Lead Data Platform Engineer

Government Recruitment Service; Exeter; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Job summary

Government Recruitment Service in Exeter is seeking a Lead Data Platform Engineer to shape how information is received and used within the agency. You will own the Microsoft Fabric and OneLake data platform, driving secure, scalable analytics and AI capabilities across enterprise teams.

You will provide technical leadership, define engineering standards and mentor a team of data engineers, while collaborating with architecture, delivery and supplier partners.

Responsibilities

• lead the development of Microsoft Fabric and OneLake, setting technical direction and assuring complex solutions so the platform remains secure, scalable, resilient, recoverable and able to perform effectively
• establish consistent engineering practices, including reusable components, automated testing, DataOps, CI/CD, and Infrastructure as Code, to improve quality and reduce technical debt
• define how data moves between systems, including Dynamics 365, Dataverse, Azure services and analytical platforms, using scheduled batches, near-real-time updates and event-driven integration to meet organisational needs
• enable trusted analytics, reporting, AI and machine learning, working with data, AI and delivery teams to move solutions into production
• embed governance and security in platform engineering, setting standards for data quality, lineage, metadata and access, while meeting retention and compliance requirements
• improve operational reliability and cost efficiency, working with AIOps, Application Support and FinOps colleagues on monitoring, operational management and platform consumption, and providing technical assurance across internal teams and suppliers
• lead, line manage and develop Senior Data Engineers and Data Engineers, using mentoring, knowledge sharing, recruitment and succession planning to build internal capability, reduce reliance on supplier knowledge and support continuous improvement

Tools

Microsoft Fabric

OneLake

Dynamics 365

Dataverse

Azure services

Job description

For nearly 150 years, we've protected the UK economy with deep expertise and rigour, building the confidence that helps businesses access lending, investment and opportunity.

We help people deal with personal insolvency. We make statutory redundancy payments when insolvent employers can't. We investigate director conduct and take action where it's needed.

And right now, we're changing how we do all of this, becoming faster, more digitally driven, and more focused on stopping problems before they escape.

More than 2,000 of us work in offices across England, Scotland and Wales. It might be time for you to join us.

Lead Data Platform Engineer

Company: Government Recruitment Service

Salary: £57,367 to £66,290 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Exeter

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 21 Oct 2026

Closing date: 4 Nov 2026

The Role

We're looking for a Lead Data Platform Engineer who wants more than a job that ticks boxes. The role of Lead Data Engineer will play a key role in shaping how we receive and use information within our agency.

This is a role for someone who wants to think bigger, challenge the way things have always been done, and take ownership of the outcomes that matter.

We offer full-time, part-time, job share, and flexible working. We invest in your development and give our people the space to grow, take ownership and make decisions.

You will provide technical leadership within the Data and Technology teams, taking responsibility for the organisation’s Microsoft Fabric and OneLake data platform. The platform provides the foundation for trusted analytics, reporting and AI.

You will work with Enterprise Architecture, Data Architecture, delivery teams and suppliers, alongside colleagues responsible for secure development, automated operations and application support. Together, you will develop a platform that can meet growing demand, protect information and maintain reliable services.

You will set engineering standards, guide complex technical decisions and lead the development of the data engineering team.

What you'll do (Responsibilities)

• lead the development of Microsoft Fabric and OneLake, setting technical direction and assuring complex solutions so the platform remains secure, scalable, resilient, recoverable and able to perform effectively
• establish consistent engineering practices, including reusable components, automated testing, DataOps, continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), and Infrastructure as Code, to improve quality and reduce technical debt
• define how data moves between systems, including Dynamics 365, Dataverse, Azure services and analytical platforms, using scheduled batches, near-real-time updates and event-driven integration to meet organisational needs
• enable trusted analytics, reporting, AI and machine learning, working with data, AI and delivery teams to move solutions into production
• embed governance and security in platform engineering, setting standards for data quality, lineage, metadata and access, while meeting retention and compliance requirements
• improve operational reliability and cost efficiency, working with AIOps, Application Support and FinOps colleagues on monitoring, operational management and platform consumption, and providing technical assurance across internal teams and suppliers
• lead, line manage and develop Senior Data Engineers and Data Engineers, using mentoring, knowledge sharing, recruitment and succession planning to build internal capability, reduce reliance on supplier knowledge and support continuous improvement

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.