Lead Data Engineer

Royal London; Alderley Edge; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mutual life and pensions company in the UK is seeking a Lead Data Engineer responsible for designing and maintaining large-scale data processing systems. You will lead a small team of Data Engineers while collaborating with various business units to enhance data efficiency and quality. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in data engineering technologies and strong leadership capabilities. The role offers a hybrid working model and competitive benefits including a robust pension scheme and private medical insurance.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

14% employer matching pension

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• Deep technical knowledge in Data Engineering with large-scale data systems.
• Experience leading data platform initiatives.
• Proficiency in programming and CICD techniques.
• Understanding of data security and privacy regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Data Engineers.
• Oversee the creation of automated data engineering capabilities.
• Collaborate with data specialists across the organization.
• Drive innovation through the adoption of new technologies.

Skills

Data Engineering

Apache Spark

SQL Databases

Python

Cloud data platforms

Problem-solving

Communication

Agile practices

Tools

Databricks

Snowflake

Microsoft Fabric

Job description

Job Title: Lead Data Engineer

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Edinburgh or Alderley Park

Working style: Hybrid 50% home/office based

Closing Date: 14th December 2025

We are seeking to hire a Lead Data Engineer to design, develop and operate automated data engineering platforms.

This role will contribute to the Group by improving the speed, accuracy, consistency, repeatability, and overall quality of data processing. This reduces costs and enables the Data Automation team to focus on more complex strategic tasks.

The Lead Data Engineer is responsible for leading a small team of Data Engineers to develop and maintain large-scale data processing systems, pipelines, and infrastructure. The role entails working closely with the wider data community within Royal London to support data-driven decision making for the organisation.

About the role

• Lead and mentor a team of Data Engineers in the design, development, and maintenance of scalable data platforms.
• Oversee the creation and operation of automated data engineering capabilities that enhance efficiency.
• Collaborate with other data specialists across Royal London to ensure we deliver on our data-led strategy.
• Ensure compliance with data security and privacy regulations throughout all data engineering practices and systems.
• Drive innovation in data processing through the evaluation and adoption of modern technologies and tools.
• Engage with stakeholders from various business units to understand requirements and provide technical expertise.

About you

• Has deep technical knowledge and track record of Data Engineering with a focus on delivering and operating large scale data processing systems.
• Has successfully led data platform initiatives.
• A good understanding of data processing technologies and tools such as Apache Spark, Data Lake, Data Warehousing and SQL Databases.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and CICD techniques to efficiently deliver change in a consistent, controlled, and high-quality manner
• Experience with cloud-based data storage and data processing platforms such as Databricks, Snowflake and Microsoft Fabric.
• Understanding of data security and privacy regulations.
• Strong problem-solving skills with an automation mindset.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling effective collaboration and effective engagement with stakeholders within Royal London and external third parties.
• Effective communication skills, especially verbally and written.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills.
• Can work independently without supervision.
• Ability to lead a team and familiar with agile principles and delivery practices.
• Prepared to challenge with constructive ideas, holding firm and assertive position where necessary.

About Royal London

We're the UK's largest mutual life, pensions and investment company, offering protection, long-term savings and asset management products and services.

Our People Promise to our colleagues is that we will all work somewhere inclusive, responsible, enjoyable and fulfilling. This is underpinned by our Spirit of Royal London values; Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve.

We've always been proud to reward employees by offering great workplace benefits such as 28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, an up to 14% employer matching pension scheme and private medical insurance. You can see all our benefits here - Our Benefits

Inclusion, diversity and belonging

We're an Inclusive employer. We celebrate and value different backgrounds and cultures across Royal London. Our diverse people and perspectives give us a range of skills which are recognised and respected - whatever their background.