Data Engineer
Join to apply for the Data Engineer role at NHS
Job Summary
Responsible as part of a team to deliver high quality business and complex clinical reporting structures from disparate systems within a consistent and stable framework that is monitored and assured. We are seeking an experienced Data Engineer with a strong background in SQL Server and a commitment to formal change management procedures (RFC) and version control (Git). We are at the start of a five‑year Data Engineering modernisation programme; this includes the adoption of Python for developing data pipelines, automating data integration, and building robust data solutions.
We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation and there is a choice of staff networks that help you meet like‑minded people. The Christie supports flexible working, enquiries welcomed. Previous experience of working for the NHS or in a healthcare environment is not essential for this role. Fixed term (12 months, renewable).
About Us
The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
Details
* Date posted: 28 November 2025
* Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
* Band: 7
* Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per annum pro rata
* Contract: Fixed term
* Duration: 12 months
* Working pattern: Full‑time
* Reference number: 413‑101021‑FB‑MS
* Job location: Business Intelligence & Software Development – E00413, Manchester, M20 4BX
Job Responsibilities
* Deliver and maintain data transfer pipelines between clinical/operational source systems and the Christie Central Data Repository (CCDR). Ensure that all extract, transform and load (ETL) processes are robust, operate efficiently and fully documented.
* Learn and assist in the development of new tools, technologies and methods of working as they are identified to ensure they deliver the intended benefits.
* Support the migration process from legacy reporting and database systems.
* Provide a technical support service to all users of Data Engineering, understanding and communicating detailed technical requirements/processes with non‑technical staff, managing priorities and expectations of service users, and managing unpredictable support workload.
* Analyse and interpret requirements and specifications from Business Intelligence Analysts to inform data construct design, development, and assurance processes.
* Support the appropriate data warehousing design and software development methodologies agreed for use within the team.
* Produce detailed technical specifications and documentation for support, maintenance, monitoring and quality assurance of ETL processes.
* Investigate, support, correct and prevent issues relating to existing Trust‑developed data reporting systems and processes, identifying issues and implementing resolutions in a timely manner.
* Participate in sprint planning to determine durations and any dependencies with planned development work.
* Develop test plans and supporting test data for developed services to validate their stable and maintainable operation against requirements.
* Ensure skills and knowledge are kept up‑to‑date through professional development.
* Make recommendations on new tools, technologies and techniques that can be adopted by the team.
* Participate in regular exercises to test business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
* Lead, as required, through line management and staff development guidance in line with policies and guidelines.
* Provide reports on progress, status and achievements for own work as requested.
* Support the development of staff/placements in line with personal development reviews and other associated guidance.
* Adhere to Trust Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs) and procurement guidelines, and manage safe and efficient use of hardware, software and financial resources.
* Collaborate with external agencies, suppliers and contractors ensuring delivery of service follows contracts and value for money.
* Advise and participate in project development and implementation within sprint cycles, ensuring tasks are delivered on time and within budget.
* Act as an ambassador for Digital Services, building excellent working relationships with users across the organisation.
* Ensure Digital services obey best practices, ITIL, Data Protection Act 2018, Information Standards, Information Security, and NHS Information Governance.
* Maintain comprehensive risk management and service continuity for own area, contributing to Root Cause Analysis for incidents and problems.
* Be familiar with Trust and Department level Business Continuity Plan and personal responsibilities within it.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
* University Degree in a related subject or demonstrable equivalent experience in developing Business Intelligence Solutions.
Desirable Qualifications
* UK Council for Health Informatics Professionals (UKCHIP) registration or equivalent.
* Agile development qualification.
* Microsoft certifications or equivalent technical qualifications.
Essential Experience
* Substantial experience of design, build and deployment of Business Intelligence functions in a large/complex organisation.
* Substantial experience of SQL Server database/data warehouse development, maintenance and support.
* Substantial experience of handling ETL solutions and issues across a range of systems.
* Substantial experience of delivering complex data and reporting projects.
* Experience in task resource estimation for sprint planning.
* Experience in creating and updating system documentation relating to BI processes.
* Experience in developing data interchange processes using XML and JSON.
* Experience of successfully managing multiple high‑priority tasks to completion.
Desirable Experience
* Previous experience of working in the NHS.
* Database table partitioning.
* Data transfer using a web API.
* Transferring data using SFTP.
Essential Skills
* Creating well‑structured SQL Server Integration Services packages for data transfer and Data Warehouse ETL processes.
* Designing and implementing SQL Server Reporting Services reports.
* Data transfer using XML and JSON.
* Developing custom SSIS Script Tasks/Components using C# to add non‑standard functionality to SSIS Packages.
* Using Visual Studio for database and business intelligence development.
* Advanced T‑SQL query writing.
* Microsoft Excel.
* Ability to use own initiative, coach individuals and lead a project team, engendering enthusiasm and commitment.
* Able to work to deadlines, prioritise and manage workload in a busy and changing environment.
* Strong problem‑solving approach.
* Ability to work under pressure.
* Influencing and negotiating skills.
* Ability to think creatively.
* Ability to explain complex technical issues to a non‑technical audience.
Desirable Skills
* Azure DevOps.
* Tableau.
* Power BI.
* SQL Server Analysis Services.
* MDX.
* R.
* Python.
* Source control using Visual Studio.
* Master Data Services.
* Business Intelligence Markup Language (BIML) Express.
Essential Knowledge
* Good knowledge of industry‑standard Data Warehouse design methodologies, i.e., Kimball.
* SQL Server query optimisation techniques.
* SSIS package performance optimisation.
* Best practices relating to the Microsoft SQL Server stack.
Desirable Knowledge
* NHS data dictionary and standards.
Essential Values
* Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours.
Other Essential
* Evidence of continuing professional and personal development.
* Ability to travel to Christie‑managed sites as necessary.
* Ability to undertake shift working including out‑of‑hours, weekend and Public Holidays as required.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Employer Details
* Employer name: The Christie NHS FT
* Address: Business Intelligence & Software Development – E00413, Manchester, M20 4BX
* Website: https://www.christie.nhs.uk/
#J-18808-Ljbffr