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- Tasks: Lead and evolve data engineering teams to build modern, scalable data platforms.
- Company: Join Halfords, a dynamic company committed to innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, 30 days leave, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of wellbeing, inclusion, and continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data engineering and make a real impact in a pivotal role.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in leading data engineering teams and modern data technologies.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This is a critical leadership role responsible for shaping and evolving Halfords’ data engineering capability at a pivotal point in its journey. You will lead teams that design, build and operate the data platforms and services that underpin analytics, BI and data products. More importantly, you will simplify and evolve a complex, mixed data landscape into a modern, scalable and trusted data platform. Working closely with the Director of Data, AI and Analytics, you will define the engineering direction, set standards and guide the transition from legacy and fragmented environments towards a more unified, future-ready architecture, with Databricks at its core. This is not a role focused purely on governance or theory. It requires someone who can bring clarity to complexity, make pragmatic decisions and lead teams through real-world change, balancing modern engineering practices with the realities of an evolving estate.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and lead the data engineering strategy, shaping how data platforms and services are built, scaled and operated across the business.
- Drive the evolution of the data landscape, simplifying legacy environments and enabling a transition to modern data platforms.
- Lead and develop a high-performing data engineering team, providing technical leadership, coaching and clear direction.
- Establish engineering standards and best practice across the data development lifecycle, improving reliability, maintainability and delivery confidence.
- Partner with senior stakeholders to prioritise initiatives, shape roadmaps and ensure data services meet the needs of the business.
- Oversee the design and delivery of robust, scalable data services that enable analytics, BI and data products.
- Define integration patterns and approaches that enable secure, efficient and scalable data exchange across the organisation.
- Champion secure and compliant data practices, embedding governance without slowing delivery.
- Identify opportunities to improve ways of working, tooling and capability, raising the overall maturity of data engineering over time.
- Navigate a blended landscape of legacy and modern platforms, running parallel tracks where needed while driving long-term simplification.
About You
You are an experienced data engineering leader who has operated in complex, evolving environments and understands how to move from fragmented data landscapes to more modern, scalable platforms. You are as comfortable setting direction as you are engaging with technical detail, and you bring credibility through having built and delivered data engineering solutions yourself earlier in your career.
You Will Likely Bring
- Strong experience leading data engineering teams and delivering data platforms at scale.
- Deep understanding of modern data technologies, particularly Databricks and cloud-based data services.
- Experience working across mixed or legacy environments and leading platform or data transformations.
- A pragmatic approach to architecture and engineering, focused on outcomes rather than perfection.
- The ability to simplify complexity and define clear approaches in ambiguous environments.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical audiences.
- A track record of building capability, improving standards and developing engineering teams.
You Will Thrive In This Role If You
- Focus on outcomes over process.
- Are comfortable working in evolving or transitional environments.
- Can bring structure and discipline without slowing delivery.
- Are able to prioritise effectively and focus on what will drive the greatest impact.
- Operate confidently in ambiguity and can make clear, informed decisions.
Reward And Benefits
- A fair and competitive salary evaluated against market data, plus car allowance and an annual discretionary bonus.
- Pension, life assurance, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave.
- Commitment to your ongoing personal and professional development, supporting you to perform at your best and progress your career at Halfords.
- Hybrid working based at our Support Centre, with three days a week on site and two days working from home.
- Access to a wide range of colleague discounts across the Halfords product and service portfolio.
- Wellbeing and inclusion at the heart of our colleague experience, with access to support resources and active colleague networks across the business.
Head of Data Engineering employer: Halfords
Contact Detail:
Halfords Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your data engineering projects, especially those involving Databricks or cloud-based services. This will give you an edge and demonstrate your hands-on experience to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on both technical and leadership questions. Be ready to discuss how you've simplified complex data landscapes and led teams through transitions. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Halfords and contributing to our data engineering journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in data engineering, especially with modern technologies like Databricks. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since this is a leadership role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your experience in leading teams and driving data transformations. Share specific examples of how you've guided teams through complex projects and made impactful decisions.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain your experience and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Halfords
✨Know Your Data Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the current data landscape of the company. Familiarise yourself with their existing platforms and services, especially around Databricks. This will help you articulate how you can simplify and evolve their data capabilities.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences leading data engineering teams. Highlight specific examples where you've driven transformation in complex environments. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and develop high-performing teams effectively.
✨Be Pragmatic About Solutions
During the interview, focus on practical solutions rather than theoretical concepts. Share instances where you've made pragmatic decisions that led to successful outcomes, especially in transitioning from legacy systems to modern platforms.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience in stakeholder management. Discuss how you've prioritised initiatives and shaped roadmaps in previous roles. This will show your ability to influence both technical and non-technical audiences, which is crucial for this role.