Lead Data Engineer

CAVU; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company specializing in enhancing airport travel seeks a Lead Data Engineer in Manchester. This role involves leading the design and implementation of robust data systems, guiding a team in a tech-first environment, and utilizing advanced tools like Python and AWS to empower decision-making across the organization. Enjoy competitive perks such as flexible holidays and a comprehensive pension plan.

Benefits

25 Days Holiday

Option to buy extra days off

10% Company Pension

Annual Bonus Scheme

On-site Gym

MediCash Scheme

Flexible Benefits & Discounts

2 paid volunteering days per year

Formal and informal development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing and implementing data pipelines in cloud environments.
• Ability to mentor a team and drive standards.
• Strong understanding of data privacy and security.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of data infrastructure and ETL pipelines.
• Work closely with analysts and stakeholders to maximize data value.
• Manage client integrations and data warehousing projects.

Skills

Python

SQL

AWS

Data governance

Machine learning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Join to apply for the Lead Data Engineer role at CAVU

Join to apply for the Lead Data Engineer role at 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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Airlines and Aviation

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