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Head of Data Engineering

Harnham
Kent
1 day ago
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Head of Data Engineering

Hybrid - Kent (3 Days per Week)

Up to £130,000 + 30% Bonus + Benefits

Are you an experienced data leader ready to take ownership of a large-scale data transformation? We’re working with a leading UK financial services group that’s on a major journey to modernise its data estate — and they’re looking for a Head of Data Engineering to lead the migration from on-premise to a modern, Azure-based cloud platform.

This is a high-impact leadership role, ideal for someone who combines strategic vision with hands-on technical credibility and thrives on building, scaling, and delivering enterprise-grade data solutions.

💡 Why this role?

  • Lead the migration of legacy on-premise systems to Azure , driving one of the organisation’s most strategic technology programmes.
  • Shape and execute the data engineering roadmap , delivering scalable, secure, and compliant data solutions.
  • Build and mentor a high-performing engineering team , embedding modern cloud-first practices.
  • Hybrid flexibility: 3 days per week in the Kent office , with the rest remote.
  • Excellent package: up to £130,000 + 30% bonus and comprehensive benefits.

👩 💻 What you’ll be doing:

  • Leading the end-to-end migration from on-prem to Azure , defining architecture, governance, and delivery best practices.
  • Designing, developing, and optimising data pipelines, integration frameworks, and ETL processes in Azure.
  • Building and maintaining scalable solutions using Azure Data Lake, Synapse, Data Factory, and Databricks .
  • Establishing robust data governance, quality, and lineage frameworks across all environments.
  • Collaborating closely with data architecture, analytics, and IT to ensure a seamless transition and platform stability.
  • Managing delivery across multiple workstreams, ensuring projects are on time, within budget, and high quality.
  • Developing team capability — coaching engineers and fostering a culture of innovation and ownership.
  • Presenting updates and strategic insights to senior leadership and executive stakeholders .

🎯 What we’re looking for:

  • Proven track record leading data engineering teams through large-scale transformations.
  • Strong, hands-on understanding of Azure data services — e.g. Synapse, Data Factory, Data Lake, Databricks, Purview .
  • Direct experience migrating from on-premise environments to Azure , ideally within a regulated or financial services context.
  • Deep technical knowledge of data architecture, ETL/ELT, and data modelling .
  • Excellent coding skills in SQL and Python , with experience implementing DevOps for data and CI/CD.
  • Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement — able to translate technical progress into business outcomes.
  • Strategic thinker with a delivery mindset and the ability to influence at senior levels.

Nice-to-haves:

  • Experience with Snowflake or hybrid multi-cloud data solutions.
  • Familiarity with banking or financial data frameworks such as BCBS239 or IRB.
  • Background in agile delivery and infrastructure automation using Terraform or similar.

💰 Package & Benefits:

  • Salary up to £130,000 + 30% annual bonus .
  • Hybrid working – 3 days per week in Kent office .
  • Private medical insurance, life assurance, and pension scheme.

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