Head of Data Engineering

Head of Data Engineering

Full-Time 95000 - 110000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Nigel Frank

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and shape the Data Engineering team, ensuring high-quality delivery and governance.
  • Company: Join a growing company focused on innovative data solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, remote-first work, and clear progression pathways.
  • Other info: Opportunity to oversee diverse teams and champion engineering excellence.
  • Why this job: Make a strategic impact in a leadership role during a critical growth phase.
  • Qualifications: Strong background in Data Engineering and experience in senior leadership roles.

The predicted salary is between 95000 - 110000 £ per year.

We are recruiting a Head of Data Engineering to lead the Data and Software Engineering capabilities of our client during a critical period of growth. They are looking for someone who can join the leadership team and make a significant strategic impact.

This is a hands‑off leadership position, focused on engineering management, delivery, and governance rather than day‑to‑day technical contribution. The successful candidate will have a strong Data Engineering background with experience working with Microsoft technologies both on‑premise and in a cloud environment. You will play a key role in shaping engineering direction, ensuring high‑quality delivery to the business and building a scalable engineering function capable of supporting large, regulated programs.

Responsibilities
  • Provide overall leadership for Data and Software Engineering functions, overseeing the management of approximately 30 engineers
  • Own engineering delivery, quality and standards across multiple squads
  • Act as a senior technical leader capable of constructively challenging engineers and technical decisions
  • Ensure engineering outcomes align with business goals and regulatory requirements
  • Lead and develop management capability within engineering teams
  • Oversee teams based both in the UK and offshore
  • Champion strong engineering governance, delivery discipline and continuous improvement
Skills and Experience
  • Proven experience in a senior engineering leadership role (Head of Engineering, Head of Data, or similar)
  • Strong Data Engineering background with exposure to SQL Server, Azure or Databricks
  • Experience leading multi‑team engineering organisations
  • Strong delivery focus within regulated or complex environments
  • Ability to operate as a senior leader rather than a hands‑on engineer
What's on Offer
  • Salary of up to £110,000
  • Permanent role with long‑term progression opportunity
  • Remote‑first working with limited office requirements (West Midlands) for team workshops
  • Clear progression pathways

Head of Data Engineering employer: Nigel Frank

Join a forward-thinking company as the Head of Data Engineering, where you will lead a talented team in a remote-first environment that prioritises flexibility and work-life balance. With a competitive salary and clear pathways for career progression, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant strategic impact while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and engineering excellence. Located in the West Midlands, you will benefit from limited office requirements, allowing you to focus on delivering high-quality outcomes in a supportive and innovative setting.

Nigel Frank

Contact Details:

Nigel Frank Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Data Engineering

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant meetups, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and having a few of your own ready. Show them you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to their growth and success.

Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position. We love a good follow-up!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s get you that Head of Data Engineering position!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Engineering

Data Engineering
Microsoft Technologies
SQL Server
Azure
Databricks
Engineering Management
Delivery Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership roles and any relevant projects that showcase your Data Engineering background.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Data Engineering role. Share your vision for engineering management and how you can contribute to our growth.

Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. We want to know how you inspire teams, ensure quality delivery, and align engineering outcomes with business goals.

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 you don’t miss out on any important updates!

How to prepare for a job interview at Nigel Frank

Know Your Data Engineering Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your Data Engineering knowledge, especially around SQL Server, Azure, and Databricks. Be ready to discuss how you've led engineering teams in the past and how your experience aligns with the company's goals.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this role is all about leadership, prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage and develop engineering teams. Think about times when you've successfully overseen multiple squads and how you ensured quality and standards were met.

Understand the Business Context

Familiarise yourself with the company's business goals and regulatory requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you can align engineering outcomes with these objectives, demonstrating your strategic thinking and understanding of the bigger picture.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that challenge your decision-making skills. Prepare for scenarios where you might need to constructively challenge engineers or make tough calls on technical decisions. This will show your capability as a senior leader.