At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of data architecture and build a high-performing team.
- Company: Global branded entertainment business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 20% bonus, hybrid working, and leadership visibility.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence company culture and work with senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data in a pivotal role with real ownership.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in data engineering, leadership experience, and expertise in Databricks and Azure.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 110000 £ per year.
We're working with a global branded entertainment business, operating across multiple international markets, to find a Senior Data Engineer who will shape the future of their data estate. This is a genuine player-coach role at a pivotal moment. The business is mid-transformation, moving from a legacy environment to a modern, cloud-native platform built on Databricks and Azure. You'll define the architecture, drive execution, build the team, and set the technical culture from the ground up. You'll be the technical face of data to the business: sitting with senior stakeholders, translating complex trade-offs into plain language, and holding the line on what gets built right versus what gets fixed fast.
Responsibilities as a Senior Data Engineer:
- Define the directional architecture for the new data estate, including Lakehouse, Medallion and Eventing patterns on Databricks and Azure
- Lead discovery of the legacy estate: identify what to kill, what to keep, and how to migrate without breaking continuity
- Line manage, hire and develop the Data Engineering squad, setting technical standards and team culture
- Implement modern engineering hygiene: CI/CD, automated testing, observability and FinOps
- Partner with the Data Delivery Lead to balance tactical fixes against strategic build
- Represent the data function in setting organisation-wide standards for coding, security and DevOps
Requirements:
- 5 to 8 years in data engineering or data architecture, with at least 3 years in a leadership position
- Expert-level Databricks, Azure and SQL/Python
- Proven track record of refactoring legacy estates onto modern platforms without breaking things
- GCP and BigQuery experience is a strong advantage
- High EQ, comfortable presenting to leadership and managing non-technical stakeholders
- A software engineering mindset, not a scripting one
Why apply:
- Real architectural ownership from day one, not inherited decisions
- A mandate to build the team and culture around you
- Visibility at VP and leadership level across a major international business
- Hybrid working from London
If you're a Senior Data Engineer who wants to lead something meaningful rather than maintain something inherited, this is worth a conversation. Apply below or reach out directly. Due to the high volume of applications, not all applicants will receive feedback.
Senior Data Engineer employer: Formula.
Join a dynamic global branded entertainment business that values innovation and leadership in the data engineering space. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to shape the technical culture and architecture of a modern cloud-native platform while enjoying a hybrid working model in London. The company fosters a collaborative work environment where your contributions are recognised, and you can make a meaningful impact from day one.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s culture and recent projects, especially around data engineering. We want you to walk in confident, ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their transformation journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through projects! If you’ve worked on relevant data engineering projects, create a portfolio or even a GitHub repo. We love seeing practical examples of your expertise, especially with Databricks and Azure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate candidates who want to shape the future of data engineering with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Data Engineer. Highlight your experience with Databricks, Azure, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you can shape our data estate!
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 skills align with our needs. Remember, we love seeing your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you’ve achieved! Quantify your successes where possible, like how you improved processes or led successful projects. We’re looking for impact!
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’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Formula.
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Databricks, Azure, and SQL/Python. Brush up on your knowledge of Lakehouse and Medallion patterns, as well as eventing strategies. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re ready to take on the architectural ownership this role demands.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in a data engineering context. Think about times when you’ve set technical standards or built team culture. This is a player-coach role, so demonstrating your ability to manage and develop a squad will be key.
✨Translate Complexity into Simplicity
Practice explaining complex data concepts in plain language. You’ll need to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders, so being able to break down intricate ideas will help you stand out. Consider preparing a few scenarios where you’ve successfully done this before.
✨Emphasise Your Problem-Solving Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you’ve approached refactoring legacy systems onto modern platforms. Highlight your experience with CI/CD, automated testing, and observability. Showing that you can balance tactical fixes with strategic builds will resonate well with the interviewers.
