Lead Cloud Data Engineer

StepChange Debt Charity; Leeds; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

StepChange Debt Charity invites a Lead Cloud Data Engineer to shape a new AWS-based data platform powering analytics and operations. You will own the data lakehouse platform and drive scalable, secure data solutions across teams.

You'll lead a team of engineers, advocate modern cloud practices, and collaborate with governance, risk, and security to ensure trusted data delivers real business value.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with AWS and modern cloud-native data platforms.
• Design and delivery of scalable data lakehouse architectures and pipelines.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code, CI/CD, automation and cloud security.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and adoption of StepChange's AWS cloud-native data platform.
• Design and deliver scalable data solutions, pipelines and services.
• Collaborate with governance, security, and risk teams to ensure trusted data.
• Mentor peers on cloud, AI and ML technologies; promote best practices.

Skills

AWS

Data lakehouse

Data pipelines

CI/CD

Cloud security

Leadership

Communication

Tools

Terraform

SQL

Python

Job description

Ready to shape the future of data at one of the UK's leading charities, building a modern AWS cloud data platform from the ground up?

Want to lead the adoption of cutting-edge cloud, data lakehouse and governance solutions that put data at the heart of a five-year digital transformation strategy?

Are you an experienced Cloud Data Engineer looking for a pivotal role where your expertise will drive innovation, maturity and lasting impact for millions of people seeking debt advice?

As our Lead Cloud Data Engineer, you'll shape a modern AWS cloud-native data platform that powers operational and analytical insights across the charity. From developing scalable data lakehouse architectures and transformation pipelines to supporting the adoption of robust data governance, you'll establish a brand-new capability and play a pivotal role in delivering our ambitious five-year digital transformation strategy, with data at its core.

What You’ll Be Doing

You'll lead the development and adoption of StepChange's modern AWS cloud-native data platform, driving strategic initiatives that put data at the heart of our digital transformation. As the owner of our data lakehouse platform, you'll design and deliver scalable data solutions, pipelines and services, working closely with engineering, governance, security and risk teams to ensure data is trusted, compliant and delivers real business value.

As a senior leader within our technology function, you'll work in lock‑step with data peers to champion data engineering best practices, mentor colleagues on emerging cloud, AI and machine learning technologies, and ensure our data platform is secure, reliable and cost‑effective. This is a unique opportunity to shape a new capability, influence organisation‑wide decisions and play a key role in delivering our ambitious five‑year strategy.

What You’ll Bring

We're looking for a passionate data engineering leader with deep expertise in AWS and modern cloud-native data platforms. You'll bring hands‑on experience designing and delivering scalable data solutions, including data lakehouse architectures, transformation pipelines, serverless technologies, relational databases and Infrastructure as Code. You'll also be comfortable working with strategic third‑party technology and modern engineering practices such as CI/CD, automation and cloud security.

Just as importantly, you'll be a natural collaborator who can help teams embrace new technologies and ways of working. With strong communication skills, a strategic mindset and a passion for innovation, you'll be able to translate complex concepts into practical solutions that drive business value. AWS certifications, particularly in Data Engineering or Data Architecture, will be highly valued.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are incredibly important to us; we have a culture of belonging. We’re always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce to ensure we can provide the best service possible for everyone. It’s not just about the professional experience you bring – we’re interested in who you are and your potential. If there’s an adjustment to our recruitment process that would help you to be your best, speak to our team and they’ll be happy to help.