Data Engineering Lead

Specsavers; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Specsavers is seeking a Lead Data Engineer to drive data solutions across our global business. You will own data engineering within your value stream, design scalable platforms and mentor a small team of engineers to raise engineering standards across the organisation.

You will work with Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, SQL and Python, influencing technical direction while staying hands-on where needed. Flexible working arrangements are supported as we transform our data capabilities.

Qualifications

• Experience in cloud-based data engineering across large-scale platforms.
• Mentoring or leading a small team of data engineers is desirable.
• Strong collaboration with stakeholders to shape data solutions and standards.

Responsibilities

• Own data engineering within your value stream and drive scalable data solutions.
• Mentor and develop a team of Data Engineers and promote engineering best practices.
• Collaborate with Principal Data Engineers to align architecture direction and delivery plans.

Skills

Cloud data engineering

Azure Data Factory

Azure Databricks

SQL

Python

Leadership

Mentoring

Tools

Azure Data Factory

Azure Databricks

SQL

Python

Job description

This is an opportunity to join Specsavers at a pivotal stage in our global data transformation journey. As a Lead Data Engineer, you'll play a key role in accelerating how data is used across the business, enabling better decisions, richer customer insights and greater business value. Working within a dedicated value stream, such as Marketing, Audiology, Group, Supply Chain or Regions, you'll help shape the data solutions and platforms that support our future growth.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll take ownership of data engineering within your value stream, helping design, build and evolve scalable data solutions. Alongside mentoring a small team of Data Engineers, you'll drive engineering best practice, support project planning and estimation, ensure patterns and standards are followed and work closely with Principal Data Engineers and your peers across other value streams to solve complex challenges and influence technical direction.

To thrive in this role, you'll bring deep expertise in cloud-based data engineering, with experience across technologies such as Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, SQL and Python. You'll be proactive, solution-focused and passionate about continuous improvement, with the confidence to drive new ideas, challenge existing approaches and build excellent relationships with stakeholders. Previous people management experience isn't essential, but you'll enjoy supporting others, sharing knowledge and helping teams succeed.

At Specsavers, you'll join a growing global data function with ambitious transformation programmes and significant opportunities for career growth. You'll have the chance to influence how data is engineered across the organisation while remaining close to the technology and delivery. If you're looking for a role that combines hands-on engineering, technical leadership and the opportunity to make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.

As an inclusive employer, we value diversity and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. We are happy to consider flexible working arrangements wherever possible.

Due to the high level of interest we receive for some opportunities, we may close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date.