Lead Data Engineer

Yorkshire Water; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus opportunity

Pension up to 12%

Wellness days

Life assurance 4x salary

Health plan options

Gym discounts

Cycle to work

Job summary

Yorkshire Water is seeking a Senior GIS Engineer / Data Lead Engineer to shape the future of our geospatial capability. You will lead enterprise GIS architecture, design scalable solutions, and own the ArcGIS ecosystem across Pro, Enterprise, Online, Server, Portal and Field Maps.

Based in Leeds with hybrid working (1–2 days in the office), the role offers strong career progression, a competitive salary, and a generous benefits package as we invest in essential water services for the region.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience designing and delivering enterprise GIS platforms.
• Strong ArcGIS suite expertise (ArcGIS Pro/Enterprise/Online/Server/Portal).
• Experience with spatial data migration, ETL using FME or similar.
• Proficiency in Python for GIS automation and development (ArcGIS & QGIS).
• Knowledge of Open-source GIS (QGIS, PostGIS).
• Proven leadership, mentoring offshore or third‑party teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication.
• Experience in Agile/SAFe environments.
• Exposure to cloud-based GIS, DevOps, data engineering is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define enterprise GIS architecture, standards, and technology roadmaps.
• Design, build, enhance, and support GIS platforms and geospatial solutions.
• Own and optimise ArcGIS ecosystem (ArcGIS Pro, Enterprise, Online, Server, Portal, Field Maps).
• Champion large-scale spatial data migrations and transformations.
• Develop automation and integrations using FME, Python, ArcGIS Toolboxes, and QGIS.
• Drive adoption of cloud-based GIS technologies.
• Mentor offshore teams and collaborate with stakeholders and vendors.

Skills

Enterprise GIS

Geospatial architecture

Leadership

Python

ArcGIS

QGIS

Open-source GIS

Agile/SAFe

Stakeholder management

Cloud GIS

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Enterprise

ArcGIS Online

ArcGIS Server

Portal for ArcGIS

Field Maps

FME

QGIS tooling

PostGIS

Job description

Hello! Thanks for stopping by. Let us tell you about all the great reasons to join us here at Yorkshire Water:

• We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience (£50,622 - £63,277)
• Annual incentive related bonus (£1000 maximum bonus opportunity for the performance year)
• Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution)
• Development opportunities in line with the Senior GIS Engineer / Data Lead Engineer progression plan
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays – plus 2 extra wellness days!
• Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary
• A great benefits package – choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover.
• Retail savings scheme
• Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!

Location: Leeds Valley Park in summer 2026, so you’ll be based there in the future - Hybrid Working (1-2 days in the office a week)

Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior GIS Engineer / Data Lead Engineer to join the Tech team at Yorkshire Water and be a part of helping Yorkshire Water to provide the best service to our customers. Could this be you?

What we do:

Everyone has an idea of what a water company does. Here in Yorkshire, we make sure that over 5.4 million people living in the region and the millions of people who visit our region each year, can rely on our services, and have clean and safe drinking water on tap and that their wastewater is taken away. But for us, it’s so much more than this. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire’s water, today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year. We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region, and play a key role in the region’s health, wellbeing, and prosperity.

New environmental legislation, unprecedented levels of investment and changing expectations from customers means that this is an exciting time to discover opportunities within the water industry. The Tech team are a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators. This is a fantastic opportunity for a GIS expert who loves combining technical leadership, innovation, and problem-solving to deliver solutions that make a real difference. You'll have the chance to influence strategy, work with modern technologies, and shape the future direction of geospatial services across the organisation.

Where you fit in:

• Shape the future of our GIS capability by defining enterprise-wide architecture, technical standards, and innovative technology roadmaps.
• Take the lead in designing, building, enhancing, and supporting cutting-edge GIS platforms and geospatial solutions that drive business success.
• Own and optimise our ArcGIS ecosystem, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Server, Portal for ArcGIS, and Field Maps.
• Champion large-scale spatial data migration and transformation projects, ensuring data quality, accuracy, and seamless delivery.
• Develop smart automation and integration solutions using FME, Python, ArcGIS Toolboxes, and QGIS to improve efficiency and unlock new capabilities.
• Drive the adoption of cloud-based GIS technologies, delivering scalable, secure, and resilient solutions that support a modern digital landscape.
• Inspire, mentor, and lead offshore teams, fostering collaboration, high performance, and continuous professional development.
• Partner closely with stakeholders, architects, delivery teams, and technology vendors to turn complex business challenges into impactful GIS solutions.

What skills & qualifications you will need:

• Extensive experience designing, delivering, and managing enterprise GIS platforms in complex environments.
• Strong expertise across the ArcGIS suite, including ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Online, Portal, and Field Maps.
• Experience with spatial data migration, integration, and ETL processes using FME or similar tools.
• Proficiency in Python, GIS automation, and geospatial development using ArcGIS and QGIS.
• Knowledge of open-source geospatial technologies such as QGIS and PostGIS.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to mentor technical teams and manage offshore or third-party partners.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with a talent for translating business needs into technical solutions.
• Experience working within Agile and SAFe environments.
• Exposure to cloud-based GIS, DevOps practices, data engineering, or real-time integrations would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of utilities, infrastructure, asset management, remote sensing, or related industries is desirable.
• Relevant GIS, cloud, software engineering, or architecture certifications would be beneficial.

Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it’s important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can), to help you make the best of both your work and home life. We know that juggling childcare responsibilities or getting that ideal work/life balance isn’t always easy! Do we sound like your cup of tea?

If you’ve got experience in designing, delivering, and managing enterprise GIS platforms in complex environments and want to help us deliver great service for our customers whilst looking after the environment, then.

If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third-Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance. All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required.

We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur.