At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and improve data ingestion pipelines, manage SQL Server, and collaborate on migrations.
- Company: IWSR, the trusted source for beverage alcohol data across 160+ countries.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with no safety net, perfect for self-starters.
- Why this job: Take ownership of critical systems and make a real impact in a small expert team.
- Qualifications: Solid Python and SQL Server experience, with a problem-solving mindset.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
IWSR is the world's most trusted source of beverage alcohol data, used by the biggest names in the industry across 160+ countries. We're a small, expert team with a big remit, and we're looking for a Senior Data Engineer who wants to own things, not just build them. This isn't a ticket-driven role inside a large platform team. You'll be one of two data engineers, working closely with an engineering lead, taking real ownership of production‑critical systems from day one.
What you'll actually be doing:
- Owning and improving the data ingestion pipeline that powers our Global Database
- Leading the migration of Excel‑based processes into production Python
- Collaborating on Databricks migration work (GTR and data pooling)
- Taking charge of our SQL Server environment, security, structure, day‑to‑day management
- Working directly with non-technical stakeholders to translate data problems into business outcomes
What we're looking for:
- We care less about your CV checklist and more about how you work. The strongest candidates tend to:
- Think in problems, not just technologies — "here's what was broken and here's how I fixed it"
- Be comfortable inheriting messy, real‑world systems rather than always building green field
- Have worked in small teams where you had to figure it out yourself — no dedicated platform team, no safety net
- Show an engineering mindset: careful, methodical, aware of what goes wrong in production
Technically, you'll need solid Python (data pipelines, production code), hands‑on SQL Server experience, and genuine Databricks / PySpark exposure. AWS familiarity and comfort with AI‑assisted dev tools (Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code) are a plus. If you've ever built something a bit scrappy to solve a real problem, a quick front end, a workaround that became the system, we'd like to hear from you.
Location & Experience: Central London, hybrid (3 days in office), 5–7 years' experience in data engineering or adjacent role.
Senior Data Engineer employer: IWSR
IWSR is an exceptional employer for a Senior Data Engineer, offering a unique opportunity to take ownership of critical production systems in a dynamic and collaborative environment. With a focus on employee growth and innovation, our small expert team fosters a culture where your contributions directly impact the beverage alcohol industry across 160+ countries. Located in Central London, we provide a hybrid work model that balances flexibility with the benefits of in-person collaboration, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those who work at IWSR or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you've got a portfolio of projects or a GitHub repository, make sure to highlight it during interviews. We love seeing real-world examples of how you've tackled messy systems and solved problems.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical chats! Brush up on your Python and SQL skills, and be ready to discuss how you've improved data pipelines or managed production environments. We want to hear about your hands-on experience!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our expert team at IWSR.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Ownership:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight instances where you've taken ownership of projects or systems. We want to see how you've tackled challenges head-on and made a real impact, not just what technologies you've used.
Be Problem-Solving Focused:Instead of just listing your skills, tell us about specific problems you've solved in your previous roles. We love candidates who think critically and can articulate how they approached and fixed issues in messy, real-world systems.
Keep It Relevant:Tailor your application to the role by focusing on your experience with Python, SQL Server, and Databricks. We’re looking for practical examples that demonstrate your hands-on experience and engineering mindset, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at IWSR
✨Understand the Business Impact
Before your interview, take some time to research IWSR and understand how their data impacts the beverage alcohol industry. Be ready to discuss how your previous experiences have translated technical challenges into business solutions, as this aligns with what they value.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare specific examples of past projects where you identified problems and implemented effective solutions. Highlight your ability to work with messy systems and how you’ve improved them, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Tech Stack
Brush up on your Python, SQL Server, and Databricks skills. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with these technologies and any relevant projects you've worked on. If you’ve used AI-assisted dev tools, mention that too!
✨Engage with Non-Technical Stakeholders
Think about times when you’ve had to communicate complex data issues to non-technical team members. Prepare to share how you translated technical jargon into understandable terms, as this will demonstrate your collaborative spirit and communication skills.
