Lead Data Engineer

Lead Data Engineer

Full-Time 85000 - 105000 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the migration to AWS and design real-time data architectures for innovative gaming solutions.
  • Company: Join a pioneering tech company transforming the global betting and gaming industry.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, wellness support, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of gaming technology while mentoring a talented team.
  • Qualifications: Expertise in AWS data services, Python, SQL, and experience in leading data projects.

The predicted salary is between 85000 - 105000 £ per year.

About Us

Our mission is to dominate the betting and gaming industry on a global scale and we need the very best Tech talent to help us achieve this. With our proprietary platform powering everything we do, it's an exciting time to join us. We're pioneering new products and driving more advanced, creative technologies. The result? Unrivalled experiences for millions of customers worldwide. Betfred's Technology department is driven by innovation, and you'll be at the heart of unlocking our platform's potential. So, if you want to help shape the future of betting and gaming, it's time to join us.

Job Purpose

This Lead Data Engineer will be the senior technical authority for our data platform, setting the architectural direction and engineering standards for the team. This hands‑on role will focus on leading the technical delivery of our migration from SQL Server to an AWS lakehouse, and designing the real‑time streaming architecture that underpins automation, business intelligence, and analytics, while mentoring engineers across the team.

Job Duties

  • Own the technical architecture, standards and design patterns for the data platform, covering batch and streaming pipelines built on AWS Glue, AWS Lambda, AWS S3 and Redshift.
  • Lead the technical delivery of the Data Warehouse migration from SQL Server to AWS, including target modelling, cutover approach, reconciliation strategy and technical risk management.
  • Design and build the real‑time data architecture using Amazon MSK / Apache Kafka and PySpark Structured Streaming (evaluating Apache Flink where it is the better fit), including event schema governance, exactly‑once semantics and stream‑to‑lakehouse integration.
  • Define and embed data quality, validation and observability frameworks, and hold the team to them through design and code review.
  • Govern the lakehouse and data warehouse design, ensuring consistency, scalability and sensible cost characteristics across the platform.
  • Own platform infrastructure‑as‑code (Terraform) and CI/CD standards, so environments and pipelines are reproducible and reviewable.
  • Monitor and optimise AWS platform spend, making the cost and performance trade‑offs explicit when proposing architecture.
  • Act as the technical escalation point for complex data issues and performance bottlenecks, leading root‑cause analysis and driving permanent fixes.
  • Collaborate with data scientists, analysts and other engineering leads to support the deployment of machine learning and advanced analytical solutions.
  • Mentor and technically coach data engineers through pairing, review and design sessions, and contribute to technical assessment during hiring.
  • Represent data engineering in cross‑functional architecture, planning and prioritisation discussions, translating technical trade‑offs for senior technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
  • Embed data security and privacy by design, working with Information Security and our Data Protection team on how customer data is modelled, accessed and retained.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essentials:

  • Deep, hands‑on expertise across core AWS data services such as AWS Glue, AWS Lambda, AWS S3, AWS Redshift, and Amazon EMR, with the ability to make and defend architectural decisions.
  • Advanced proficiency in Python and SQL, including PySpark for large‑scale batch and streaming processing, and strong command of data modelling and data warehousing concepts.
  • Production experience designing and operating streaming architectures with Apache Kafka or Amazon MSK, including stream processing with Spark Structured Streaming.
  • Hands‑on experience with open table formats, such as Apache Iceberg or Delta Lake, including partitioning, schema evolution and table maintenance at scale.
  • Experience with pipeline orchestration and infrastructure‑as‑code using Terraform.
  • Experience acting as technical lead on a significant data platform or migration programme, setting standards others follow.
  • Track record of mentoring and developing engineers through review, pairing and design guidance.
  • Ability to diagnose and resolve complex, ambiguous data issues, and to teach others to do the same.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, including senior leadership.
  • Experience with data security and privacy best practices, and how to build them into platform design.
  • Experience with Agile development methodologies.

Desirable:

  • Experience with Apache Flink for stateful stream processing would be desirable.
  • Experience in migrating data from on‑premises systems, such as SQL Server, to cloud environments would be desirable.
  • Experience in a regulated industry, and awareness of how data platform design intersects with regulatory, compliance and responsible gambling obligations, would be an advantage.

What is in it for me?

We offer a variety of competitive benefits, some of which vary depending on the role you’re recruited to. Some of what you can expect in this role includes:

  • A competitive rate of pay and pension contribution (£85,000 -£105,000)
  • Generous discretionary bonus schemes, incentives and competitions
  • An annual leave entitlement that increases with length of service
  • Access to an online GP 24/7, 365 days a year for you and your immediate family.
  • Employee wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme
  • Enhanced Maternity

Lead Data Engineer employer: Betfred Group Holdings Limited

At Betfred, we pride ourselves on being an innovative leader in the betting and gaming industry, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. As an Automation Business Analyst, you'll not only contribute to cutting-edge technology solutions but also enjoy competitive benefits, including generous bonuses, enhanced parental leave, and comprehensive employee wellbeing support. Join us in our mission to revolutionise the industry while advancing your career in a supportive and growth-oriented culture.

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Contact Details:

Betfred Group Holdings Limited Recruitment Team

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