At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and operation of enterprise-grade data platforms using SAP technologies.
- Company: Join the BBC's innovative Technology & Media Operations group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a focus on professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Deep knowledge of SAP technologies and experience leading data engineering teams.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 125000 ÂŁ per year.
Location and Hybrid Working
LOCATION: London, Cardiff, Birmingham. This is a hybrid role and the successful candidate will balance office working with home working 1‑2 days in the office per week.
Compensation
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £110,000‑£125,000, depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
Purpose of the Role
This exciting role sits in the BBC's Technology & Media Operations group, which delivers the technology requirements of the BBC across broadcast, enterprise, and digital to the strategy set by the business. Reporting into the Director of Corporate Systems, the role, working in partnership with third parties and peers supporting the broader corporate systems landscape, will lead the design, development, and operation of enterprise‑grade data reporting and analytics platforms and engineering solutions with a primary focus on SAP technologies ensuring scalability, security, and performance across complex global landscapes.
Key Responsibilities and Impact
- Strategic Leadership – Define and execute the HR and Finance data platforms and engineering strategy to enable the delivery of data warehousing, analytics and reporting technologies aligned to business objectives. Partner with domain Heads of Data and Data Custodians in technology alongside Data & security Architecture teams to deliver data architecture and integration to enable data modelling, analytics and reporting aligned to business strategy. Champion and deliver best practices for data governance, quality, and compliance.
- Technical Ownership – Oversee design and implementation of data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes, data medallion architecture and ingestion and integration frameworks for SAP systems (SAP ECC, SAP HCM, SuccessFactors, Concur, S/4HANA, BW, BPC, SAP Data Services, SAP BTP incl Datasphere and BDC and other non‑SAP data warehouses and platforms). Ensure robust data models and architecture for transactional and analytical workloads. Optimize performance with architecture colleagues of large‑scale data flows and storage solutions.
- Operational Excellence – Manage day‑to‑day operations of data engineering teams, ensuring SLAs and KPIs are met. Implement monitoring, alerting, and incident management for data pipelines. Drive automation and continuous improvement in data output operations.
- Collaboration & Stakeholder Management – Partner with other Data Architects and Engineers across the group, Finance, HR, and Technology teams to deliver integrated solutions. Work closely with SAP Basis, Application, and Analytics teams for seamless data flow. Work closely with Data Architecture and Business Heads of Data to design and delivery outcomes aligned to business goals. Engage with vendors and 3rd‑party AMS partners for technology delivery, upgrades and support.
- Innovation & Future Readiness – Explore and deliver emerging technologies (cloud‑native SAP solutions, AI/ML integration, data lakehouse architectures, AWS data platforms). Lead proof‑of‑concepts for advanced data engineering capabilities.
Qualifications and Experience
- Deep knowledge of SAP data platform technologies (incl SAP BW, Datasphere, SAP BDC, SAP BPC) and high‑volume, mission‑critical data pipelines within SAP ecosystems and onwards to other enterprise data platforms.
- Strong experience in ETL/ELT tools, data modelling, and integration patterns.
- Proven experience leading large data analytics engineering teams in complex environments.
- Ability to influence peers and senior stakeholders and drive cross‑functional collaboration.
- Understanding of data security, compliance (GDPR), and audit requirements.
Desired Criteria
- Relevant SAP certifications (SAP BW, SAP Data Services, SAP ECC, SAP HANA).
- Experience in global organisations.
- Strategic thinker with hands‑on technical depth.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making ability under pressure.
- HR and Finance data, process and technology domain knowledge.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief. We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging.
Head of Systems & Data Engineering - SAP in City of Westminster employer: BBC Studios Distribution Limited
Contact Detail:
BBC Studios Distribution Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Systems & Data Engineering - SAP in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around SAP technologies.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Systems & Data Engineering - SAP in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Systems & Data Engineering role. Highlight your experience with SAP technologies and data engineering, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don't forget to mention your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, as these are key for us.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects or achievements that relate to data pipelines, ETL processes, and SAP systems. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've driven success in previous roles!
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 to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Studios Distribution Limited
✨Know Your SAP Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SAP technologies, especially the ones mentioned in the job description like SAP BW, Datasphere, and S/4HANA. Be ready to discuss your experience with data pipelines and how you've tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Systems & Data Engineering, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in complex environments, focusing on collaboration and stakeholder management. Highlight any successful projects where you drove cross-functional collaboration.
✨Understand the Business Goals
Familiarise yourself with the BBC's business objectives and how the role aligns with them. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the HR and Finance data platforms and engineering strategy, ensuring that your answers reflect an understanding of the broader corporate systems landscape.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to data architecture, ETL/ELT processes, and data governance. Brush up on best practices and be ready to discuss how you've implemented monitoring and incident management in past roles. This will show your operational excellence and readiness to tackle the challenges of the role.