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- Tasks: Lead the design and development of a cutting-edge data platform using Microsoft Fabric.
- Company: Join a growing professional services organisation in central Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for leadership and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while staying hands-on with technology and mentoring a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Strong data engineering background with expertise in Microsoft Fabric and cloud solutions.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 77000 ÂŁ per year.
A growing professional services organisation is seeking a Lead / Senior Data Engineer to take technical ownership of its modern data platform and play a pivotal role in shaping its Microsoft Fabric‑driven data strategy. This is a fantastic opportunity for a highly capable engineer who wants to remain deeply hands‑on while providing light leadership and guidance within a small, collaborative data team.
If you’re passionate about building scalable cloud data solutions, championing modern architectures, and influencing technical direction, this role offers both autonomy and impact.
The Opportunity
As the senior technical figure within the data function, you will drive the evolution of a cloud‑first data estate, lead on Microsoft Fabric adoption, and ensure engineering best practice across pipelines, modelling, governance, and integration. This is a 90% hands‑on role, ideal for someone who wants to stay close to the technology while offering mentorship and light line management.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership
- Lead the design and ongoing development of a Microsoft Fabric and Azure‑centric data platform.
- Champion Medallion Architecture (Bronze/Silver/Gold) and ensure consistent implementation.
- Define engineering standards covering data modelling, pipelines, naming conventions, and code quality.
- Act as the technical authority for data governance, master data management, and platform best practice.
- Evaluate new tools, patterns, and capabilities to support continuous improvement.
- Data Engineering & Platform Delivery
- Architect and deliver scalable ETL/ELT pipelines using Azure Data Factory and Fabric.
- Manage ingestion from APIs, databases, flat files, and event‑driven sources.
- Oversee Azure services including ADLS, Azure SQL, Delta Lake/OneLake, Key Vault, and Event Hubs.
- Drive platform reliability, observability, and operational excellence.
- Data Quality & Master Data
- Lead the implementation and governance of master data management frameworks.
- Define data quality rules, validation processes, and deduplication strategies.
- Work with business stakeholders to establish canonical entities and golden records.
- Integrations & APIs
- Own integration architecture across internal systems and third‑party platforms.
- Design secure, scalable REST and event‑driven integration patterns.
- Collaborate with software engineers to ensure reliability and governance.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Provide light line management including 1:1s, appraisals, and pastoral support.
- Mentor engineers, lead code reviews, and support career development.
- Contribute to sprint planning and roadmap delivery (without heavy project management).
- Foster a culture of engineering excellence, learning, and collaboration.
Required Skills & Experience
- Strong background in data engineering with hands‑on experience across pipelines, ETL/ELT, modelling, and orchestration.
- Deep expertise in the Microsoft data stack, especially:
- Microsoft Fabric (critical)
- Azure Data Factory
- SQL Server / Azure SQL
Desirable
- Experience with Fabric Lakehouses, Warehouses, Real‑Time Analytics, or Data Activator.
- Exposure to Microsoft Purview or similar governance/cataloguing tools.
- Familiarity with AI/ML data patterns (feature stores, model pipelines, RAG, etc.).
- Background in DevOps, CI/CD, or IaC within Azure DevOps.
- Experience in high‑volume operational or analytical environments.
Lead Data Engineer in Manchester employer: Insight Talent Partners
Contact Detail:
Insight Talent Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Data Engineer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who’s already in the role you want. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Microsoft Fabric and Azure. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on experience and technical prowess, so make it shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common data engineering scenarios. Be ready to discuss your experience with ETL/ELT pipelines and how you’ve implemented best practices in previous roles. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up in the hiring process. Let’s get you that Lead Data Engineer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Engineer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Data Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, and any relevant data engineering projects. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for data engineering and how you can contribute to our team. Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience and leadership qualities – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills, especially in SQL, Python, and data governance. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you bring to the table!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Insight Talent Partners
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Microsoft data stack, especially Microsoft Fabric and Azure Data Factory. Brush up on your knowledge of ETL/ELT processes and Medallion Architecture, as these will likely be hot topics during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Even though this role is hands-on, they’ll want to see your ability to mentor and guide others. Prepare examples of how you've supported team members in the past, whether through code reviews or career development discussions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve real-world problems related to data governance, quality, and integration. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you approached them, particularly in a cloud environment.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You’ll need to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as this will demonstrate your communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively.