Head of Data Engineering

RWS Group
Maidenhead
1 month ago
Applications closed

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Head of Data Engineering - London

Head of Data Engineering

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Head of Data Engineering — Scale Data Platforms & Teams

Head of Data Engineering (Manchester/Hybrid, UK)

Head of Data Engineering – RWS Group

We are seeking a foundational leader to evolve our data platform and data strategy. The role is critical for enabling a modern Data Mesh operating model that empowers domain teams to own, serve, and utilize high-quality data products independently.


Key Responsibilities:



  • Lead the technical design and oversight for core data platform infrastructure, enabling the shift to a Data Mesh operating model.
  • Directly manage, coach, and mentor a global team of Data Engineers across UK, Czechia, Poland, and India, fostering technical ownership, collaboration, and high quality.
  • Define and execute the technical strategy and architecture decisions across on‑premise and cloud‑based implementations, evaluating new technologies (e.g., GCP, BigQuery, Dataform) through Proofs of Concept (POCs).
  • Champion Data Mesh principles by building robust self‑service data infrastructure that allows domain teams to independently own and serve their data products.
  • Partner with Product Managers, Engineering Managers, and business stakeholders to refine and execute the data platform roadmap.
  • Contribute as a core member of the Data Governance working group to establish standards, protocols, and discovery mechanisms for secure, reliable data‑as‑a‑product exchange.
  • Oversee project execution using Agile methodologies, managing technical risks and dependencies while ensuring adoption of modern DataOps and FinOps practices for automation and cost efficiency.

Required Qualifications:



  • Experience leading engineering teams (3+ years) focused on data infrastructure or data platforms.
  • Strong architectural understanding of distributed data systems, data warehousing, and modern data architecture patterns.
  • Hands‑on proficiency with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) services, including BigQuery, demonstrated through project delivery.
  • Ability to coach and develop technical teams, drive best practices (Agile, testing, CI/CD, documentation), and manage technical quality.
  • Experience delivering major data platform features, managing technical risks, and ensuring stability and performance of production data systems.

Beneficial Skills:



  • Experience with a Data Mesh operating model, including domain ownership, data‑as‑a‑product concepts, and federated governance.
  • Designing or implementing shared platform components such as automated provisioning, data product scaffolding, or discovery portals.
  • Familiarity with data contracts, APIs for exposing data products, and hybrid cloud/on‑premises environments.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Data Stack and Azure cloud services, including SQL Server.

About RWS Group: RWS Group unlocks global understanding by converting language, knowledge, and data into actionable insight. Our purpose is to enable organizations to harness information, fostering inclusion, diversity, and continuous growth.


Benefits and Culture: We celebrate difference, promote DEI, and support career growth. Living our values means partnering, winning together, innovating fearlessly, leading with vision, and taking ownership of outcomes.


Equal Opportunity Employment: RWS Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.


Recruitment Policies: RWS Holdings PLC does not accept agency resumes. Unsolicited resumes are treated as RWS property and considered void.


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