

Would you like to kick start your career in a supportive, collaborative and innovative company?

Do you enjoy working as part of an enthusiastic, passionate and collaborative team?

As one of the UK's leading IT infrastructure providers and a FTSE 250 listed company, we have built a reputation for excellence. Our strategy is simple – we believe that highly engaged employees are the key to building customer trust and loyalty over the years. This trust and loyalty, combined with our market leading growth and performance, enables us to invest in our technology and services capabilities.

Softcat is an amazing success story and as part of our continued growth we are investing significantly more in a new technology strategy going forward. Softcat's internal undergoing an exciting transformation; this evolution aims to provide greater opportunities for our people's professional development and prepare us to execute our more ambitious technology strategy effectively.

Introduction to Data

Data and analytics at Softcat are in transformation and acceleration with a focus on cloud technology, automation, reducing technical debt, foundational data management and controlled self-service alongside company‑wide strategic initiatives where data plays a major role in its success.

To support the exciting Data strategy at Softcat, the Data Services team are looking to continually improve all things related to Data and analytics for the next 3‑5 years. To support that, we are looking to expand the team.

As Azure Data Engineer, you'll be responsible for:

• Design, develop, test, and maintain robust, reusable data pipelines using Azure Data Factory (orchestration), Azure Databricks (transformations in PySpark/Spark SQL), and DBT (SQL‑based modelling)
• Prepare, clean, and transform unstructured and semi‑structured data for LLM training, fine‑tuning, and prompt engineering workflows
• Develop Python‑based ETL/ELT scripts, data transformation utilities, and automation tools
• Implement CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps and Databricks Asset Bundles for data workflows, promoting automation, reproducibility, and minimal manual intervention
• Collaborate with Data Scientists, AI/ML Engineers, and Analysts to optimise the flow of data into ML and LLM models

We’d love you to have

• Strong hands‑on experience with Azure Data Factory (pipelines, triggers, parameterisation, linked services)
• Strong hands‑on experience with Azure Databricks (PySpark, Spark SQL, Delta Lake, performance tuning)
• Strong SQL development skills, including performance tuning and working with large datasets
• Proficiency with Python for data engineering tasks (e.g., Pandas, PySpark, data cleaning, API integrations)
• Proficiency with DBT (data modelling, macros, testing, documentation)
• Experience with Azure DevOps for Git‑based source control and deployment pipelines for data solutions

Work in a way that works for you

We recognise that everyone is different and that the way in which people want to work and deliver at their best is different for everyone too. In this role, we can offer the following flexible working patterns:

• Working flexible hours – flexing the times you start and finish during the day
• Flexibility around school pick up and drop offs

Working with us

Wherever you work, we want you to experience the freedom and autonomy to realise your potential. You will feel supported by a team that celebrates individuality, encourages different perspectives and embraces every background.

To become part of the success story, please apply now.

If you have a disability or neurodiversity, we can provide support or adjustments that you may need throughout our recruitment process or any mitigating circumstance you wish for us to consider. Any information you share on your application will be treated in confidence.

You can find out more about life at Softcat and our commitments to diversity and inclusion at jobs.softcat.com/jobs/our‑culture/

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and will provide you with opportunities to grow, flourish, and achieve great things. Our benefits include:

Benefits

• Pension
• Share incentive plan
• Life Assurance
• Holiday
• Trips
• Vouchers
• Partner/family Benefits
• Maternity, Paternity and Adoption support