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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and maintain Python-based ETL pipelines, transforming data for impactful insights.
- Company: Fast-growing investment manager focused on responsible and meaningful investments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and career development.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real difference in data-driven decision-making.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL and Python skills, with experience in cloud data platforms.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Downing
Downing is a fast-growing, entrepreneurial, responsible investment manager with headquarters in central London. We believe a great investment opportunity isn’t just financial - it’s a chance to invest in things that matter: our environment, our health, our society, our communities, and our economy. This aligns with our B CORP status. Our ability to adapt and innovate to create products for our investors is key to our growth and success, and our core values are vital to everything we do - from the businesses we invest in to the people we hire.
About the Team
Our BI and Data team based in split across London and Cardiff, sits at the heart of our investor operations, delivering the data infrastructure, pipelines, and reporting that the business depends on. We are in an active phase of platform modernisation and we are growing the team to meet that ambition. The successful candidate will join a small, collaborative team of data engineers and analysts delivering work across the full data lifecycle, from extraction and transformation through to data modelling and reporting.
About the Role
As a Senior Data Engineer, and a senior member of the team based in Cardiff, you will be a hands-on technical contributor and a reference point for engineering quality within the team. In practice, this means owning complex ETL pipelines end-to-end, working directly with stakeholders to translate data requirements into solutions that are clear, robust, and built to last. You will lead the specification of data features - taking requirements from across the business, turning them into elegant and fit-for-purpose designs, and working with team members to see them through to delivery. As much as this is an engineering role, it requires confident engagement with the business and the ability to bring people along with you.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, build, and maintain Python-based ETL pipelines across extract, transform, and load stages
- SQL development - stored procedures, views, and complex ad hoc queries
- Data lake development within Azure Synapse, working to our Bronze/Silver/Gold medallion architecture
- Leading feature specification - working with business stakeholders to define requirements and translate them into solution designs
- Keeping stakeholders informed on the status of data initiatives
- Producing technical documentation: solution designs, data dictionaries, and engineering runbooks
- Reviewing and guiding the work of less experienced members of the team
- Contributing to solution design discussions and architecture decisions
You will be working primarily within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem, including Azure SQL Server, Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Factory, and Azure DevOps, with an expectation of familiarity with Microsoft Fabric.
Qualifications Required
You must have prior experience and strong command of both SQL and Python to apply for this role. Candidates without this will not be considered.
Required Skills
- Strong Python for data engineering - production-quality ETL code, error handling, logging, and testing
- Hands-on experience with cloud data lake platforms and layered architectures (medallion / Bronze–Silver–Gold or similar) - Azure Synapse, Databricks, or equivalent
- Experience with orchestration tooling, CI/CD pipelines, and version-controlled development workflows
- An AI-first approach to development - you already use AI tools daily to write and review code, design solutions, and solve problems, and are committed to developing this practice as the tooling evolves
- Experience leading feature specification and working closely with business stakeholders
- Experience mentoring or upskilling less experienced colleagues
- Ability to produce clear, maintainable technical documentation as a standard part of delivery
Preferred Skills
- Experience migrating or re-platforming a data estate
- Experience integrating AI or LLM capabilities into data workflows or tooling
- Financial services or investment management background
- Familiarity with Power BI report development
- Kanban delivery methodology
Senior Data Engineer in Cardiff employer: Downing
Contact Detail:
Downing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Engineer in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those involving Python and SQL. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common data engineering questions and scenarios. Think about how you’d explain your past projects and the impact they had. Confidence is key, so let your passion for data shine through!
✨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 Senior Data Engineer in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Data Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Python and SQL, and don’t forget to mention any cloud data lake platforms you've worked with. 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 data engineering and how you can contribute to our mission at Downing. Be sure to mention your experience with ETL pipelines and stakeholder engagement.
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on relevant projects, make sure to include them in your application. Whether it's a personal project or something from your previous job, we love seeing practical examples of your work, especially if they involve Azure or AI tools!
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 get all the updates directly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Downing
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Python and SQL, as these are crucial for the Senior Data Engineer role. Brush up on your ETL pipeline skills and be ready to discuss your past projects where you've built or maintained these pipelines.
✨Understand the Business Context
Since this role involves engaging with stakeholders, it’s important to understand Downing's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their investment philosophy and how data plays a role in their decision-making process. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re aligned with their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve real-world problems or design solutions on the spot. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, especially when it comes to translating business requirements into technical specifications. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between tech and business.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
As a senior member of the team, you’ll likely be expected to guide less experienced colleagues. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve mentored others in the past, and discuss your approach to fostering a collaborative team environment. This will highlight your leadership potential.