Lead Data Engineer (Azure Databricks)

Lead Data Engineer (Azure, Databricks) | Up to £85k base + bonus + benefits | Leeds (Hybrid)

Shaping the Future of Retail Analytics & Strategy

 

Ready to step into a high-impact technical leadership role and shape the data roadmap for a global retail analytics platform?

 

Want to move past standard data pipelines and architect a scalable, enterprise-grade reporting portal accessed by internal business leaders and global external suppliers?

 

Looking for an urgent permanent move where your mentoring skills and Azure/Databricks expertise will directly influence business-critical decisions?

 

We are partnering with a premier global data and analytics powerhouse that is currently transforming how the retail industry leverages insights. They are entering a pivotal phase of enhancing their core reporting portal, a platform that acts as the single source of truth for both internal business users and external suppliers.

 

As a Lead Data Engineer based out of their Leeds office, you will provide the technical leadership, strategic vision, and architectural direction needed to elevate this platform to the next level.

 

The Role

 

This role blends deep hands-on technical excellence with strategic data leadership. Rather than just executing tasks, your focus will be on owning the data roadmap, establishing future reporting strategy, and ensuring information delivery through the platform is seamless, insightful, and highly performant.

 

You will:

 

• Provide technical leadership  and mentor a talented team of data engineers, driving delivery standards, best practices, and engineering health.
• Own the design and enhancement  of a high-profile reporting portal, optimizing how insights and data-driven decision-making tools are delivered to stakeholders.
• Architect scalable data pipelines  and robust integration solutions using Azure, Databricks, and SQL Server.
• Collaborate closely with business stakeholders  to translate complex requirements into clean, scalable conceptual, logical, and physical data models.
• Drive automation, testing strategies, and CI/CD pipelines  to ensure enterprise-grade stability across both batch and real-time integration solutions.

 

What we’re looking for:

 

• Deep Technical Expertise:  A strong background in data engineering and data architecture, with mastery ove r  Azure (ADF), Databricks (PySpark/Spark SQL), and SQL Server.
• Leadership & Mentorship:  Proven experience guiding, coaching, and mentoring engineering teams (ideally 3-5+ years in a management or lead capacity).
• Data Modeling & Warehousing:  Solid understanding of major data architecture philosophies (Dimensional, ODS, Data Vault) and experience with enterprise-scale data modeling tools.
• Reporting & BI Savvy:  A strong grasp of modern BI environments (Power BI, SSRS, Tableau) to support the portal's embedded analytics layer.
• Consultative Mindset:  The ability to interact with senior stakeholders, gain clarity on a broader data roadmap, and align technical strategy with product goals.
• Right to Work:  You must already be fully eligible to work in the United Kingdom (sponsorship is not available for this role).

 

What’s on offer:

 

• Compensation:  Competitive salary up to £85k, plus a generous performance bonus.
• Flexibility:  A balanced hybrid working model requiring 2-3 days a week in the Leeds office.
• Immediate Impact:  A permanent role with an urgent start date to hit the ground running.
• Premium Benefits:  Comprehensive private healthcare, critical illness life assurance (4x annual salary), income protection, and a rewarding pension scheme.
• Perks & Lifestyle:  Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), retail cashback schemes, cycle-to-work program, and a heavy investment in your professional and personal development.

 

Ready to lead the charge?  Apply directly or drop us a message to discuss this confidential mandate in more detail!