Lead Systems Engineer - Data

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is seeking an experienced Lead Systems Engineer to lead data platforms and IT infrastructure across our estate. You will mentor a team of Systems Engineers, manage complex issues, and collaborate with architects to secure and modernise services.

You will drive technical delivery for infrastructure and data projects, ensuring SLAs and governance are met while building strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Lead technical and people development across IT teams.
• Collaborate with architects to align data and infrastructure services.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving and teamwork in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery and continuous improvement of data platforms and supporting infrastructure, ensuring services are secure, resilient and high performing
• Provide expert level 3rd line support, acting as the final escalation point for complex technical issues
• Manage and develop a team of Systems Engineers, coordinating workloads and supporting progression
• Work closely with the Architecture Team to align data and infrastructure services with strategic IT direction
• Lead the technical delivery of infrastructure and data related projects, from planning through to transition into support
• Ensure services meet agreed SLAs, KPIs and service standards
• Maintain high standards of documentation, governance and security compliance
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and senior leaders

Skills

Enterprise infrastructure

Data platforms

Team leadership

Mentoring

Job description

Are you passionate about data, platforms, and modern infrastructure, and ready to lead a team that keeps critical services running while shaping what comes next? We’re looking for an experienced Lead Systems Engineer to take a leading role in our Data and Platform services, combining hands on technical expertise with people leadership and strategic thinking. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence how data and infrastructure services are delivered across a large, complex organisation and to help drive improvements that genuinely make a difference.

About the Role

As our Lead Systems Engineer, you’ll provide senior technical leadership across our IT estate, with a strong focus on data platforms and services, alongside servers, networks and security. You’ll act as the senior escalation point for complex issues, lead service improvements, and work closely with architects to ensure our data and infrastructure platforms are secure, resilient and fit for the future. You’ll also manage and mentor a team of Systems Engineers, supporting their development while ensuring high quality, reliable services are delivered day to day.

Responsibilities

• Leading the operational delivery and continuous improvement of data platforms and supporting infrastructure, ensuring services are secure, resilient and high performing
• Providing expert level 3rd line support, acting as the final escalation point for complex technical issues
• Managing and developing a team of Systems Engineers, coordinating workloads and supporting progression
• Working closely with the Architecture Team to align data and infrastructure services with strategic IT direction
• Leading the technical delivery of infrastructure and data related projects, from planning through to transition into support
• Ensuring services meet agreed SLAs, KPIs and service standards
• Maintaining high standards of documentation, governance and security compliance
• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and senior leaders

Qualifications

You’ll bring a strong background in enterprise infrastructure and data platforms, with the confidence to lead both technically and professionally. You’ll enjoy mentoring others, solving complex problems, and working collaboratively to deliver robust IT services. You’ll also align with our organisational values of Trust, Respect, Ambition, Collaboration and Kindness, and bring these to life through your leadership style and ways of working.

Required Skills

Strong background in enterprise infrastructure and data platforms.

Preferred Skills

Experience in mentoring others and solving complex problems.

Pay range and compensation package

Salary: £45,091 to £49,282 per annum

This role includes participation in an on-call rota and out-of-hours support for critical events when required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity. Due to safeguarding responsibilities, a DBS check will be required as part of the recruitment process.