Lead Systems Engineer - Data Engineer

Blackburn with Darwen Council; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackburn with Darwen Council is seeking an experienced Lead Data Engineer/Lead Systems Engineer to steer data platforms and associated services across our IT estate. You’ll combine hands-on technical leadership with people management to deliver secure, resilient data solutions that support critical council services.

You’ll mentor a small team of Engineers/Analysts, partner with Architects, and drive continuous improvement while ensuring delivery against SLAs and governance standards.

Qualifications

• Strong background in enterprise data platforms and data services.
• Experience mentoring engineers/analysts.
• Ability to work with architects and senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery and improvement of data platforms and supporting IT infrastructure, ensuring security, resilience and performance.
• Provide expert escalation for 3rd line support; final escalation point for complex issues.
• Manage and develop Engineers/Analysts; coordinate workloads and progression.
• Align data services with strategic IT direction with Architecture Team.
• Lead data-related projects from planning to transition into support.
• Ensure services meet SLAs, KPIs and governance standards.
• Maintain documentation, governance and security compliance.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and leaders.

Skills

Data platform leadership

Mentoring/people leadership

3rd line escalation

Stakeholder engagement

Security & governance

Project delivery

Job description

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Salary Grade I, SCP 34-38, £46,579 to £50,908 per annum

Department: Chief Execs
Terms and Conditions: 37 hrs per week, Permanent
Interview date: TBC

Are you passionate about data, analytics 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 services are delivered across a large, complex organisation and to help drive improvements that genuinely make a difference.

About the role

As our Lead Data Engineer, you’ll provide senior technical leadership across our IT estate, with a strong focus on data platforms and services, working 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 small team of Engineers / Analysts, supporting their development while ensuring high quality, reliable services are delivered day to day.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the operational delivery and continuous improvement of data platforms and the supporting infrastructure, ensuring services are secure, resilient and high performing
• Providing expert level escalation for 3rd line support, acting as the final escalation point for complex technical issues
• Managing and developing a team of Engineers/Analysts, coordinating workloads and supporting progression
• Working closely with the Architecture Team to align data services with strategic IT direction
• Leading the technical delivery of 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

What we’re looking for

You’ll bring a strong background in enterprise 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.

• A chance to shape and lead the Data area of IT, influencing platforms that underpin critical services
• A leadership role with real scope to improve services and develop people
• Opportunities to work closely with architecture and senior stakeholders on enterprise-wide initiatives
• A supportive environment that values collaboration, learning and continuous improvement

Additional information

This role includes participation in an on-call rota and out-of-hours support for critical events when required. Due to safeguarding responsibilities, a DBS check will be required as part of the recruitment process.