At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of transformative digital systems in healthcare.
- Company: Join Velindre University NHS Trust, a leader in innovative cancer care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant environment near Cardiff with excellent quality of life.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare through cutting-edge data engineering.
- Qualifications: Experience in data platforms and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58379 - 65723 £ per year.
Passionate about how digital can transform healthcare for our donors, patients and colleagues? We have an exciting Digital Services team opportunity for a Principal Data Engineer to work collaboratively across the Trust and wider NHS Wales, to provide transformative digital systems and insight-led services. We are in an exciting period of change including opening a new world-class cancer centre to extend and enhance specialist cancer treatment along with delivery of cancer care closer to home at regional sites.
For the Welsh Blood Service, we are transforming blood and transplant services, improving current capabilities alongside developing new services including plasma for medicines. An ambitious digital strategy underpins this, which will revolutionise the way in which we deliver services - from co-producing innovative technologies, working on digital inclusion, to embedding data and insight into our everyday. Our team is here to deliver new digital solutions and excellent everyday digital service, to improve services and outcomes. We recognise that successful digital transformation and service is as much to do with our people and culture as it is to do with technology.
Main duties of the job
- You will use your leadership, technical and communication skills to lead the development, analysis, interpretation, delivery and communication of our programmes of work, improving the efficiency and quality of our data flows and pipelines, developing and embedding data standards and supporting our migration into the cloud, to support delivery of our digital strategy.
- Apply and share your excellent technical knowledge across a range of Data Engineering domains including: SQL, SQL servers, SSMS, SSRS, SSAS and SSIS, Cloud (Azure, Google), Azure DevOps, databases and ETL / ELT pipelines.
- Provide operational day-to-day management of delivery of the engineering portfolio, and in conjunction with peers, ensure tasks are resourced to meet the high standard of quality and timeliness expected.
- Support the governance of data through creating and maintaining standardised processes, documentation and version control.
- Support the Assistant Director of Data & Insight to continue to shape, establish, and operate the Trust-wide Data & Insight as part of the Digital Services team, working to embed a user-centric, agile ethos into our ways of working.
About us
At Velindre University NHS Trust, we are proud to deliver specialist services across Wales through the Velindre Cancer Centre and Welsh Blood Service, supported by our corporate teams and partnerships with NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and Health Technology Wales. As we look to the future, we are preparing for the opening of the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) in Spring 2027--an exciting milestone that will transform cancer care for our population. Located within easy reach of the vibrant city of Cardiff and the stunning Brecon Beacons, we offer a unique working environment that combines innovation, collaboration and an excellent quality of life.
Since our formation in 1994, our dedicated workforce has remained committed to delivering the principles of prudent healthcare across a wide range of roles. We continue to play a vital role in our communities and have ambitious plans to further improve the services we provide. Everything we do is underpinned by our Trust values. We are caring, respectful, and accountable in how we work with patients, donors, partners and each other--ensuring we deliver the highest standards of care while continuously striving to improve.
If you want to work for an organisation that makes a real difference, embraces innovation, and offers rewarding career opportunities in an inspiring setting, Velindre University NHS Trust is the place for you.
Details
- Date posted: 30 October 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 8a
- Salary: £58,379 to £65,723 a year per annum
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
- Reference number: 120-AC824-1026
- Job locations: Velindre University NHS Trust locations: Whitchurch, Nantgarw, Talbot Green Cardiff CF15 7QZ United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
There are two vacancies available: one permanent position and one fixed-term/secondment position for 12 months. The information below applies only to the fixed-term/secondment vacancy. This post is offered on a fixed-term/secondment basis for 12 months until Nov 2027 to meet the needs of the service. If you are interested in applying for the secondment position, you must obtain permission from your current line manager before submitting your application. PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must obtain approval from their line manager before submitting an expression of interest.
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Skills:
- Technical leadership & data platforms
- Delivery, prioritisation & people leadership
- Stakeholder engagement, governance & judgement
Desirable Experience & Skills:
- Technical leadership & data platforms
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
Principal Data Engineer in Cowbridge employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
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