Data Engineer

Spectrum IT Recruitment; Southampton; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectrum IT Recruitment is partnering with a leading professional sports organisation in the UK to recruit an experienced Data Engineer for its expanding Data Science team.

You will own data pipelines, work with Python/SQL and support a growing Databricks environment to power performance analytics and player tracking initiatives.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of commercial Data Engineering experience
• Strong hands-on programming with Python and SQL
• Experience designing and maintaining data pipelines and data processing workflows
• Understanding of data architecture, transformation and management principles
• Ability to work independently and with technical stakeholders, especially Data Scientists
• Willingness to challenge approaches and improve data processes

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain reliable data pipelines and processes supporting sports analytics and performance activities.
• Work extensively with Python and SQL to process, transform and manage complex datasets.
• Support and develop the organisation's growing Databricks environment, improving the scalability and efficiency of its data platform.
• Manage and integrate different sources of performance data, including event data and tracking information.
• Work closely with Data Scientists to ensure they have access to accurate, reliable and well-structured data.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing data processes, introduce automation and increase operational efficiency.
• Take technical ownership of data engineering challenges, recommending solutions and best practices.
• Help develop the organisation's data engineering capabilities as its analytical requirements continue to evolve.
• Contribute to technical decisions around data architecture, infrastructure and future technologies.

Skills

Python

SQL

Data pipelines

Data architecture

Cloud platforms

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Mathematics or related field

Tools

Databricks

Job description

The Opportunity

We're working with a leading professional sports organisation that is looking to recruit an experienced Data Engineer to join its growing Data Science team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex data challenges and wants to see their work make a genuine difference within the world of professional sport.

Data is playing an increasingly important role in modern sport, helping organisations make smarter decisions through performance analysis, player tracking and advanced analytics. Our client is continuing to invest in its data capabilities and is looking for a talented Data Engineer to help take this forward.

You'll be joining an established team of Data Scientists who are passionate about using data effectively. They're looking for someone with strong data engineering expertise who can take ownership of the underlying infrastructure, develop efficient data processes and help shape the organisation's future data strategy.

This isn't simply a position where you'll be maintaining existing systems. You'll be encouraged to bring your own ideas, recommend improvements and use your technical knowledge to influence how increasingly complex data is managed.

What You'll Be Doing

• Design, develop and maintain reliable data pipelines and processes supporting sports analytics and performance activities.
• Work extensively with Python and SQL to process, transform and manage complex datasets.
• Support and develop the organisation's growing Databricks environment, improving the scalability and efficiency of its data platform.
• Manage and integrate different sources of performance data, including event data and tracking information.
• Work closely with Data Scientists to ensure they have access to accurate, reliable and well-structured data.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing data processes, introduce automation and increase operational efficiency.
• Take technical ownership of data engineering challenges, recommending solutions and best practices.
• Help develop the organisation's data engineering capabilities as its analytical requirements continue to evolve.
• Contribute to technical decisions around data architecture, infrastructure and future technologies.

What We're Looking For

We're interested in speaking with Data Engineers who have a strong technical foundation and the confidence to work independently within a collaborative environment.

Ideally, you’ll bring:

• At least 2-3 years' commercial experience in a Data Engineering role.
• Strong hands-on programming experience with Python and SQL.
• Experience developing and maintaining data pipelines and data processing workflows.
• A good understanding of data architecture, data transformation and data management principles.
• The ability to work independently, investigate technical challenges and recommend practical solutions.
• Experience working with technical stakeholders, particularly Data Scientists or analytics teams.
• A proactive mindset, with the confidence to challenge existing approaches and suggest improvements.
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to share your technical knowledge.

Desirable Experience

• Commercial experience with Databricks.
• Exposure to large-scale data processing and cloud-based data platforms.
• Experience working with event data, tracking data or other complex datasets.
• A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Mathematics or a related discipline.
• An interest in sport, performance analytics or the wider application of data within professional sporting environments.

Previous experience working in sport is not essential. Our client is more interested in finding someone with the right technical ability, initiative and enthusiasm to make a difference.

Please note, due to the nature of the work a Enhanced DBS will be required. The client is able to put the successful candidate through this process.