Lead Data Engineer Azure Synapse

Cathcart Associates Group Ltd; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A global technology firm in Watford is looking for a hands-on Lead Data Engineer to modernise their data engineering practice. The role involves building and optimising Azure Synapse pipelines, leading a small team of engineers, and ensuring secure, scalable engineering practices. The successful candidate will have strong skills in SQL, Python, and experience in stabilising live platforms. This is a 3-month contract offering a competitive rate of £550-£600/day, with hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in data engineering, especially with Azure Synapse.
• Experience in modernising stabilised live platforms.
• Proficient in SQL, Python with a focus on performance tuning and security.

Responsibilities

• Build and optimise Azure Synapse pipelines and integrations.
• Lead and mentor engineers while participating in hands-on delivery.
• Ensure secure and scalable production-ready engineering.

Skills

Data engineering

Azure Synapse

SQL

Python

CI/CD

DevOps

Job description

Lead Data Engineer (Azure Synapse) – Watford – £550-£600/day – Outside IR35

Global organisation in Watford is seeking a hands‑on Lead Data Engineer to review and modernise their data engineering practice. You’ll consolidate pipelines, implement best practices, and lead a small team – while remaining actively involved in delivery.

3‑month contract with a strong chance of extension.

What you’ll do:

• Build and optimise Azure Synapse pipelines and integrations
• Apply Lakehouse / ADLS Gen2 patterns and medallion architecture
• Lead and mentor engineers while delivering hands‑on
• Ensure secure, scalable, production‑ready engineering
• Coding across SQL, Python, CI/CD, DevOps

You’ll need:

• Experience in data engineering, including strong expertise in Azure Synapse
• Experience stabilising/modernising live platforms
• Strong SQL, Python, performance tuning, and security focus
• Exposure to multiple source systems (Finance, CRM, ERP)

Hybrid working (2‑3 days onsite), competitive rate, outside IR35.

Apply now or contact Andy Weir at Cathcart Technology.

Cathcart Technology is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.