Lead Data Engineer Location: Billericay Salary: Competitive Contract Type: Permanent Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday _________________________________________________________________________ About the Role We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Data Engineer to design, build, and optimise our modern data platform using Microsoft Fabric. This is a senior technical leadership role where you will shape how data is structured, governed, and consumed across the business, enabling high-quality reporting, analytics, and decision-making. You will act as the technical authority for data engineering, leading on architecture, standards, and delivery while ensuring data is reliable, scalable, secure, and aligned to business needs. What you'll do: Design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines using Microsoft Fabric (Lakehouse, Data Engineering, Data Warehouse, Data Integration) Define and enforce data architecture standards, best practices, and governance across the platform Develop and optimise advanced SQL queries, transformations, views, and data models Lead the design of analytical data models to support Power BI and self-service reporting Own data quality, monitoring, documentation, and operational reliability across the platform Translate business requirements into scalable, well-structured data solutions Lead and develop a team of three data engineers, managing workload, priorities, and escalations Define KPIs, standards, and delivery expectations for the team Drive data modernisation initiatives, including migration and consolidation of legacy systems into Fabric Support stakeholder engagement and reporting on progress, risks, and delivery outcomes What you’ll get Autonomy to lead and shape a modern Microsoft Fabric data platform Real ownership of architecture, standards, and data strategy across the business Opportunity to lead and develop a small engineering team Visible impact on data quality, reporting, and business decision-making Involvement in both BAU delivery and major transformation projects Support for Microsoft certifications and ongoing professional development Hybrid working and a competitive, package with company benefits What We’re Looking For Advanced hands-on SQL expertise (including performance tuning and optimisation) Strong experience with Microsoft Fabric (architecture, design, implementation) Proven experience designing and supporting data models for analytics / Power BI Experience modernising or migrating legacy data platforms Strong understanding of data engineering principles, governance, and data quality Experience designing and supporting production-grade data solutions Ability to lead technical delivery and act as escalation point for complex issues Experience working with stakeholders to gather and translate requirements Desirable Experience leading or managing small technical teams Microsoft certifications (e.g. DP-600, DP-700, DP-900, DP-300) Experience in DevOps / CI-CD for data engineering Experience in regulated or complex enterprise environments What to expect from our recruitment process at Ground Control We aim to make our process clear, supportive, and straightforward—so you always know what’s coming next. Application review: Once you apply, our Talent team will carefully review your application against the key skills for the role Optional video: You’ll have the chance to submit a short video to showcase your skills and personality—this is completely optional Intro call: If you’re a good match, we’ll invite you to book a short (up to 30 minutes) telephone interview at a time that suits you First interview: If selected you’ll then take part in an interview, either on Teams or in person, depending on the role Next steps: For some roles, there may be a technical assessment and a second-stage interview either on teams or in person. We’ll keep you updated throughout and make sure you feel supported at every stage. Benefits; Competitive salary – aligned with your skills and experience Performance‑linked bonus: Bonus opportunities aligned to your level and contribution. IF APPLICABLE FOR THE ROLE Pension scheme – helping you plan for the future Recognition schemes – celebrating and rewarding great work Private GP service – fast, convenient access to medical support Life insurance – providing added peace of mind Subsidised gym membership – supporting your health and wellbeing REMOVE FOR IRELAND Holiday buy scheme – purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave INDHP Equal Opportunities Statement At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and across all stages of employment, including training, development, promotion, pay, and termination. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and employees, and to creating a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation. We expect all colleagues to uphold our values of dignity, respect, and inclusion. We take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discriminatory behaviour and are committed to continuous improvement through training, inclusive policies, and accountability at all levels.