Principal Data Engineer

National Highways; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

National Highways is seeking a Principal Data Engineer to design, build, test and maintain data management systems, connecting operational data with analytics and BI platforms. You will lead complex data flows, ensure governance and security, and champion modern data approaches across the Digital Services Directorate.

This hybrid role requires two days per week in office at a National Highways location, working with business stakeholders to deliver reliable data services and drive data

Qualifications

• Proactive leader who drives smarter, more efficient data services.
• Collaborative team player with strong stakeholder relationships.
• Strong decision-making using evidence and technical expertise.
• Committed to professional and operational excellence in data projects.
• Strategic thinker aligning data work with business goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of complex data flows and pipelines.
• Define and oversee verification and validation activities for data policies.
• Own end‑to‑end lifecycle management of data pipelines, promoting reuse and automation.
• Develop and advocate data engineering best practices and standards.
• Provide technical leadership and socialise best practices across the organisation.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Decision-making

Strategic thinking

Data engineering

Job description

About the role

As part of the development of our Digital Services function, we are strengthening internal digital capability within the Data Team. These roles are central to building sustainable in‑house expertise that supports the design, development, and delivery of digital solutions across the transport network. A key focus of this campaign is creating new opportunities, and as a result, we are recruiting a Principal Data Engineer. This is a pivotal role within the organisation.

In this role, you will work closely with business stakeholders to design, build, test, and maintain data management systems that meet user needs and business requirements. You will lead the design and implementation of complex data flows, connecting operational systems with analytics and BI platforms, while ensuring data is secure, governed, and compliant across the full lifecycle.

As a Principal Data Engineer, you will drive best practice in data engineering, championing automation, reuse, and the adoption of modern data approaches. You will provide technical leadership and advisory support across projects, helping to improve data reliability and efficiency, while contributing to organisational strategy and supporting the delivery of wider Digital Services objectives.

This is a hybrid role, requiring two days per week in the office, based at any National Highways office location.

• Lead the design and implementation of complex data flows and pipelines
• Define and oversee verification and validation activities, ensuring data flows are designed, managed, maintained, and retired in line with data policies across the full data lifecycle.
• Own the end‑to‑end lifecycle management of data pipelines, identifying opportunities for reuse and driving efficiency through standardisation and automation.
• Develop and advocate for data engineering best practices and standards - helping to build the discipline and, and championing data engineering across the business, industry and government.
• Provide technical leadership and socialise best practice across the organisation, contributing to strategic objectives, managing data‑related risks, and supporting the delivery of digital services.

About you

• A proactive leader who takes initiative, seeks continuous improvement, and drives smarter, more efficient ways of delivering data services, fostering a culture of learning and change.
• A collaborative team player who builds strong, trusted relationships across technical and business stakeholders, confidently challenges assumptions, and creates an inclusive environment that supports delivery of shared objectives.
• Strong decision‑making capability, using sound judgement, evidence, and technical expertise to balance risks, protect sensitive information, and deliver secure, sustainable, and high‑value outcomes.
• Committed to professional and operational excellence, with the ability to plan, organise, and manage complex data engineering activities to deliver high‑quality, reliable, and efficient services using appropriate project and risk management approaches.
• A strategic thinker with the ability to understand the wider organisational and public context, aligning data engineering activities to business goals, long‑term strategy, and the delivery of value to the organisation and its customers.

About us

Here at National Highways, we manage and improve England's motorways and major A roads, helping our customers have safer, smoother and more reliable journeys. Our priorities are safety, customers and delivery, and at the core of this, are our values of passion, integrity, safety, teamwork and ownership.

The Digital Services Directorate is helping to reshape the way National Highways operates by delivering digital, data and technology services across all areas, from frontline to back office, in a modern and efficient manner. Our vision is to develop integrated information and technology that empowers our colleagues and provides real‑time information to our customers, as well as integrating with intelligent vehicle and transport systems as they evolve, to enhance journey safety and reliability.

External candidates will be offered a starting salary at the lower end of the pay scale, while current employees will be appointed in accordance with our established pay policy.