Lead Data Engineer

Harnham; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Harnham in Holborn, London, is seeking a Lead Data Engineer to own the data engineering function, combining hands-on delivery with team leadership and setting standards for growth.

You will build scalable ETL/ELT pipelines across cloud environments, own data modelling and platform architecture, and mentor a team while working with product, data science and client success teams.

The role is hybrid, with four days in the office, and salary up to £85,000, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience leading or managing a Data Engineering team.
• Strong commercial experience with SQL and Python.
• Expertise in building scalable ETL and ELT pipelines.
• Strong understanding of data modelling and modern data architecture principles.
• Experience working with cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS or GCP.
• Knowledge of Databricks, Azure Data Factory, Microsoft Fabric or similar modern data platforms.
• Experience with Git, CI/CD and DevOps best practices.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Building and developing the Data Engineering function, including processes, standards and best practices.
• Leading, mentoring and managing a team of Data Engineers.
• Designing and delivering scalable ETL and ELT pipelines across cloud environments.
• Owning data modelling, architecture and platform design decisions.
• Collaborating with Product, Data Science, Platform and Client Success teams.
• Driving improvements across CI/CD, DevOps and engineering workflows.
• Working with clients and stakeholders to understand data challenges and deliver value-driven solutions.

Skills

SQL

Python

Data Engineering leadership

ETL/ELT pipelines

Cloud platforms

Databricks

CI/CD DevOps

Stakeholder communication

Tools

Databricks

Azure Data Factory

Microsoft Fabric

Git

CI/CD

Job description

Holborn, London (4 days a week in office)

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a Data Engineering function at a high-growth AI-driven SaaS business. Working directly with senior technology leadership, you will combine hands-on engineering with team leadership, helping to shape the technical direction, standards and future growth of the function.

THE COMPANY

They are a rapidly scaling SaaS organisation that helps businesses unlock greater value from their data through advanced analytics and AI-powered products. Their technology supports enterprise clients across a range of sectors, delivering actionable insights that improve decision-making and commercial performance.

THE ROLE

As a Lead Data Engineer, you will be responsible for leading Data Engineering whilst remaining heavily involved in technical delivery.

Specifically, you can expect to be involved in the following:

• Building and developing the Data Engineering function, including processes, standards and best practices
• Leading, mentoring and managing a team of Data Engineers
• Designing and delivering scalable ETL and ELT pipelines across cloud environments
• Owning data modelling, architecture and platform design decisions
• Collaborating with Product, Data Science, Platform and Client Success teams
• Driving improvements across CI/CD, DevOps and engineering workflows
• Working with clients and stakeholders to understand data challenges and deliver value-driven solutions

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The successful Lead Data Engineer will have the following skills and experience:

• Previous experience leading or managing a Data Engineering team
• Strong commercial experience with SQL and Python
• Expertise in building scalable ETL and ELT pipelines
• Strong understanding of data modelling and modern data architecture principles
• Experience working with cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS or GCP
• Knowledge of Databricks, Azure Data Factory, Microsoft Fabric or similar modern data platforms
• Experience with Git, CI/CD and DevOps best practices
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience in consulting, client-facing or project-led environments would be advantageous

BENEFITS

The successful Lead Data Engineer will receive the following benefits:

• Salary up to £85,000 - depending on experience