Head of Data Engineering in Wakefield
Head of Data Engineering

Head of Data Engineering in Wakefield

Wakefield Full-Time 95000 - 130000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and innovate data engineering teams while designing enterprise-scale data platforms.
  • Company: Established UK tech firm focused on data-driven decision-making.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, remote-first work, and quarterly team meet-ups.
  • Why this job: Take ownership of impactful data projects and shape the future of data engineering.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in data engineering with strong technical skills in Azure, SQL, and Python.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 95000 - 130000 £ per year.

UK-based | Remote first (quarterly on-site in Reading)

£110,000 – £140,000 + benefits

We’re working with a well-established UK technology business that sits at the intersection of data, property and decision-making. Data is core to how the organisation operates, and they’re now looking for a Head of Data Engineering to take full ownership of their data platforms and engineering capability.

This role is about depth as much as leadership. You’ll set the technical direction, stay close to the architecture, and build an environment where data engineers can do their best work, while ensuring platforms are reliable, scalable and commercially sound.

What you’ll be responsible for:

  • Owning the design and evolution of enterprise-scale data platforms and pipelines
  • Setting engineering standards and acting as the senior technical authority for data engineering
  • Leading and developing a team of experienced data engineers
  • Ensuring operational excellence: availability, performance, cost control and incident management
  • Partnering closely with product, software engineering, architecture, data science and security teams
  • Making pragmatic architectural decisions that balance modern engineering practices with resilience and governance

What we’re looking for:

  • Proven experience leading data engineering teams while remaining technically hands-on
  • Strong background designing and operating large-scale data platforms
  • Deep experience within the Azure data ecosystem
  • Excellent SQL and Python skills in production environments
  • Experience with modern ETL/ELT patterns, CI/CD and infrastructure as code
  • A pragmatic, commercially aware mindset. You understand why the platform exists, not just how

Working model:

This is a remote-first role within the UK, with an expectation to be on-site once per quarter for planning and collaboration.

Eligibility:

Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK, as sponsorship is not available for this position.

If you’re a senior data engineering leader who still enjoys being close to the technology and wants real ownership rather than oversight, this is a role worth exploring.

Head of Data Engineering in Wakefield employer: Develop

Join a forward-thinking UK technology business that prioritises data at its core, offering a remote-first work culture with quarterly on-site collaboration in Reading. As the Head of Data Engineering, you'll benefit from a supportive environment that fosters innovation and professional growth, alongside competitive remuneration and comprehensive benefits. This role not only allows you to lead a talented team but also empowers you to shape the future of data engineering within the organisation, making it an ideal opportunity for those seeking meaningful and impactful work.
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Contact Detail:

Develop Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Data Engineering in Wakefield

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the data engineering field and let them know you're on the hunt for a new role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can refer you directly to hiring managers.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects, especially those involving large-scale data platforms and pipelines. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table, making you stand out from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with Azure, SQL, and Python, as well as modern ETL/ELT patterns. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Engineering in Wakefield

Data Engineering Leadership
Enterprise-scale Data Platform Design
Azure Data Ecosystem
SQL
Python
ETL/ELT Patterns
CI/CD
Infrastructure as Code
Operational Excellence
Technical Authority
Team Development
Architectural Decision Making
Commercial Awareness
Collaboration with Cross-functional Teams

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in leading data engineering teams and your technical skills in SQL and Python. We want to see how your background aligns 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 data engineering and how you can contribute to our team. Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with large-scale data platforms.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight your experience with Azure and modern ETL/ELT patterns. We love seeing practical examples of how you've implemented these technologies in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Develop

✨Know Your Data Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of data platforms and engineering practices. Brush up on your knowledge of Azure, SQL, and Python, as these will likely come up during technical discussions. Being able to speak confidently about your past experiences with large-scale data systems will impress the interviewers.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to discuss your approach to leading data engineering teams. Think about examples where you've successfully developed talent or improved team performance. Highlight how you balance being hands-on with your leadership responsibilities, as this role requires both technical depth and strong leadership.

✨Understand the Business Impact

Demonstrate that you grasp the commercial aspects of data engineering. Be ready to explain how your decisions have positively impacted business outcomes in previous roles. This shows that you’re not just focused on the tech side but also understand why the platform exists and its importance to the organisation.

✨Prepare for Pragmatic Problem-Solving

Expect questions that assess your ability to make pragmatic architectural decisions. Think of scenarios where you had to balance modern engineering practices with operational resilience. Prepare to discuss how you’ve handled incidents or performance issues in the past, showcasing your problem-solving skills.

Head of Data Engineering in Wakefield
Develop
Location: Wakefield

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