Senior Data Engineer in Cardiff

We are looking for an enthusiastic, numerically minded individual with a strong interest in data and a creative approach to problem‑solving. This role requires someone who is confident working independently, making technical decisions, raising engineering standards, and sharing knowledge with others. As part of a platform‑focused team, you will also be expected to support the solutions you build and, where needed, take part in out‑of‑hours support.

Working in an agile environment, you will need to be comfortable both independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced, evolving setting. This calls for someone who can meet agreed deadlines, communicate clearly, and think innovatively.

Responsibilities

As part of a Visualisation Admin squad, you will provide platform administration support for our BI tools, primarily Looker and MicroStrategy, ensuring high‑quality, reliable services.

• Own and administer the Looker platform, maintaining availability, performance, stability and security.
• Manage platform configuration, user access, roles, permissions, service accounts and governance controls in line with security and audit requirements.
• Manage LookML deployments and source control processes using Azure DevOps to support safe, efficient and repeatable change delivery.
• Support release planning and controlled platform changes to ensure smooth, low‑risk delivery.
• Monitor platform usage, performance and incidents, identify root causes, and implement lasting improvements.
• Promote BI administration best practice, including standards for naming, folder structures, access models, content lifecycle and environment management.
• Work closely with engineers, analysts and stakeholders to understand requirements, resolve issues and support effective use of Looker across the business.
• Use automation and infrastructure‑as‑code approaches where possible to improve consistency, reduce manual effort and strengthen platform controls.
• Contribute to technical design, change management and release planning for BI platform enhancements and strategic initiatives.
• Coach and support team members by sharing knowledge, promoting engineering standards and encouraging continuous improvement.
• Actively take part in squad, chapter and guild ceremonies, contributing to team culture, delivery practices and wider Data Tribe goals.
• Bring forward innovative ideas and practical solutions to improve how our BI platforms are managed, used and developed.
• Keep your skills up to date by following advancements in business intelligence solutions and data warehousing, bringing forward ideas that improve platform capability, resilience and user experience.

This is not a full definition of the role but covers the main aspects and drivers for success.

Essential Skills And Experience

• Expert knowledge and experience administering Looker, including user access, roles and permissions, GCP IAM integration, environment management, and service accounts.
• Good understanding of LookML, deployment workflows and version control practices.
• Experience supporting BI platforms, with strong troubleshooting and performance optimisation skills.
• Strong experience with CI/CD, release management, and automation tools using Azure DevOps and Terraform.
• Strong SQL skills, with the ability to investigate data issues and support platform users effectively.
• Knowledge of Git and experience working within engineering standards, governance processes and controlled change environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, both technical and non‑technical, with the ability to build effective relationships horizontally and vertically across the business.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and experience working effectively in agile, fast‑paced environments.
• Adaptable and open to change, with a willingness to upskill in MicroStrategy administration.
• Able to drive change and innovation, with strong strategic awareness and a broader business perspective.

Desirable Skills And Experience

• Experience with other BI tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
• Knowledge of Python or scripting for automation.
• Experience with cloud data platforms such as Big Query or Snowflake.
• Knowledge of data modelling.

Admiral: Where You Can

We take pride in being a diverse and inclusive business. It is a place where you can be yourself, and show up as you are. We’re committed to fostering a people‑first culture where everyone is accepted, supported and empowered to be brilliant. You can grow and progress at a pace and direction that suits you, make a difference for our customers and each other, and share in our future with all colleagues eligible for up to £3,600 of free shares each year after one year of service.

Everyone receives 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) when they join us, increasing the longer you stay with us, up to a maximum of 38 days (including bank holidays). You also have the option to buy or sell up to an additional five days of annual leave.

We’re proud of our people‑first culture. In fact, we’ve been recognised as a Great Place to Work for Women, a Great Place to Work for Wellbeing, and an overall Great Place to Work for over 25 years! We’re fully committed to making sure your progression is not slowed or halted by barriers related to race, gender, age, sexuality or any of the protected characteristics.

Our fantastic benefits make sure our colleagues have a great work‑life balance; you can view some of our other key benefits here.

Disability Confident Leader

As a Disability Confident Leader, for candidates with a disability or long‑term health condition, that opt into the Disability Confident scheme, we’ll invite a fair and proportionate number of applicants that meet the essential requirements of the role to the first stage of our selection process.

If you need any adjustments or support with your application or during the recruitment process, just let us know. Please do email us or contact us on 07386666328. This number is dedicated to supporting candidates that require reasonable adjustments or support during the application process.