DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation
We’re looking for an experienced and proactive Data Engineer to join UCS College Group as part of our Digital Development team. This is a mid-level role suited to someone who already has solid commercial experience building and supporting data solutions within a Microsoft ecosystem and is ready to take ownership of core data processes.
The immediate focus of the role is to strengthen how we extract, structure, analyse, and interpret data across the organisation. You’ll play a key role not only in improving ETL/ELT processes and building reliable data structures, but also in transforming raw data into clear, actionable insight that supports academic performance, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making.
You will work closely with reporting teams and business stakeholders to understand analytical requirements, shape datasets that answer real organisational questions, and ensure that insight is accurate, timely, and trusted. This role requires someone who can bridge the gap between data engineering and practical analysis - ensuring that data is not only well-engineered, but genuinely useful.
In addition to day-to-day delivery, you’ll help shape our broader Data Strategy and Digital Roadmap as we transition to a lakehouse-supported medallion architecture.
You’ll work closely with software engineers, DevOps colleagues, reporting teams, and business stakeholders to deliver scalable data solutions in a hybrid-cloud Azure environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll take responsibility for the design, development, optimisation, and support of our data platform.
This includes:
1. Designing and maintaining robust ETL/ELT processes to extract data from internal and external source systems
2. Building and managing structured holding tables, staging layers, and views to support operational systems and reporting
3. Developing and optimising SQL-based data models to improve performance and reliability
4. Supporting and enhancing datasets used for Power BI dashboards and operational reporting
5. Ensuring data quality, consistency, validation, and appropriate governance across platforms
6. Monitoring data flows, diagnosing performance issues, and implementing improvements
7. Working with stakeholders to translate reporting and analytical requirements into scalable data solutions
8. Applying secure data practices, including role-based access controls and appropriate handling of sensitive information
9. Contributing to documentation, standards, and best practices for data architecture and engineering
Our Technology Stack
We build and operate primarily within the Microsoft ecosystem, so you’ll work hands-on with technologies such as:
10. SQL Server (on-prem and Azure-hosted)
11. Azure SQL Database
12. Data Factory (Azure / Fabric)
13. Azure Functions
14. Azure Storage (Blob / Data Lake where applicable)
15. Power BI datasets and integration
16. The Impact of the Role
This role is central to improving how the College Group uses data. Your work will:
17. Enable accurate, timely statutory and operational reporting
18. Improve visibility of performance and business outcomes
19. Reduce manual data handling and spreadsheet dependency
20. Increase automation and reliability across core systems
21. Strengthen confidence in data quality and governance
22. Support evidence-based decision making at all levels of the organisation
Growth & Development
As a Data Engineer, you’ll be encouraged to:
23. Contribute to architectural discussions and roadmap planning
24. Support the evolution of our Data Strategy towards a more structured, layered data platform
25. Propose improvements to data tooling and engineering practices
26. Mentor junior colleagues where appropriate
27. Develop deeper expertise in Azure data services
28. Work towards advanced Microsoft certifications in Data Engineering
You’ll have autonomy, ownership, and the opportunity to help shape how data engineering evolves within the organisation - while being supported by an experienced technical team.
Safeguarding Statement
UCS College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding includes supporting physical and psychological wellbeing by safeguarding them from all forms of abuse.
We are a diverse organisation with the vision to be a world class education and training organisation.
Our values are:
Passionate and excited about learning
Inclusive and supportive
Responsive to student, employer and community needs
Always aspiring to the highest standards
Professional and enterprising
Innovative and creative
Friendly and welcoming
Join us and make a difference.