Lead Data Engineer

Lead Data Engineer

Reporting to: Head of Data/AI

Location: London Manchester hybrid

DEPT/DATA

DEPT/AI has a single mission: to make the best work in the industry using Data & AI to enhance everything we do. This role sits within our Data & AI practice which has deep expertise in leveraging AI. The team includes data strategists consultants data scientists and analysts that work alongside DEPT teams around the world across different services from commerce to fullfunnel media content engineering to internal operations. You will be solving some of the hardest and most challenging problems facing some of the best loved brands in the world and doing this alongside an experienced team.

This role is part of our EMEA Data craft team an integrated craft across Europe driving data engineering data science and AI initiatives. We combine our expertise in data architecture analytics and AI to deliver exceptional datadriven solutions that build lasting relationships with our clients like Footlocker Nikon Rituals and Philips

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Lead Data Engineer is responsible for building and leading our data engineering capabilities across EMEA and setting technical standards. This senior technical leadership role will drive the strategic vision for our data engineering practice deliver complex client solutions and grow the data engineering team to support our expanding client base. You will collaborate with crossfunctional teams to create scalable efficient data architectures that power our AI and data analytics solutions.

This role requires a technically excellent strategic thinker with proven experience in leading data engineering teams and implementing enterprisescale data solutions.

JOB PURPOSE

As part of the EMEA Data craft team you will be responsible for shaping and executing our data engineering strategy delivering technical excellence on complex client projects and building a highperforming team of data engineers.

To be successful in this role you must combine deep technical expertise with strong business acumen and leadership skills. Youll work closely with clients to understand their business challenges and translate these into robust data engineering solutions. Youll guide technical decisionmaking establish best practices and ensure our data engineering capabilities remain at the cutting edge of industry standards.

An entrepreneurial spirit with a bias for action excellent communication skills and the ability to bridge the gap between technical solutions and business stakeholders is essential to succeed in this role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the strategic development of our data engineering proposition and capabilities
• Set technical standards and best practices for data engineering across EMEA
• Guide and mentor data engineers fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation
• Design and implement scalable reliable data architectures and pipelines for enterprise clients
• Serve as the technical authority on client engagements providing expert guidance
• Build and grow a highperforming data engineering team
• Work closely with the broader Data & AI practice to deliver integrated solutions
• Support business development efforts through technical expertise in client pitches
• Stay ahead of emerging technologies and methodologies in the data engineering space

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Extensive experience in data engineering with a proven track record of leading complex data initiatives
• Strong technical leadership experience with the ability to guide and develop engineering teams
• Deep expertise in designing and implementing data architectures data pipelines and ETL processes
• Handson experience with cloud platforms (GCP AWS Azure) and their dataspecific services
• Proficiency in Python SQL and data orchestration tools (e.g. Airflow DBT)
• Experience with modern data warehouse technologies (BigQuery Snowflake Redshift etc.)
• Strong understanding of data modeling data governance and data quality principles
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for business stakeholders
• Strategic thinking with the ability to develop and execute technical roadmaps
• Experience working in an agency or consulting environment is highly advantageous
• Proven ability to mentor and develop technical talent
• Masters degree in Computer Science Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience)

WE OFFER:

• A flexible hybrid working policy (2 days from the office depending on location).
• An excellent salary based on experience and equal pay policies
• Pension free private healthcare mental health support and company sick pay scheme.
• 26 days paid holiday (plus UK Bank Holidays).
• Help getting you to work with a season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme.
• Enhanced family friendly policies to support new parents.
• Social and Cultural Events plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues through organised activities and celebrations.
• Inspirational Talks bringing the outside in with regular guest speakers and events.
• Learning and Development supporting your growth with continuous opportunities to learn and advance.
• Buddy Programme: You will be paired with a Buddy to help you through your first weeks at DEPT.
• A reputation for doing good. DEPT has been a Certified B Corp since 2021 and named Agency of the Year at both The Lovies and The Webby Awards.
• Awesome clients. Whether big or small local or global at DEPT youll get the opportunity to work with clients of all sizes and across all industries. And we celebrate all of our successes together!
• The opportunity for possibility. We want to enable you to do what you do best and help you develop your skills further with training development and certifications.
• Global annual DEPT Cares Month in which employees come together and donate their skills to support local charities.

WHO ARE WE

We are pioneers at heart. What does that mean We are always looking forward thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. Thats why we hire curious selfdriven talented people who never stop innovating.

Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning that with people across 30 countries were big enough to provide you with the best tools global opportunities and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you your growth and your team and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients problems no matter where you are in the world.

DEPT is committed to making a positive impact on the planet and since 2021 has been Climate Neutral and B Corporation certified.

DIVERSITY EQUITY & INCLUSION

At DEPT we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit develop nurture and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds with varying skills and perspectives.

Not sure you meet all qualifications Apply and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.

We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.

Want to know more about our dedication to diversity equity and inclusion Check out our efforts here.