Data Engineer

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer treatment centre in the UK is seeking an experienced Data Engineer to deliver business and clinical reporting structures. The role involves maintaining data pipelines, supporting system migrations, and developing ETL processes using SQL Server and Python. Successful candidates will have strong communication skills and a background in data engineering, with a focus on delivering solutions within set timeframes. Flexible working arrangements are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Data Engineer with a strong background in SQL Server.
• Proven use of Git and formal change-management procedures (RFC).
• Experience developing data pipelines using Python.
• Knowledge of ETL processes and data integration.
• Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and maintain data transfer pipelines between systems.
• Ensure ETL processes are robust, efficient, and documented.
• Support migration from legacy systems.
• Analyse requirements to inform data construct design.
• Participate in sprint planning and testing.

Skills

SQL Server

Git

Python

Data warehousing concepts

Strong communication skills

Job description

Overview

Responsible as part of a team to deliver high quality business and complex clinical reporting structures from disparate systems within a consistent and stable framework that is monitored and assured. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Data Engineer with a strong background in SQL Server and a commitment to formal change management procedures (RFC) and version control (Git). This 12‑month fixed term role is part of a five‑year Data Engineering modernisation programme that includes adoption of Python for developing data pipelines, automating data integration, and building robust data solutions.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and maintain data transfer pipelines between clinical/operational source systems and the Christie Central Data Repository (CCDR).
• Ensure all extract‑transform‑load (ETL) processes are robust, operate efficiently and fully documented.
• Learn and assist in the development of new tools, technologies and methods of working as they are identified to ensure intended benefits are achieved.
• Support the migration process from legacy reporting and database systems.
• Provide a technical support service to all users of Data Engineering, communicating detailed technical requirements/processes with non‑technical staff, managing priorities and expectations of service users.
• Manages unpredictable support workload and develops complex data transfer pipelines from source systems to the Trust Data Warehouse and Data Marts.
• Analyse and interpret requirements and specifications from Business Intelligence Analysts to inform data construct design, development and assurance processes.
• Support appropriate data warehousing design and software development methodologies agreed for use within the team.
• Produce detailed technical specifications and documentation for the support, maintenance, monitoring and quality assurance of ETL processes.
• Investigate, support, correct and prevent issues relating to existing Trust‑developed data reporting systems and processes.
• Participate in sprint planning, testing, and development of test plans and supporting test data.
• Make recommendations on new tools, technologies and techniques that can be adopted by the team.
• Participate in regular exercises to test business‑continuity and disaster‑recovery plans.
• Line‑manage staff (if applicable) and provide guidance and development support for team members.
• Provide progress and status reports and support staff placements.
• Ensure safe and efficient use of hardware, software and financial resources, liaising with external agencies, suppliers and contractors.
• Advise and participate in the development and implementation of projects, ensuring tasks are delivered on time and within budget.
• Act as an ambassador for Digital Services, maintaining excellent working relationships with users across the organisation.
• Ensure documentation is complete and fit for purpose and releases are controlled.
• Manage risk, service continuity, and contribute to root‑causal analysis for incidents and problems.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Data Engineer with a strong background in SQL Server.
• Proven use of Git and formal change‑management procedures (RFC).
• Experience developing data pipelines using Python.
• Knowledge of data warehousing concepts, ETL processes and data integration.
• Strong communication skills and ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver solutions within agreed timeframes and budgets.
• Experience with sprint planning, agile methodologies and test‑driven development.

About the Organisation

The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60 000 patients a year and serving a population of 3.2 million in Greater Manchester & Cheshire. The Trust values diversity, inclusion and offers flexible working arrangements.

Equality & Diversity

We want to ensure that everyone who works at the Christie or uses our services is welcomed, valued and treated with dignity and respect. The Christie values diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all and fair representation across the organisation at all levels. In support of these commitments, we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority people and people with disabilities for this post. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating a balanced and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.

Legal and Compliance

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity in all its activities. It has a zero‑tolerance approach to modern slavery and maintains a robust system to prevent exploitation. All positions are subject to satisfactory references, medical clearance and evidence of the right to work in the UK. All communications regarding your application will be made via email; please check junk/spam folders as emails may be filtered there. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, we regret that your application will have been unsuccessful.