Lead Data Platform Engineer | £75k to £85K | Data Ownership

Opus Recruitment Solutions Limited; Blackburn; Hybrid; GBP 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Opus Recruitment Solutions Limited is seeking a Data Platform Engineer to design and own a brand-new Microsoft Fabric data platform in a hybrid setting. You will centralise data from multiple systems, establish governance, and deliver trusted reporting for analytics and AI initiatives.

You will work with senior stakeholders to define the data roadmap, build scalable ELT pipelines, and enable self-service analytics with Power BI and semantic models.

Qualifications

• Experience building or leading a modern cloud data platform.
• Strong SQL and Python/PySpark skills.
• Understanding of data modelling and governance.
• Power BI semantic modelling and DAX.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and own a new Microsoft Fabric data platform.
• Develop scalable ELT pipelines using SQL and Python/PySpark.
• Integrate ERP, CRM, HR and operational systems into a centralised data environment.
• Establish data governance, security and quality standards.
• Deliver executive and operational reporting through Power BI.
• Create semantic models to support self-service analytics and AI use cases.
• Work directly with business leaders to define priorities and the data roadmap.
• Help shape the future direction of the data function.

Skills

SQL

Python/PySpark

Power BI

DAX

Data modelling

Governance

Autonomous working

Tools

Microsoft Fabric

Job description

Are you a Data Platform Engineer looking for the opportunity to build a modern data estate from scratch and take ownership of a business-critical platform?

We're partnering with a growing international business that is making its first dedicated senior data hire. This is a rare opportunity for a Data Platform Engineer to design and deliver a greenfield Microsoft Fabric platform while helping shape the company's long-term data and AI strategy.

As the lead Data Platform Engineer, you'll work directly with senior stakeholders to centralise data from multiple business systems, establish governance and create a trusted foundation for reporting, analytics and future AI initiatives.

The Role

As a Data Platform Engineer, you will:

• Design, build and own a new Microsoft Fabric data platform
• Develop scalable ELT pipelines using SQL and Python/PySpark
• Integrate ERP, CRM, HR and operational systems into a centralised data environment
• Establish data governance, security and quality standards
• Deliver executive and operational reporting through Power BI
• Create semantic models to support self-service analytics and AI use cases
• Work directly with business leaders to define priorities and the data roadmap
• Help shape the future direction of the data function

What We're Looking For

• Experience building or leading a modern cloud data platform
• Strong SQL and Python/PySpark skills
• Strong understanding of data modelling and governance
• Power BI semantic modelling and DAX expertise
• Ability to work autonomously and influence technical direction

Why Apply?

• First senior Data Platform Engineer hire within the business
• Greenfield Microsoft Fabric implementation
• Significant ownership and influence from day one
• Direct access to senior leadership
• Opportunity to shape the organisation's AI journey
• Clear progression path as the data team grows
• Ideal move for a Senior Data Platform Engineer looking for greater ownership

Salary: Up to £85,000 + Benefits

Location: Lancashire (Hybrid, 3 days onsite)

Whether you're currently a Data Platform Engineer, Senior Data Engineer, Lead Data Engineer, Fabric Engineer or Azure Data Engineer, this is an opportunity to become the go-to Data Platform Engineer within a business investing heavily in its data capabilities.