Lead Data Engineer

Lead Data Engineer – Manchester – £80,000–£95,000 + Bonus Hybrid – 2–3 days per week in the office

We’re representing an award-winning, tech-driven organisation in the travel industry that’s scaling its data capability to support rapid growth and digital transformation. They’re seeking a Lead Data Engineer
to guide a small, dynamic team and help shape the future of their cloud-based data platform.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a technically strong engineer with a collaborative mindset, someone who can translate complex data challenges into clear business outcomes. You’ll be joining a company where data sits at the heart of decision-making and innovation, working alongside passionate professionals in an ambitious, people-focused culture.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of two Data Engineers.
• Design, build, and optimise data pipelines and integrations (using
  dbt, Airbyte
  ,
  Open Flow
  ,
  APIs
  , and
  Python
  ) to deliver reliable and scalable data.
• Support the development of a new cloud-based data platform, driving modernisation from legacy Microsoft systems.
• Oversee data architecture, modelling, and automation (including elements of
  ML Ops
  ).
• Collaborate with Data Scientists, Analysts, and key business stakeholders to deliver insights that drive tangible business value.
• Balance hands‑on technical delivery with team leadership and stakeholder engagement.
• Bring structure and prioritisation to a fast‑paced, evolving environment.

• Highly proficient in
  SQL
  and
  Python
  .
• Experience with
  data modelling
  (3NF, Kimball) and modern data integration tools.
• Exposure to
  cloud-based platforms
  such as
  Snowflake
  ,
  Big Query
  , or similar is advantageous.
• Experience with
  DBT
  ,
  Airbyte
  , or
  APIs
  is desirable.
• Strong communicator who can link data initiatives to commercial outcomes.
• Enjoys mentoring, providing direction, and developing others’ technical growth.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving environment—able to prioritise and stay calm under pressure.
• Experience with
  Power BI
  ,
  Tableau
  , or similar BI tools is a plus.
• Understanding of
  GDPR
  and data governance best practices.

• £70,000–£75,000 + annual bonus
• Hybrid working
  – 2–3 days per week in the Manchester office
• 25 days’ holiday (increasing with service)
• Private medical or healthcare cash plan, pension, and life assurance
• Enhanced parental leave and flexible working culture
• Career growth opportunities within a values‑led, award‑winning organisation

This is a brilliant opportunity for a skilled data professional ready to step up into leadership or an experienced Lead Data Engineer who enjoys balancing hands‑on technical work with mentoring and stakeholder engagement.

Apply now or contact us in confidence to learn more about the role and interview process.