Lead Data Engineer

Harnham; Greater London; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Harnham in London is seeking a senior Data Engineering leader to build and scale the data function from the ground up while remaining hands-on with data and AI initiatives.

You will own data architecture, design scalable ETL/ELT pipelines, and mentor a growing team. The role requires strong SQL, Python, and cloud experience (Azure/AWS/GCP) and a consultancy background. 4 days in the office.

Qualifications

• Experience leading Data Engineering teams.
• Strong SQL and Python development skills.
• Experience with ETL/ELT in cloud environments.
• Data modelling and modern data architectures.
• CI/CD and DevOps practices in the cloud.
• Consultancy experience with clients.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the Data Engineering function.
• Mentor and develop a growing team of Data Engineers.
• Design scalable ETL/ELT pipelines across data environments.
• Own data architecture, modelling strategy, CI/CD and deployment governance.
• Drive AI-enabled engineering practices to improve efficiency and scalability.

Skills

Advanced SQL

Python development

Consultancy experience

ETL/ELT pipelines

Data modelling

CI/CD & DevOps

Cloud platforms

Tools

Git

Azure

AWS

GCP

Job description

£85,000 + Benefits

London (4 days per week in the office)

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a rapidly scaling SaaS business where you can build and lead the Data Engineering function from the ground up whilst remaining hands‑on with cutting‑edge data and AI initiatives.

THE COMPANY:

The business works with major enterprise clients across Financial Services, Retail, Telecommunications, Travel and Healthcare. This is an exciting opportunity to join at a pivotal stage of growth and have a genuine impact on the future direction of the business.

THE ROLE:

You will take ownership of the Data Engineering function, driving technical excellence, engineering best practice and team growth whilst leading the development of scalable, cloud‑based data solutions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building and leading the Data Engineering function, defining standards, processes and ways of working.
• Managing, mentoring and developing a growing team of Data Engineers.
• Designing and delivering scalable ETL/ELT pipelines across operational, analytical and AI data environments.
• Owning data architecture, modelling strategy, CI/CD processes and deployment governance.
• Driving adoption of AI‑enabled engineering practices to improve development efficiency, quality and scalability.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

You will bring strong capability in:

• Previous experience leading and line‑managing Data Engineering teams.
• Advanced SQL and Python development skills.
• Consultancy experience
• Building and optimising ETL/ELT pipelines within modern cloud environments.
• Data modelling, dimensional modelling and modern data architecture principles.
• CI/CD, Git, DevOps practices and cloud platforms including Azure, AWS and/or GCP.

THE BENEFITS:

You will receive a salary of up to £85,000 depending on experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package.