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- Tasks: Lead the data engineering function, overseeing architecture and team leadership.
- Company: Join a leading consultancy focused on innovative data solutions for the insurance sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy health insurance, mental health support, and financial aid for learning.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data engineering while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in data engineering with expertise in Azure, Snowflake, and Kafka.
- Other info: Fast-track your career in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Our client are seeking a Head of Data Engineering to lead the strategic direction, delivery, and ongoing evolution of enterprise data engineering capabilities for a leading insurance client in London. This role blends deep technical expertise with visionary leadership, responsible for defining, building, and scaling a modern data platform aligned to business and regulatory needs.
As the Head of Data Engineering, you will own the end-to-end data engineering function – overseeing architecture, platform operations, integration strategy, and team leadership. You’ll shape the roadmap for data engineering initiatives across Azure, Snowflake, Kafka, and modern Lakehouse architectures, ensuring resilience, scalability, governance, and performance.
- Lead the Data Engineering Function: Define and implement the data engineering strategy, architecture, and operating model across the enterprise.
- Platform Ownership: Own the full lifecycle of the data platform – ingestion, storage, transformation, governance, and access – with a focus on Azure, Snowflake, Kafka, and Data Lakes.
- Shape the vision and roadmap for the data engineering function in line with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and technological advancement.
- Guide the design of scalable, secure, and automated data architectures including Lakehouse, Kappa, and Lambda patterns.
- Establish strong data governance practices, ensuring robust access control, auditability, and compliance frameworks.
- DevOps & Automation: Champion automation and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), driving efficiency, resilience, and self-service capabilities.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with data architects, DevOps, security, and analytics teams to deliver end-to-end platform capabilities.
- Build and lead high-performing data engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement.
- Drive adoption of SDLC best practices across the data platform, ensuring reliability and high standards of software engineering.
Proven experience as a Head of Data Engineering, Principal Data Engineer, or Lead Data Architect, managing large-scale data platform initiatives. Expertise in Azure, Snowflake, Kafka, and Data Lake technologies, with a strong grasp of modern architectural patterns (Lakehouse, Lambda, Kappa). Strong knowledge of data governance, security, and regulatory compliance within enterprise environments. Experience with data integration, enterprise data modeling, and real-time data streaming solutions. Deep understanding of DevOps, CI/CD, and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) for data platforms. Strong grasp of Data Mesh and Data Fabric principles and their practical application. Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to align data engineering outcomes to business value.
Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and wellbeing/mental health support. Financial support for ongoing learning and development. Collaborative and innovative company culture. Opportunities for rapid career progression across a fast-growing consultancy.
Head of Data Engineering employer: Lorien
Contact Detail:
Lorien Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the data engineering field, especially those who have experience with Azure, Snowflake, and Kafka. Attend industry meetups or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and technologies.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully led data engineering teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest data governance practices and compliance frameworks relevant to the insurance industry. Being well-versed in these areas will demonstrate your readiness to tackle the regulatory challenges associated with the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with DevOps and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) during interviews. Be ready to explain how you've implemented these practices in previous roles to enhance efficiency and resilience in data platforms.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in data engineering, particularly with Azure, Snowflake, and Kafka. Use specific examples of past projects that demonstrate your leadership and technical skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your vision for the data engineering function and how it aligns with the company's objectives. Mention your experience with modern architectural patterns and your approach to data governance.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Emphasise your experience in leading high-performing teams and driving innovation. Provide examples of how you've fostered a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration in previous roles.
Highlight Technical Expertise: Detail your technical expertise in data platforms, including your understanding of DevOps practices, CI/CD, and Infrastructure-as-Code. Make sure to mention any relevant certifications or training you've completed.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lorien
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with Azure, Snowflake, Kafka, and Data Lakes in detail. Highlight specific projects where you implemented modern architectural patterns like Lakehouse, Lambda, or Kappa, and how they benefited the organisation.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Data Engineering, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Share examples of how you've built high-performing teams, fostered innovation, and driven a culture of continuous improvement in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Data Governance Knowledge
Discuss your understanding of data governance, security, and regulatory compliance. Be ready to explain how you've established robust access control and compliance frameworks in past projects.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Highlight your experience working with various teams such as data architects, DevOps, and analytics. Provide examples of successful collaborations that led to the delivery of end-to-end platform capabilities.
