Principal Data Engineer

Forward Role Recruitment; Wigan; Hybrid; GBP 67,500 - 82,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus scheme

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension

Opportunity to own Azure data platform

Job summary

Forward Role Recruitment is seeking a Principal Data Engineer in Wigan for a hybrid role focused on building an Azure data warehouse. You will lead the design and implementation of the data platform while mentoring junior engineers.

This pivotal position offers a salary up to £75,000, a company bonus scheme, and 25 days of holiday. Suitable candidates should have strong Azure experience and a background in data architecture.

Qualifications

• Experience building and scaling cloud-based data platforms (Azure).
• Experience at a senior, lead, or principal level with mentoring background.
• Strong understanding of data architecture, governance, and data quality.

Responsibilities

• Leading the design and build of a scalable Azure data platform.
• Mentoring and supporting a Data Engineer, driving their progression.
• Designing and implementing robust, scalable data pipelines.

Skills

Azure

Microsoft Fabric

SQL

Power BI

Python

Job description

Principal Data Engineer – Wigan (hybrid /remote)

I’m working with a growing business investing heavily in their data function, and they’re now looking for a Principal Data Engineer to lead the build of their Azure data warehouse.

This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll set the technical direction, establish best practices, and work closely alongside a high‑potential mid‑senior engineer providing the mentorship, guidance, and progression they’re looking for.

With a major ERP implementation (Business Central) underway, you’ll play a key role in shaping how data is structured, governed, and used across the organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys greenfield engineering, solving complex challenges, and building both platforms and people.

What’s in it for you?

• Salary up to £75,000 DOE
• Mainly remote working – ideally once a week or a few days per month in the Wigan office, with flexibility for the right person
• Company bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension
• Opportunity to own and help shape a modern Azure data platform
• Chance to mentor and develop a Data Engineer, helping build a high‑performing team
• Strong experience with Azure
• Microsoft Fabric
• SQL
• Power BI
• Python
• Solid understanding of data warehousing principles

Experience needed:

• Experience building and scaling cloud‑based data platforms (Azure)
• Experience operating at a senior, lead, or principal level · Background in mentoring, coaching, or supporting other engineers
• Experience integrating data from multiple systems (ERP, transactional platforms, etc.)
• Exposure to Business Central or similar ERP systems is highly beneficial
• Strong understanding of data architecture, governance, and data quality ·
• Comfortable balancing hands‑on delivery with technical leadership
• Experience working with high‑volume transactional data

Day to day

• Leading the design and build of a scalable Azure data platform
• Acting as the technical authority for data engineering within the business
• Mentoring and supporting a Data Engineer, helping drive their development and progression
• Designing and implementing robust, scalable data pipelines
• Supporting the integration of Business Central into the wider data platform
• Establishing best practices around data architecture, governance, and quality
• Building a centralised data warehouse for reporting and analytics
• Continuously improving performance, scalability, and reliability
• Collaborating with technical teams to deliver high‑quality data solutions

You’ll be joining at a pivotal stage, with the chance to build a modern data platform from the ground up, while also playing a key role in developing talent and setting the standard for data engineering within the business.

If you’re a Principal Data Engineer who enjoys combining hands‑on technical work with leadership and mentoring, this is a brilliant opportunity to make a real impact.

*Please note this role cannot offer sponsorship or accept short term or graduate visas*