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- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of impactful data products for millions across the UK.
- Company: Join DVLA, a mission-driven agency transforming digital services.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous pension contributions, and excellent Civil Service perks.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of national motoring services and influence engineering standards.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL and Python skills, with experience in cloud data platforms.
The predicted salary is between 57515 - 82430 £ per year.
Become part of a mission driven digital team helping to build secure, resilient services used by millions across the UK. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), in partnership with Inspire People, is hiring a Lead Data Engineer with strong SQL and Python expertise, experience across modern cloud data platforms including Databricks, Apache Spark and lakehouse architectures, and a proven ability to design, build and lead delivery of reliable data products. This is a permanent role based in Swansea, working in a hybrid model (minimum 60% office-based in Swansea), with a salary of £57,515 - £82,430 plus 29% employer pension contribution and excellent Civil Service benefits.
Shape the Future of Digital Services at DVLA. DVLA is responsible for delivering secure, reliable national motoring services at scale, supporting millions of citizens, vehicles and transactions across the UK. DVLA Digital is on a long-term transformation journey, modernising platforms and services while maintaining public safety, trust and operational resilience.
As a Lead Data Engineer, you will lead the design and delivery of high-impact data products within DVLA's data platform team, working closely with product teams, analysts and data scientists to ensure data solutions are scalable, reliable and aligned to user needs.
As a Lead Data Engineer you will:
- Design and implement complex data flows connecting operational systems for analytics, storage and business intelligence
- Build data products using modern data and streaming technologies
- Lead and coordinate engineering teams, setting standards and best practice
- Identify and enable reuse of data flows across services
- Design and assure robust data models and integrations to improve data quality
- Lead performance optimisation across data platforms, balancing cost, scalability and reliability
- Apply systems integration expertise to deliver end-to-end data solutions
- Champion data engineering best practice across DVLA and wider government
Essential skills for the Lead Data Engineer include:
- Extensive experience in data ingestion, cleansing, transformation and modelling
- Strong proficiency in SQL and Python
- Experience with modern cloud data platforms and lakehouse architectures
- Hands-on experience with big data technologies such as Apache Spark or Databricks
- Strong knowledge of data warehousing concepts
- Experience with build, test and deployment automation
- Proven leadership capability leading or mentoring data engineering teams
- Strong problem-solving skills with a detail-oriented approach
Desirable skills for the Lead Data Engineer include:
- Experience working with large-scale data platforms in complex environments
- Understanding of data governance, security and data quality frameworks
- Experience influencing technical standards and engineering direction
- Familiarity with Government Digital & Data capability frameworks
In return, you can expect a flexible working culture, including:
- Best in class learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues
- Generous employer contribution of 28.9%, depending on chosen pension scheme
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance
- Digital communities with clear career frameworks
- On-site gym plus personal training available (membership applies)
- On-site nursery, restaurants and coffee bar
- 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing by 1 each year (up to 30) & 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King's birthday
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff
- Free parking
Why Join the DVLA? You will play a key leadership role in shaping how DVLA designs and delivers data products at scale. This is an opportunity to work on nationally significant services, influence engineering standards, and contribute to long-term digital transformation across government. Apply today or contact Inspire People for a confidential discussion about this opportunity.
Locations
Lead Data Engineer in Swansea, Wales employer: Inspire People
Contact Detail:
Inspire People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Data Engineer in Swansea, Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at DVLA on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost our chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your SQL and Python skills. We should also be ready to discuss our experience with Databricks and Apache Spark, as these are key for the role. Practice common data engineering scenarios to show off our problem-solving skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our leadership experience! Since this role involves leading teams, we need to highlight any past experiences where we've mentored others or led projects. Let’s make sure to share specific examples that demonstrate our ability to guide and inspire.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our application to align perfectly with what DVLA is looking for in a Lead Data Engineer.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Engineer in Swansea, Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your SQL and Python skills, as well as your experience with cloud data platforms. We want to see how your background aligns with the Lead Data Engineer role at DVLA!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a lead position, don’t forget to mention any experience you have in leading or mentoring teams. We’re looking for someone who can set standards and best practices, so let us know how you've done that in the past.
Highlight Relevant Projects: Include specific examples of data products you've designed or built, especially using technologies like Apache Spark or Databricks. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, so make those projects shine!
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 keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspire People
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SQL and Python skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these technologies, especially in cloud data platforms like Databricks or Apache Spark. The more examples you can provide, the better!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Data Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor teams. Prepare to share experiences where you've coordinated engineering efforts or set best practices. Highlight how you’ve influenced technical standards in previous roles.
✨Understand the DVLA's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the DVLA's goals and the importance of their digital transformation journey. Being able to articulate how your role as a Lead Data Engineer fits into their mission will show your genuine interest and alignment with their objectives.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect to face questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you've tackled complex data challenges or optimised data flows. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.