Lead Data Engineer

KDR Talent Solutions; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Lead Data Engineer in Manchester, with a salary range of £80,000–£95,000 plus bonus. The role involves leading a small team, designing data pipelines, and collaborating with various stakeholders to drive business value. The ideal candidate should be proficient in SQL and Python, have experience with cloud platforms, and enjoy mentoring others in a fast-paced environment. This position offers hybrid working and numerous benefits, including a private medical plan and career growth opportunities.

Benefits

Annual bonus

Private medical or healthcare cash plan

25 days’ holiday

Pension and life assurance

Flexible working culture

Qualifications

• Highly proficient in SQL and Python.
• Experience with data modelling (3NF, Kimball) and modern data integration tools.
• Exposure to cloud-based platforms like Snowflake or BigQuery is advantageous.
• Strong communicator linking data initiatives to commercial outcomes.
• Enjoy mentoring and developing others' technical growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of Data Engineers.
• Design, build, and optimise data pipelines and integrations.
• Support the development of a new cloud-based data platform.
• Oversee data architecture, modelling, and automation.
• Collaborate with Data Scientists and key business stakeholders.

Skills

SQL

Python

Data modelling

Communication

Mentoring

Tools

DBT

Airbyte

APIs

Snowflake

BigQuery

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Lead Data Engineer – Manchester – £80,000–£95,000 + Bonus

Hybrid – 2–3 days per week in the office

We’re representing an award-winning, tech-driven organisation in the travel industry that’s scaling its data capability to support rapid growth and digital transformation. They’re seeking a Lead Data Engineerto guide a small, dynamic team and help shape the future of their cloud-based data platform.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a technically strong engineer with a collaborative mindset, someone who can translate complex data challenges into clear business outcomes. You’ll be joining a company where data sits at the heart of decision-making and innovation, working alongside passionate professionals in an ambitious, people-focused culture.

The Role

• Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of two Data Engineers.
• Design, build, and optimise data pipelines and integrations (usingdbt, Airbyte,OpenFlow,APIs, andPython) to deliver reliable and scalable data.
• Support the development of a new cloud-based data platform, driving modernisation from legacy Microsoft systems.
• Oversee data architecture, modelling, and automation (including elements ofML Ops).
• Collaborate with Data Scientists, Analysts, and key business stakeholders to deliver insights that drive tangible business value.
• Balance hands‑on technical delivery with team leadership and stakeholder engagement.
• Bring structure and prioritisation to a fast‑paced, evolving environment.

About You

• Highly proficient inSQLandPython.
• Experience withdata modelling(3NF, Kimball) and modern data integration tools.
• Exposure tocloud-based platformssuch asSnowflake,BigQuery, or similar is advantageous.
• Experience withDBT,Airbyte, orAPIsis desirable.
• Strong communicator who can link data initiatives to commercial outcomes.
• Enjoys mentoring, providing direction, and developing others’ technical growth.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving environment—able to prioritise and stay calm under pressure.
• Experience withPower BI,Tableau, or similar BI tools is a plus.
• Understanding ofGDPRand data governance best practices.

What’s On Offer

• £70,000–£75,000 + annual bonus
• Hybrid working– 2–3 days per week in the Manchester office
• 25 days’ holiday (increasing with service)
• Private medical or healthcare cash plan, pension, and life assurance
• Enhanced parental leave and flexible working culture
• Career growth opportunities within a values‑led, award‑winning organisation

This is a brilliant opportunity for a skilled data professional ready to step up into leadership or an experienced Lead Data Engineer who enjoys balancing hands‑on technical work with mentoring and stakeholder engagement.

Interested?

Apply now or contact us in confidence to learn more about the role and interview process.