Data Engineering Lead

Data Engineering Lead – SQL / Azure / Fabric

Location: Manchester, hybrid (2–3 days on site)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £80,000 – £110,000 + benefits

Overview
Are you a data engineering leader who still knows SQL inside out? This role is about bridging the gap between architecture and delivery: taking the big-picture direction and turning it into standards, patterns and work the team can actually deliver.

We’re working with a well-established, growing professional services firm that is investing heavily in its data function. They need a Data Engineering Lead to head up a team of eight engineers across platform operations and engineering, including offshore resource. It’s mainly a leadership role, but you’ll need a genuine hands-on background and be comfortable stepping in when needed. The environment is SQL-heavy, with a mix of on-prem and Azure, and the firm is planning a full move to the cloud, most likely Microsoft Fabric.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of eight data engineers, including offshore resource.

• Translate data architecture into clear technical standards, reusable patterns and well-defined work packages.

• Review designs and engineering work to make sure they meet agreed standards.

• Own CI/CD and source control standards for data engineering assets.

• Lead on change, incident and problem management for the data platforms.

• Deliver key projects, including improvements to the core data warehouse and integrating a new application into the business.

• Help shape the move from on-prem and Azure to a full cloud platform, likely Fabric.

• Work closely with architects, stakeholders and senior leadership, including regular travel to London.

Requirements

• Very strong SQL. This is the must-have.

• A solid career in data engineering or data architecture.

• Experience leading engineering teams, ideally including offshore teams.

• Hands-on experience with Azure data services such as Synapse and Data Factory.

• A good understanding of CI/CD, source control, and release and incident management.

• Able to be on site in Manchester 2–3 days a week and travel to London roughly once a month.

Desirable

• Microsoft Fabric experience.

• Databricks or Snowflake experience, with a willingness to move into Fabric.

• A background in a regulated environment such as financial services, insurance, legal or healthcare.

• Power BI and Fivetran experience.

• Experience of on-prem to cloud migration.

Why Join?

• A clear route towards a Head of role.

• The chance to shape a major move to the cloud.

• A team of eight to lead and develop.

• Exposure to senior leadership.

• Hybrid working, 26 days’ holiday, and a strong benefits package.

Apply
If you’re a data engineering leader with strong SQL and team leadership experience, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today for a confidential discussion.