Data & AI Engineer

hastingsdirect; Bexhill-on-Sea; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Flexible working

Bonus scheme

Private medical insurance

Pension contribution match

Life assurance

Retail discounts

Job summary

Hastings Direct is expanding its Data & AI team in the UK to design, build and support scalable data and AI solutions that drive analytics, automation and business outcomes. You will contribute to Snowflake-based platforms and AI initiatives, partnering with stakeholders across the organisation.

The role focuses on Python development, modern data architectures and agile delivery, with opportunities to work on innovative AI governance and MLOps practices.

Qualifications

• Experience with Snowflake including SQL development, data modelling, orchestration, and integration.
• Experience with Azure services: Data Factory, DevOps, Functions, Logic Apps.
• Proficiency in Python for data processing and automation.
• Understanding of cloud-based data platforms and modern data architectures.
• Exposure to AI/ML or generative AI in business contexts.
• Experience in Agile delivery (Scrum or Kanban).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Airflow, dbt, Dataform or similar tools.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and support scalable data and AI solutions for analytics, automation, and AI-driven outcomes.
• Develop and optimise Snowflake-based data platforms for reporting, data science, and ML workloads.
• Create automated, reliable data pipelines that meet governance and security standards.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to promote best practices in SQL, Python, data modelling, and AI development.
• Drive adoption of AI, ML, and generative AI to deliver innovative business solutions.
• Continuously improve platform performance, scalability, and operations with AI governance and MLOps.

Skills

Snowflake

SQL

Azure Data Factory

Azure DevOps

Azure Functions

Logic Apps

Python

AI/ML

Agile

Airflow

dbt

Dataform

Communication

Job description

We're a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become The Best and Biggest in the UK market. Over the past few years, we've made significant investments in our data and tech capabilities, particularly within our CIO function. Our CIO team is at the frontp…

We're proud of the journey we're on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues. The CIO team plays a crucial role in this journey, working on cutting-edge projects that enhance our digital presence and improve customer engagement.

We provide insurance to nearly four million customers, but we know there's even bigger opportunity out there. The fact you're now reading this job advert means we've tempted you to find out more about #lifeatHD - we really hope you like what you see, and you'll join us to share in the success of the exciting chapter that lies ahead.

We understand some people may not apply for jobs unless they feel they tick every box. If you are excited about joining us and think you have some of what we are looking for, even if you're not 100% sure, we would love to hear from you. Our CIO team is always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to make a difference and contribute to our success.

Job Details

• As a Data & AI Engineer you will design, build and support scalable data and AI solutions that enable analytics, automation, and AI-driven business outcomes.
• Develop and optimise Snowflake-based data platforms to support reporting, data science, and machine learning workloads.
• Create automated, reliable, and observable data pipelines that meet engineering, governance, and security standards.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and technical teams to promote best practices in SQL, Python, data modelling, and AI development.
• Drive the adoption of AI, machine learning, and generative AI technologies to deliver innovative business solutions.
• Continuously improve platform performance, scalability, and operational efficiency while supporting AI governance and MLOps best practices.

Skills we would love you to have

• Experience working with Snowflake, including SQL development, data modelling, orchestration, and integration management.
• Experience with Azure services, including Azure Data Factory, Azure DevOps, Azure Functions, and Logic Apps.
• Proficiency in Python for data processing, automation, and solution development.
• Understanding of cloud-based data platforms and modern data architecture principles.
• Exposure to AI, machine learning, or generative AI technologies and their practical application within business environments.
• Experience working within Agile delivery frameworks such as Scrum or Kanban.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a focus on delivering high‑quality solutions.
• Experience with modern data engineering tools such as Airflow, dbt, Dataform, or similar technologies.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical audiences.

What we offer

Join us and you'll find a different way of doing things. We call it the 4Cs. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company, and community. As one of our colleagues, you'll be helping to drive our growth, so in return, we'll give you all the support, training and development you need. Not to mention plenty of recognition and rewards, and the scope to voice your ideas and put them into practice.

Reward

• Salary - Attractive salary based on experience + car allowance (pay reviews also completed each year)
• Flexible Working - We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach so please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail, including days in the office and at home.
• Competitive Bonus Scheme - All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus, which is usually paid in March. The scheme is based on Hastings' performance against our business goals and your own personal performance.
• Physical Wellbeing - as a Band 4 colleague, Hastings pay for you to receive private medical Insurance (also known as PMI) This gives you flexibility and convenience to see a specialist or consultant and allows you to decide when and where you will be seen.
• Financial Wellbeing - As well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover and income protection at no extra cost, pension contribution match up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an AWARD WINNING package which includes - discounts and cashback at everyday retailers and on our own products, fee free independent mortgage advice, and free access to financial wellbeing support.
• Mental Wellbeing programme - At Hastings Direct we understand that mental heal