Lead Data Engineer

Travel Limited; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel services company in Manchester seeks a Data Engineering Team Lead to oversee the design and development of its data infrastructure. This role involves managing data pipelines, collaborating with data scientists, and migrating to cloud technologies. The ideal candidate is highly proficient in SQL and Python, experienced with cloud services, and has a strong understanding of data modeling and GDPR compliance.

Benefits

Competitive salary + annual bonus

Flexible hybrid working

Career development opportunities

25 days holiday increasing to 28 after 5 years

Enhanced Maternity/Paternity pay

Paid charity day

Company events and incentives

3x salary death in service benefit

Pension scheme

Private Medical Insurance or Healthcare Cash Plan

Free breakfast and beverages

Qualifications

• Proficient in SQL and Python.
• Experience with cloud platforms like Snowflake or BigQuery.
• Understanding of data modelling practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement data pipelines for accurate reporting.
• Collaborate with team to scale machine learning capabilities.
• Oversee migration to cloud-based data technologies.

Skills

SQL

Python

Data modelling

Cloud-based data platforms

Data integrations

Machine learning model deployment

BI tools (PowerBI/Tableau)

Understanding of GDPR

Job description

Reporting to the Head of Data, Insights & Analytics you will lead a team of Data Engineers in the design, development and maintenance of Travel Counsellors' data infrastructure. This role will be a high impact, multi-faceted working on data pipelines, our new strategic Data Platform and operationalising our analytical / data science solutions.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and implementation of data pipelines to ensure accurate, consistent and timely data across our analytical and reporting needs
• Work closely with Data Scientists, Analysts and business SMEs to automate and scale our machine learning and AI capabilities
• Support the development of our new cloud-based Data Platform, transforming systematic data into a business view for reporting and analytics
• Take ownership of our existing Microsoft technology (SQL Server, SSIS, SSAS, SSRS) whilst delivering on our migration plans to cloud-based technology
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for data processes and architectures. Provide training and support to team members and stakeholders.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in data engineering, advocating for continuous improvement within the team.
• Lead data-related projects, ensuring timely delivery while balancing multiple priorities and stakeholder needs.

Qualifications

• Highly proficient in SQL
• Highly proficient in Python
• Strong understanding of data modelling, e.g. 3NF, Kimball
• Experience using cloud-based data platforms and infrastructure, e.g. Snowflake, BigQuery etc
• Experience building data integrations and understanding of best practices
• Understanding of the development lifecycle and best practices
• Desire to build relationships with an ability to deliver solutions to meet customers needs
• Experience in deploying and maintaining machine learning models desirable
• Experienced in the use of BI tools such as PowerBI / Tableau desirable
• Understanding of the regulatory environment and the need for data to comply with GDPR.

About Travel Counsellors

At Travel Counsellors, our customers, communities, and colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. For over 30 years, we've empowered 2,200+ independent travel agents worldwide, helping them build successful businesses while providing deeply personal, human connections with their customers. Supported by a talented team of over 400 people in our Support Offices, we create unique travel experiences that keep customers coming back. Named the Best Place to Work in Travel (2022) and ranked in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work (2023, 2024 & 2025), we're expanding rapidly and looking for exceptional individuals to join our Head Office team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary + annual bonus
• Flexible hybrid working
• Career development opportunities
• 25 days holiday (increasing to 28 after 5 years)
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity pay
• 1 day paid charity day
• Company events and incentives
• 3x salary death in service benefit
• Pension scheme
• Private Medical Insurance or Healthcare Cash Plan
• Free breakfast and beverages