At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the build of a modern Azure data warehouse and mentor a Data Engineer.
- Company: Growing business investing heavily in their data function.
- Benefits: Salary up to £75,000, mainly remote work, company bonus, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Join at a pivotal stage to build a scalable data platform from the ground up.
- Why this job: Shape a cutting-edge data platform and develop talent while solving complex challenges.
- Qualifications: Strong experience with Azure, SQL, Power BI, and mentoring skills.
The predicted salary is between 67500 - 82500 £ per year.
I’m working with a growing business investing heavily in their data function, and they’re now looking for a Principal Data Engineer to lead the build of their Azure data warehouse. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll set the technical direction, establish best practices, and work closely alongside a high‑potential mid‑senior engineer providing the mentorship, guidance, and progression they’re looking for. With a major ERP implementation (Business Central) underway, you’ll play a key role in shaping how data is structured, governed, and used across the organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys greenfield engineering, solving complex challenges, and building both platforms and people.
What’s in it for you?
- Salary up to £75,000 DOE
- Mainly remote working – ideally once a week or a few days per month in the Wigan office, with flexibility for the right person
- Company bonus scheme
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Pension
- Opportunity to own and help shape a modern Azure data platform
- Chance to mentor and develop a Data Engineer, helping build a high‑performing team
Experience needed:
- Strong experience with Azure Microsoft Fabric SQL Power BI Python
- Experience building and scaling cloud‑based data platforms (Azure)
- Experience operating at a senior, lead, or principal level
- Background in mentoring, coaching, or supporting other engineers
- Experience integrating data from multiple systems (ERP, transactional platforms, etc.)
- Exposure to Business Central or similar ERP systems is highly beneficial
- Strong understanding of data architecture, governance, and data quality
- Comfortable balancing hands‑on delivery with technical leadership
- Experience working with high‑volume transactional data
Day to day:
- Leading the design and build of a scalable Azure data platform
- Acting as the technical authority for data engineering within the business
- Mentoring and supporting a Data Engineer, helping drive their development and progression
- Designing and implementing robust, scalable data pipelines
- Supporting the integration of Business Central into the wider data platform
- Establishing best practices around data architecture, governance, and quality
- Building a centralised data warehouse for reporting and analytics
- Continuously improving performance, scalability, and reliability
- Collaborating with technical teams to deliver high‑quality data solutions
You’ll be joining at a pivotal stage, with the chance to build a modern data platform from the ground up, while also playing a key role in developing talent and setting the standard for data engineering within the business. If you’re a Principal Data Engineer who enjoys combining hands‑on technical work with leadership and mentoring, this is a brilliant opportunity to make a real impact.
Principal Data Engineer in Wigan employer: Forward Role Recruitment
Join a forward-thinking company in Wigan that prioritises innovation and employee development, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. As a Principal Data Engineer, you'll not only lead the creation of a cutting-edge Azure data platform but also have the unique opportunity to mentor emerging talent, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented culture. With competitive salary packages, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to best practices in data governance, this role is perfect for those looking to make a significant impact while advancing their careers.
