Lead Data Engineer

Central Parking; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CAVU is seeking a Lead Data Engineer to join their tech team at Manchester Airport HQ. The successful candidate will design scalable data infrastructure and lead a team to implement data-driven solutions. This role requires expertise in Python, SQL, and AWS services, and offers numerous benefits such as a generous holiday allowance, company pension, and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

25 Days Holiday

10% Company Pension

Annual Bonus Scheme

On-site Gym

MediCash Scheme

Flexible Benefits & Discounts

2 paid volunteering days per year

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experienced data engineering professional capable of leading teams.
• Deep technical skills in Python, SQL, and AWS services.
• Proven experience in managing data pipelines and ETL processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of scalable data infrastructure.
• Ensure maximum value extracted from data assets by collaborating with analysts and data scientists.
• Drive innovation and collaboration in building systems from the ground.

Skills

Leadership

Data pipeline design

ETL processes

Stakeholder management

AWS services

Python

SQL

Machine learning

Job description

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Remote first (Manchester Airport HQ), Full-time, Permanent

About CAVU

For airports, for partners, for people. We are CAVU.

At CAVU our purpose is to find new and better ways to make airport travel seamless and enjoyable for everybody. From the smallest ideas to the biggest changes. Every day here is about creating better travel experiences.

From our revenue-accelerating single platform technology, Propel, through to our world-class hospitality venues including 1903 and Escape Lounges – our solutions make travel more seamless and enjoyable for passengers, and more profitable for our clients and partners.

We know that to bring your best ideas, you need the space to think, the right support, and the freedom to be your true, authentic self.

Whether you’re working from our offices, from home, in a lounge, or out on the road, we provide the environment to create, innovate, and transform airport travel.

If you’re looking for a career where you can make a real impact, bring new ideas to life, and push boundaries, then CAVU is the place for you.

Together, we can reach new heights. Together, we are CAVU.

The role

We’re looking for a Lead Data Engineer to join our growing tech team. In this senior technical role, you’ll lead the design and implementation of scalable data infrastructure and robust ETL pipelines to enable data-driven decision-making across the business.

Working closely with analysts, data scientists, and stakeholders across the business, you’ll ensure we extract maximum value from our data assets. You’ll be at the heart of our mission to make our global single platform the best in the market – a tech-first, scalable solution that’s already transforming travel.

This is a hands-on, delivery-focused leadership role—perfect for someone who thrives on innovation, collaboration, and making things happen. Projects range from client integrations and data warehousing to machine learning and real-time reporting. If you’re excited about building systems from the ground up in a supportive, forward-thinking environment, this is your opportunity

About you

You're an experienced data engineering professional with a proven ability to lead and inspire teams. You bring deep technical skills in Python, SQL, and AWS services such as EC2, Redshift, Lambda and Kinesis, alongside strong stakeholder management and commercial awareness.

You’ll also bring:

• Proven experience designing and implementing data pipelines, ETL processes, and warehousing in cloud environments.
• The ability to manage and mentor a team of data engineers, driving standards and continuous improvement.
• Expertise in working with distributed systems and large datasets.
• A strong understanding of data governance, privacy, and security.
• An eagerness to work collaboratively across disciplines and solve real-world business problems with data.
• Experience in machine learning environments, supporting analysts using Python or R would also be good.

The Perks

• 25 Days Holiday, increasing 1 day per year with service (up to 28)
• Option to buy up to 10 extra days annual leave + 4 flexible bank holidays
• 10% Company Pension
• Annual Bonus Scheme
• On-site Gym (where applicable)
• MediCash Scheme
• Flexible Benefits & Discounts – including up to 50% off CAVU products like Escape Lounges and Airport Parking
• Rail and retail discounts
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Access to regular internal health, wellbeing, and ID&E events
• Formal and informal development opportunities, including mentoring and learning grants
• Enhanced parental leave (T&Cs apply)

EDI at CAVU

At CAVU, inclusion, diversity, and equity (ID&E) are fundamental. We want everyone to feel they belong here. We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all backgrounds and walks of life.

Research shows that women and underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet 100% of the criteria. If this role excites you but you’re not sure you tick every box—please apply anyway.

We’re also committed to supporting candidates with disabilities or access requirements. Let us know if you need adjustments at any stage.