At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and evolution of secure cloud data platforms for impactful government projects.
- Company: Join a friendly, ambitious team at the heart of central government.
- Benefits: Generous leave, outstanding pension, flexible working, and great discounts.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how the UK delivers its biggest projects.
- Qualifications: Strong technical leadership and hands-on data engineering experience required.
The predicted salary is between 74910 - 74910 £ per year.
Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to join a friendly and ambitious team who are always finding new ways to drive better use of data, right in the heart of central government? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
About the Team
The NISTA Data & Insight Team brings together data scientists, engineers, analysts and digital professionals who genuinely care about learning from each other, sharing ideas and making things happen. Together we turn rich, high-value project data into analysis, insights and tools that support people across government, from project delivery teams to senior leaders in HMT, the Cabinet Office and No10, to make decisions that shape how the UK delivers its biggest and most complex projects. Working with the Government Major Projects Portfolio, the 10-year Infrastructure Pipeline and other project delivery data, your work will directly influence how major programmes are planned, delivered and improved.
Over the last two years, the team has undergone a significant transformation, digitising large-scale project data collection and overhauling our digital and data infrastructure. This enables us to create high-impact dashboards and analytics as well as drive the development of AI tools. It means we can develop and share quickly, resulting in rapid iterative development with our users. And we continue to evolve, improve our capability and develop our skills. You’ll be joining a supportive, inclusive and collaborative environment, where you can grow your skills, tackle meaningful challenges and make a real impact on the future of government delivery.
About the Job
- Design, build and evolve secure, well‑governed cloud data platforms and pipelines that reliably support complex analytical and operational needs.
- Provide strong technical leadership to the team, including setting direction, reviewing critical code, mentoring engineers and upholding high engineering standards.
- Define and enforce standards for data engineering, pipeline development and deployment to ensure platforms are scalable, maintainable and safe to change.
- Take hands‑on ownership of the most complex or high‑risk areas of the data platform to resolve issues, improve performance and reduce operational risk. This includes being fully across potential data security risks.
- Work closely with analysts, data scientists and infrastructure colleagues to shape robust technical designs that enable high‑quality analysis and insight.
- Act as a trusted technical adviser to senior stakeholders, clearly explaining options, risks and trade‑offs relating to data infrastructure, security and compliance.
- Drive continuous improvement in data services, improving quality, resilience and user experience for users and cross‑government partners.
- Design and create accessible data engineering solutions that can be utilised and understood by the wider team of analysts and scientists.
- Build a high‑performing, motivated team by fostering a culture of learning, experimentation and professionalism, and by being an effective, supportive line manager.
About You
This role requires someone who can operate at pace across strategy and delivery, leading by example through hands on technical expertise while developing others and enabling the organisation to make effective, responsible use of modern data engineering by clearly explaining technical risks, options and trade-offs to senior stakeholders.
Some of the Benefits our people love!
- Generous Annual Leave – 25 days (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus public holidays and the King’s birthday.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme – Defined Benefit pension with employer contributions of 28%.
- Parental Leave Packages – Including 6 months’ occupational pay for maternity/adoption, shared parental leave options.
- Flexible & Hybrid Working – Options include part-time, job-share, compressed hours, flexitime, and hybrid working (where business needs allow).
- Advance Schemes & Discounts – Rental deposit, cycle-to-work, SmartTech, season ticket loans, and access to HM Treasury’s benefits portal for a wide range of discount codes.
For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link. If you need any reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please tell us about this in your online application form, or speak to the recruitment team.
Head of Data Engineering and Infrastructure employer: HM TREASURY-1
Join a dynamic and inclusive team at the heart of central government, where your expertise in data engineering will directly influence major projects that shape the UK's future. With generous annual leave, an outstanding pension scheme, and flexible working options, we prioritise employee well-being and growth, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration. Here, you will tackle meaningful challenges while enjoying a supportive environment that encourages innovation and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Engineering and Infrastructure
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the NISTA Data & Insight Team on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just help you stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Make sure you can confidently discuss cloud data platforms, data security risks, and how to lead a team effectively. We want to see your expertise shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for continuous improvement. Think about examples where you've driven change or improved processes in previous roles. This will resonate well with the team’s focus on evolving and enhancing their capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Engineering and Infrastructure
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Head of Data Engineering and Infrastructure. This will help you tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your written application, don’t hold back on showcasing your technical expertise. We want to see how your experience aligns with our needs, especially in areas like cloud data platforms and data security. Use specific examples to demonstrate your capabilities!
Be Authentic and Personal:Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re a friendly and ambitious team, so we appreciate authenticity. Share your passion for data engineering and how you can contribute to our collaborative environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Once you're ready, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so you can focus on making your application the best it can be!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM TREASURY-1
✨Know Your Data Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your data engineering knowledge, especially around cloud platforms and pipeline development. Be ready to discuss your experience with designing secure and scalable data solutions, as this role demands a strong technical foundation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This position requires strong technical leadership, so think of examples where you've mentored others or led a team. Prepare to share how you've set direction and upheld high engineering standards in previous roles.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the government’s major projects and how data plays a role in decision-making. Being able to articulate how your work can influence project delivery will show that you’re aligned with their mission.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions about data security risks and compliance. Be ready to explain complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to act as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders.
