Lead Data EngineerSalary: £80,000 to £85,000 per annum, dependent on track recordLocation: AndoverHours: 37.5 hoursWe are the Pure Group, and we're looking for a Lead Data Engineer to take ownership of our data platform, engineering standards, and delivery capability.Who Are We?The Pure Group was formed with the primary focus to disrupt the market and has grown into a leading group of companies specialising in end-of-life and later-life planning – including funeral plans, insurance products and cremation services. We're fast-moving, high-growth, and entrepreneurial, with a direct-to-consumer model and FCA regulation. We're proud to be the market leader, with phenomenal brand awareness, and more 5-star Trustpilot reviews than any of our competitors. We take pride in our Pure Values – we Care Deeply about our customers and each other, we Take Accountability for everything we do, and we Never Settle for second best. Working at Pure means joining a diverse, passionate, and growing team that truly makes a difference.Job purposeThis is a senior, hands-on leadership role operating as a true player–coach - combining technical delivery with team leadership. You will lead the day-to-day data engineering function, ensuring a scalable, reliable, and high-performing data platform across Azure, SQL, and Python pipelines.You will play a key role in setting direction, establishing fundamentals, and ensuring the platform supports both operational reporting and advanced analytics, whilst operating confidently across all levels of the business.Summary of responsibilities and dutiesData Platform OwnershipOwn the architecture, performance, and scalability of the data platformLead development across Azure data services, SQL-based warehousing, and Python pipelinesEnsure robust, well-structured data models and warehouse designDrive continuous improvement in platform reliability, cost efficiency, and performanceEngineering LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop a team of Data EngineersAct as a hands-on technical leader, contributing directly to engineering deliveryEstablish and enforce engineering standards (SQL, Python, data modelling)Lead code reviews and ensure high-quality, maintainable solutionsDelivery & ExecutionTranslate data strategy into clear, executable engineering plansOwn prioritisation, backlog management, and delivery timelinesRemove blockers and ensure consistent delivery in a fast-paced environmentBalance strategic platform evolution with day-to-day deliveryData Reliability & GovernanceImplement monitoring, alerting, and data quality frameworksEnsure data integrity, auditability, and consistency across systemsSupport FCA-regulated requirements through robust data controlsEstablish clear SLAs for data availability and performanceOwn end-to-end data quality outcomes from source-to-reporting, including root-cause analysis, prioritisation, and working with upstream owners to remediate issues at source where feasibleDefine and agree data quality rules (completeness, validity, uniqueness, timeliness) and 'data contracts' with upstream system owners and third-party providers, and implement compensating controls where upstream changes are not immediately possibleIntroduce data observability across pipelines (automated validation, anomaly detection, lineage, and alerting) and run a lightweight data-incident process with clear ownership and SLAs, mitigating impact to reporting while remediation is in progressDesign pragmatic controls to protect trusted reporting (reconciliation checks, quarantine/error tables, backfills, and transparent stakeholder communication/caveats when data is incomplete or disputed)Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with stakeholders across Marketing, Finance, Operations, and ITWork closely with analysts and business teams to enable reporting and insightAct as the bridge between data engineering and business valuePlatform Strategy & EvolutionDefine and deliver a clear roadmap for the data platformIntroduce new tools and approaches where appropriateEnsure the fundamentals are in place to support scale and future capabilityConfidently challenge and push back where needed to drive the right outcomesSkillsYou'll need to have:Proven management track record in managing a data engineering team or similarStrong proven expertise in:Azure data stackSQL (advanced querying, optimisation, performance tuning)Python (data pipelines, automation, integration)Proven track record managing and leading a data platform or warehouseProven track record leading and developing engineering teamsStrong prioritisation and decision-making capabilityComfortable operating as a hands-on player–coachDemonstrable track record improving data quality in environments with inconsistent upstream sources, partnering with source-system owners to fix issues at origin where feasible and implementing mitigations where it is notProven track record implementing automated data testing/validation and monitoring(e.g., SQL-based checks, custom Python frameworks, or tools such as Great Expectations/dbt tests) and using results to drive sustained remediationExperience with workflow orchestration tools (e.g. Airflow, Luigi)Exposure to event-driven or near real-time data architecturesPersonal Attributes: Strong ownership mindset with a focus on delivery and outcomesConfident and robust — able to challenge, influence, and push back when neededEmotionally intelligent with the ability to operate at all levels of the businessPragmatic, solutions-focused, and commercially awareComfortable bringing structure and direction to a growing functionClear communicator, able to translate technical concepts into business impactDriven to get the fundamentals right and build for scaleOur Benefits30 days' holiday plus bank holidaysPrivate Medical CoverBupa Health Cash PlanLife AssuranceCompany Pension or SMART Pension optionFamily-friendly occupational benefitsEmployee Assistance Programme – 24/7 supportComprehensive Induction and Learning and Development AcademyDiscounted Gym Membership and Cycle to Work SchemeFriendly, supportive modern working environment with free on-site parkingIf you're looking to join a company that is fast-moving, people-centred and committed to doing things differently, and where your work truly matters, then this could be just the opportunity you've been looking for.Equal OpportunitiesThe Pure Group strives to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds - regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief. We celebrate difference, because we believe it enriches our work and helps us care more deeply. If you'd like extra support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.Please note, we may need to undertake a vetting process through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or Disclosure Scotland on new employees, dependent on requirement. All gaps in your CV must be disclosed.We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.