At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and maintain data systems, ensuring high-quality data flows and analytics.
- Company: Join AIS, the leading fashion and leisure buying group in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, birthday leave, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment with exciting data projects.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL skills and experience with Microsoft Fabric and Power BI.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Here at AIS, we have an exciting opportunity available for a Data Engineer to join our IT team based in Solihull. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return you will receive a competitive salary, depending on experience. AIS is the UK's and Ireland's leading fashion, home and leisure buying group with a membership of 280 independent department stores and specialist retailers.
As our Data Engineer you will be responsible to provide project and business-as-usual support for all data related systems within the business to deliver the requirement through the development configuration and implementation of appropriate solutions.
Main Duties and Responsibilities- Data Engineering & Architecture
- Develop deep expertise in the organisation’s data landscape, ensuring strong understanding of all core data sources and analytics assets.
- Design, build and maintain data warehouses, data models and storage solutions that support scalable analytics.
- Create, optimise and maintain ETL/ELT pipelines to ensure reliable, high‑quality data flows across systems.
- Build and manage semantic models, datasets and reporting cubes to support consistent business reporting.
- Ensure all data solutions follow best practice for security, governance, performance and maintainability.
- Business Support & Collaboration
- Act as a key point of contact for incoming reporting, analytics and data‑related requests.
- Work closely with internal teams to gather requirements and support the design and delivery of new or enhanced data solutions.
- Liaise with third‑party software and service providers to support integrations, troubleshooting and system improvements.
- Provide clear communication to non‑technical stakeholders, translating technical concepts into accessible language.
- Operational Excellence
- Perform root‑cause analysis for recurring or business‑critical data incidents, implementing long‑term fixes.
- Support testing, validation and release of application updates and enhancements.
- Prioritise and manage workload effectively, balancing BAU tasks, support tickets and project work.
- Conduct routine system and performance monitoring, escalating issues where appropriate.
- Maintain high‑quality documentation for data processes, systems and departmental standards.
- General
- Undertake any additional duties required to support the Data & Insights function and wider business objectives.
- Strong technical understanding of data systems and IT applications.
- Proficiency with SQL Server, including advanced query writing and optimisation.
- Recent hands‑on experience with Microsoft Fabric and Power BI.
- Experience working with third‑party suppliers or software vendors.
- Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.
- Professional approach to customer service and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience working with EDI formats.
- Knowledge of Jet Reports.
- Experience or understanding of Microsoft PowerApps.
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT) experience.
- Professional, reliable and able to represent the IT and Data function confidently.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non‑technical audiences.
- Effective time‑management skills, able to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
- Self‑motivated, enthusiastic and proactive in identifying improvements.
- Curious and solution‑oriented, with a willingness to explore new technologies and approaches.
- Detail‑focused, structured and consistent in applying requirements and standards.
- Capable of producing high‑quality documentation and management information.
- Positive, “can‑do” attitude with a focus on delivering outcomes.
- Able to embody and promote the company’s values and brand attributes.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (in a full leave year, prorata for part time employees).
- Opportunity to buy additional annual leave (up to 10 days per leave year).
- Birthday leave - no one should work on their birthday so have the day off on us!
- Company pension scheme.
- Employee Wellbeing Scheme & Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Charity / volunteering Leave.
- Free employee parking.
- Onsite catering service (subsidised rate for employees).
- Access to discounts and staff sales.
- Employee engagement calendar and activities throughout the year.
If you feel you have the skills and experience needed to become the Data Engineer at AIS then please click 'apply' today! We’d love to hear from you.
Data Engineer employer: Associated Independent Stores Ltd
AIS is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Solihull that fosters creativity and collaboration among its IT team. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, competitive benefits including generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional growth, AIS empowers its Data Engineers to thrive while contributing to the success of the UK's leading fashion, home, and leisure buying group.
Contact Details:
Associated Independent Stores Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at AIS or similar companies on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a project that highlights your data engineering expertise, especially with SQL Server and Microsoft Fabric. Bring it along to interviews to impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for technical interviews by brushing up on your troubleshooting and analytical skills. Mock interviews with friends can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your technical understanding of data systems, SQL Server proficiency, and any hands-on experience with Microsoft Fabric and Power BI.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Data Engineer role. Share specific examples of your past work that align with our needs, especially around data engineering and collaboration with teams.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be translating technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders, make sure your application showcases your ability to communicate clearly. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Associated Independent Stores Ltd
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the data landscape of the company. Familiarise yourself with their core data sources and analytics assets. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with SQL Server, Microsoft Fabric, and Power BI. Bring examples of past projects where you've built ETL/ELT pipelines or data models. This practical knowledge will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your hands-on capabilities.
✨Communicate Clearly
Remember, you'll need to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Practice translating complex ideas into simple terms. This skill is crucial for the role and will highlight your ability to collaborate effectively within teams.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've tackled data incidents in the past. Share specific examples of root-cause analysis and the long-term fixes you implemented. This will showcase your analytical skills and proactive approach to operational excellence.
