Lead Data Engineer

SSE plc
Portsmouth
1 week ago
Create job alert

Base Location: You’ll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of the following locations: Reading, Havant or Glasgow


Salary: £58,100 - £87,100 + performance‑related bonus and a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.


Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available


The Role

We are recruiting for the position of a Lead Data Engineer in SSE's Group Data and Analytics team. This team acts as a Centre for Enablement (CfE) for the SSE organisation and are involved in a variety of activities: practical project development work, advising on best practice, investigation into new capabilities and other activities that further data‑driven solutions across SSE.


You Will

  • Act as a subject matter expert in the data engineering / data solutions space as a key member of the CfE.
  • Understand business requirements and discuss with stakeholders a recommended solution approach. Work in an inclusive manner with team members in terms of architecture and design of a solution.
  • Lead, mentor and advise the CfE data solutions team in their work.
  • Lead and undertake practical work as well as provide advice and guidance to business units in SSE. This will mainly relate to data engineering activities such as the design, development, implementation and maintenance of efficient, reusable and reliable data pipelines in an Azure environment.
  • Peer review work from team members to ensure quality, consistency, reusability etc. Ensure that appropriate testing for any given solution is considered and applied. Utilise CI/CD techniques for the productionisation of solutions.

You Have

  • Experience of acting in a lead position for a data engineering (data solutions) team in a large and diverse organisation and involvement in the full development lifecycle across varied solutions.
  • Extensive experience of using the Databricks platform for developing and deploying data solutions / data products (including ingestion, transformation and modelling) with high proficiency in Python, PySpark and SQL.
  • Leadership experience in other facets necessary for solution development such as testing, the wider scope of quality assurance, CI/CD etc.
  • Experience in related areas of data and analytics - such as data visualisation, advanced analytics and/or AI capabilities (particularly the use of large language models) - would be beneficial.
  • The mindset to lead by example; carrying out your own tasks to a high standard as well as leading a team to ensure task allocation and completion and that the quality of their work adheres to agreed patterns and standards.

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're building the world's largest offshore wind farm. Transforming the grid to provide greener electricity for millions of people and investing over £20 billion in home‑grown energy, with £20 billion more in the pipeline.


Our IT division powers growth across all SSE business areas by making sure we have the systems, software and security needed to take the lead in a low carbon world. They provide expertise, advice and day‑to‑day support in emerging technologies, data and analytics, cyber security and more.


Flexible Benefits To Fit Your Life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.


Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact / 01738 275 846 to discuss how we can support you.


We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.


Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Lead Data Engineer

Lead Data Engineer - Azure Synapse

Lead Data Engineer - Hadoop - Spark - Python

Lead Data/Head of Data Engineer

Lead Data Engineer

Lead Data Engineer

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Data Science Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Data Science Job?

If you’re trying to break into data science — or progress your career — it can feel like you are drowning in names: Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, SQL, Spark, AWS, Scikit-learn, Jupyter, Tableau, Power BI…the list just keeps going. With every job advert listing a different combination of tools, many applicants fall into a trap: they try to learn everything. The result? Long tool lists that sound impressive — but little depth to back them up. Here’s the straight-talk version most hiring managers won’t explicitly tell you: 👉 You don’t need to know every data science tool to get hired. 👉 You need to know the right ones — deeply — and know how to use them to solve real problems. Tools matter, but only in service of outcomes. So how many data science tools do you actually need to know to get a job? For most job seekers, the answer is not “27” — it’s more like 8–12, thoughtfully chosen and well understood. This guide explains what employers really value, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your toolbox so your CV and interviews shine.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Data Science Job Applications (UK Guide)

If you’re applying for data science roles in the UK, it’s crucial to understand what hiring managers focus on before they dive into your full CV. In competitive markets, recruiters and hiring managers often make their first decisions in the first 10–20 seconds of scanning an application — and in data science, there are specific signals they look for first. Data science isn’t just about coding or statistics — it’s about producing insights, shipping models, collaborating with teams, and solving real business problems. This guide helps you understand exactly what hiring managers look for first in data science applications — and how to structure your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you leap to the top of the shortlist.

The Skills Gap in Data Science Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Data science has become one of the most visible and sought-after careers in the UK technology market. From financial services and retail to healthcare, media, government and sport, organisations increasingly rely on data scientists to extract insight, guide decisions and build predictive models. Universities have responded quickly. Degrees in data science, analytics and artificial intelligence have expanded rapidly, and many computer science courses now include data-focused pathways. And yet, despite the volume of graduates entering the market, employers across the UK consistently report the same problem: Many data science candidates are not job-ready. Vacancies remain open. Hiring processes drag on. Candidates with impressive academic backgrounds fail interviews or struggle once hired. The issue is not intelligence or effort. It is a persistent skills gap between university education and real-world data science roles. This article explores that gap in depth: what universities teach well, what they often miss, why the gap exists, what employers actually want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build successful careers in data science.