At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of data architecture and build a high-performing team.
- Company: Global branded entertainment business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 20% bonus, hybrid working, and leadership visibility.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence company culture and work with senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data in a pivotal role with real ownership.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in data engineering, leadership experience, and expertise in Databricks and Azure.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 120000 € per year.
We're working with a global branded entertainment business, operating across multiple international markets, to find a Principal Data Engineer who will shape the future of their data estate. This is a genuine player-coach role at a pivotal moment. The business is mid-transformation, moving from a legacy environment to a modern, cloud-native platform built on Databricks and Azure. You'll define the architecture, drive execution, build the team, and set the technical culture from the ground up.
You'll be the technical face of data to the business: sitting with senior stakeholders, translating complex trade-offs into plain language, and holding the line on what gets built right versus what gets fixed fast.
Responsibilities:- Define the directional architecture for the new data estate, including Lakehouse, Medallion and Eventing patterns on Databricks and Azure.
- Lead discovery of the legacy estate: identify what to kill, what to keep, and how to migrate without breaking continuity.
- Line manage, hire and develop the Data Engineering squad, setting technical standards and team culture.
- Implement modern engineering hygiene: CI/CD, automated testing, observability and FinOps.
- Partner with the Data Delivery Lead to balance tactical fixes against strategic build.
- Represent the data function in setting organisation-wide standards for coding, security and DevOps.
- 5 to 8 years in data engineering or data architecture, with at least 3 years in a leadership position.
- Expert-level Databricks, Azure and SQL/Python.
- Proven track record of refactoring legacy estates onto modern platforms without breaking things.
- GCP and BigQuery experience is a strong advantage.
- High EQ, comfortable presenting to leadership and managing non-technical stakeholders.
- A software engineering mindset, not a scripting one.
- Real architectural ownership from day one, not inherited decisions.
- A mandate to build the team and culture around you.
- Visibility at VP and leadership level across a major international business.
- Hybrid working from London.
If you're a Principal Data Engineer who wants to lead something meaningful rather than maintain something inherited, this is worth a conversation. Apply below or reach out directly.
Due to the high volume of applications, not all applicants will receive feedback.
Principal Data Engineer in London employer: LinkedIn
Join a dynamic global branded entertainment business that values innovation and leadership in the data engineering space. As a Principal Data Engineer, you'll enjoy real architectural ownership and the opportunity to shape a high-performing team culture while working in a hybrid environment in London. With a focus on employee growth and visibility at senior leadership levels, this role offers a unique chance to make a significant impact during a pivotal transformation phase.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Data Engineer in London
✨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 projects, especially those involving Databricks and Azure. 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 your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Data Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Principal Data Engineer. Highlight your experience with Databricks, Azure, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you can shape our data estate!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with our needs. Remember, we love seeing your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Talk about specific projects where you’ve successfully migrated legacy systems or implemented modern engineering practices. We want to know what you’ve accomplished!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply 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 gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at LinkedIn
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Databricks, Azure, and SQL/Python. Brush up on your knowledge of Lakehouse and Medallion patterns, as well as eventing strategies. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re the right fit for shaping their data estate.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or project in the past. Highlight your experience in managing and developing a data engineering squad, and be ready to discuss how you set technical standards and foster a positive team culture.
✨Translate Complexity into Simplicity
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in plain language. Since you'll be interacting with senior stakeholders, being able to break down trade-offs and decisions will demonstrate your high emotional intelligence and communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Mindset
Be prepared to discuss how you've refactored legacy systems onto modern platforms without causing disruptions. Share specific examples of challenges you faced and how you balanced tactical fixes with strategic builds, showcasing your software engineering mindset.
