Data Platform Lead

AMS Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days Holiday

Birthday day off

Health cash plan

Company sick pay

Enhanced parental pay

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Company pension scheme

Job summary

AMS Group in Manchester is seeking a Data Platform Lead to design, build and own the first dedicated data platform. You will lead the greenfield initiative, establishing reporting, automation, and AI enablement foundations as the sole data authority for the initial 6–9 months.

You will collaborate with the CTO and technology teams to deliver scalable data pipelines, KPIs, and governance, setting the baseline for a future data function across the business.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Data Engineer, Data Platform Engineer or Data Lead.
• Demonstrated ability to build a data platform from scratch in a low‑maturity or greenfield environment.
• Experience with multi‑entity or professional services environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end design and build of the AMS data platform using the Microsoft ecosystem (Azure, Fabric, Databricks, Power BI).
• Develop scalable ETL/ELT pipelines, data models and reporting layers to support business‑wide analytics.
• Integrate data from core business systems across finance, CRM and operations.
• Deliver high‑quality board, executive and operational reporting.
• Define and standardise KPIs to establish a single source of truth across the Group.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to translate business needs into data solutions.
• Set pragmatic data governance, security and quality standards.
• Establish the foundations for a future data function, including standards, frameworks and ways of working.

Skills

SQL

Python

ETL/ELT pipelines

Data modelling

Stakeholder engagement

Data governance

Security & quality frameworks

Power BI

Education

Relevant technical degree

Tools

Azure

Databricks

Microsoft Fabric

Power BI

Job description

The Data Platform Lead will design, build and own AMS Group’s first dedicated data platform, establishing the foundations for reporting, automation, AI‑enablement and long‑term scalability. This is a greenfield, high‑impact role, operating as the standalone senior data authority for the first 6–9 months, requiring strong ownership, pace and technical depth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end design and build of the AMS data platform using the Microsoft ecosystem (Azure, Fabric, Databricks, Power BI).
• Develop scalable ETL/ELT pipelines, data models and reporting layers to support business‑wide analytics.
• Integrate data from core business systems across finance, CRM and operations.
• Deliver high‑quality board, executive and operational reporting.
• Define and standardise KPIs to establish a single source of truth across the Group.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to translate business needs into data solutions.
• Set pragmatic data governance, security and quality standards.
• Establish the foundations for a future data function, including standards, frameworks and ways of working.

Key Relationships

Internal:

• CTO
• Technology team

External:

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Experience

• Proven experience as a Senior Data Engineer, Data Platform Engineer or Data Lead.
• Demonstrated ability to build a data platform from scratch in a low‑maturity or greenfield environment.
• Experience working with multi‑entity or professional services environments is advantageous.
• Exposure to data governance tooling or AI‑enablement use cases is beneficial.

Technical Skills

• Strong hands‑on capability with SQL, Python, ETL/ELT pipelines and data modelling.
• Solid experience across Azure data services, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks and Power BI.
• Ability to engage senior stakeholders, shape direction and influence decision‑making.
• Strong understanding of data governance, security and quality frameworks.

Qualifications

• Relevant technical degree or equivalent experience.
• Azure, Databricks or data engineering certifications desirable but not essential.

Performance Measures (Success Criteria)

• Successful delivery of the AMS data platform MVP within agreed timelines.
• High‑quality, reliable and scalable data pipelines and reporting layers.
• Adoption of standardised KPIs and a single source of truth across the business.
• Strong stakeholder satisfaction and engagement.
• Clear governance, security and quality frameworks established.
• Foundations laid for future data team growth and capability expansion.

AMS Group is a leading UK Top 60 accountancy firm with a differentiated advisory-led proposition, headquartered in Manchester. We have been a trusted name in professional services for over 40 years. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has positioned us as a premier provider in the market.

• 23 days Holiday
• Additional day off for birthday
• Health cash plan
• Company sick pay
• Enhanced parental pay policies
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Company pension scheme

AMS Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.