At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and build of a modern data platform using Azure and Databricks.
- Company: Innovative tech company in Sheffield with a hybrid working model.
- Benefits: Up to £85k salary, 5 weeks holiday, stock options, and professional development support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with a focus on transparency and recognition.
- Why this job: Make impactful architectural decisions and work on advanced data challenges.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in data platforms, Azure, and Databricks; mentoring skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
Location: Sheffield
Working Model: Hybrid – 2 days per week in person
Salary: Up to £85k depending on experience
Own the data platform. Shape the future architecture. This role is for a hands‑on data engineering leader who wants to build something properly, not babysit legacy pipelines. You’ll take full ownership of the data engineering domain, leading the design and building of a modern, highly scalable data platform that handles complex, high-frequency industrial data. You’ll work closely with data scientists, software engineers, and senior leadership, with the trust and mandate to make meaningful architectural decisions. If you enjoy balancing strong engineering principles with real‑world business needs, and you like mentoring others while staying deeply technical, this role is built for you.
What you’ll be working on:
- Architecting and rebuilding the data transformation layer in Databricks
- Designing robust data flows that support both real‑time operational views and deep historical analysis
- Moving pipelines from ad‑hoc scripts to software‑engineering standards (CI/CD, testing, modular design)
- Defining clear data models, schemas, and standards across a complex data estate
- Establishing a stable, high‑performance serving layer for analytics, visualisation, and data science workloads
- Working closely with data scientists to remove bottlenecks and enable better modelling and experimentation
- Pair‑programming, mentoring, and raising the engineering bar for a small, capable team
You won’t just be delivering features; you’ll be setting direction.
The tech you’ll work with:
- Core: Azure, Databricks, Python, SQL, dbt, MQTT
- Storage & Serving: Delta Lake, Postgres, TimescaleDB
- Modelling & ML: MLflow
- Visualisation: Grafana
What makes you a great fit:
- You’re someone who can zoom out to architecture and zoom in to code, comfortably.
- Proven experience building and owning data platforms on Azure
- Deep, hands‑on knowledge of Databricks (lakehouse architecture, cluster management, performance and cost optimisation)
- Strong opinions on data modelling, schema design, and standardisation
- You treat data pipelines as software: version control, CI/CD, automated testing
- Comfortable challenging architectural decisions, and explaining why
- Able to translate technical trade‑offs into business impact for non‑technical stakeholders
- A mentor by nature: you raise the team through pairing, guidance, and example
Industry experience:
- Experience with industrial, sensor‑driven, or time‑series data is highly desirable
- Alternatively, background in high‑volume or highly variable data environments (missing data, duplicates, schema drift, spiky load) will transfer well
Why you’ll want this role:
- Real autonomy: You’re trusted to make architectural calls, that’s why you’re being hired
- Visible impact: Your work directly unlocks better analytics and machine learning outcomes
- Modern problems: You’ll work on advanced data patterns and architectures, not cosmetic refactors
- Still technical: This is a leadership role without stepping away from code
What you’ll get:
- 5 weeks paid holiday plus bank holidays
- Tax‑efficient stock options
- Company pension scheme
- Salary sacrifice EV scheme
- Training and professional development support
- Regular all‑hands sessions with real transparency
- Hybrid working (2 days in person)
- Quarterly employee recognition awards
- Access to discounts via BrightHR
We welcome diverse applicants and are dedicated to treating all applicants with dignity and respect, regardless of background.
Lead Data Engineer – Azure/Databricks in Sheffield employer: Rebel Recruiters
Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding private equity-backed group in Derbyshire as a Group Financial Controller, where you will play a crucial role in shaping the finance function and driving strategic growth. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development, offering mentorship and opportunities for advancement within a high-performing team. With competitive salary packages and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we provide an environment where your contributions are valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Data Engineer – Azure/Databricks in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. 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 or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to Azure and Databricks. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and scenarios relevant to data engineering. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with the format.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Engineer – Azure/Databricks in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Data Engineering:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for data engineering shine through! Share specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your hands-on experience with Azure and Databricks. We want to see your excitement for building modern data platforms!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills align with the role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'data transformation layer' and 'real-time operational views', to show us you understand what we're looking for. This helps us see you as a great fit right away!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. Make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences without sifting through unnecessary fluff. Remember, less can be more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rebel Recruiters
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Azure and Databricks, as these are core to the role. Brush up on lakehouse architecture, cluster management, and performance optimisation. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these technologies will show you’re not just familiar but truly capable.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is about owning the data platform and leading a team. Be prepared to share examples of how you've mentored others or led projects. Highlight your ability to balance technical decisions with business needs, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Expect to tackle some real-world problems during the interview. Brush up on designing robust data flows and transforming ad-hoc scripts into standardised pipelines. Practising coding challenges related to data engineering can help you feel more confident.
✨Communicate Clearly with Non-Techies
You’ll need to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Practice translating your technical knowledge into business impact stories. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between tech and business, which is crucial for this role.
