Lead Cloud Data Engineer

Hollybank Trustees Ltd; Leeds; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

StepChange Debt Charity is seeking a Lead Cloud Data Engineer to shape a modern AWS cloud-native data platform that powers both operational and analytical insights. You will own the data lakehouse, design scalable pipelines and collaborate with governance and security teams to ensure trusted, compliant data.

As a senior engineering leader, you’ll mentor teams on cloud and AI/ML technologies, promote best practices, and drive cost-efficiency and reliability across the platform.

Qualifications

• AWS data engineering experience.
• Hands-on with data lakehouse architectures and pipelines.
• Familiar with CI/CD, automation and cloud security.
• Strong communication and strategic thinking.
• AWS Data Engineering or Data Architecture certifications valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and adoption of the AWS cloud-native data platform.
• Own the data lakehouse platform and deliver scalable data solutions.
• Mentor and collaborate with engineering, governance and security teams.

Skills

AWS cloud

Data lakehouse

Transformation pipelines

CI/CD

Automation

Cloud security

Stakeholder collaboration

Tools

Terraform / IaC

Serverless tech

Relational databases

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.