We're looking for a Lead Engineer – Data to set the technical direction for a growing data function based in Exeter. This is a pivotal leadership role where you'll shape scalable data systems, drive modern engineering practices, and foster collaboration across product, analytics, and business teams.
You'll work closely with product managers and senior stakeholders to translate strategic priorities into data platforms and products that power decisions in areas like finance, risk, and analytics.
What you'll be doing
* Leading a squad of 4–6 data engineers, setting priorities and enabling their growth.
* Defining the technical strategy for the data platform and internal data products.
* Driving architectural decisions that ensure secure, reliable, and scalable infrastructure.
* Partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver data solutions with real business impact.
* Establishing and championing best practices in data engineering and DevOps.
* Mentoring and coaching engineers, building a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
* Getting hands-on when needed — coding, reviewing, and guiding delivery.
Projects you might lead
* Designing and implementing modern data pipelines and models (e.g. DBT + BigQuery).
* Building automated, cloud-native data platforms with observability at their core.
* Developing governance, quality monitoring, lineage, and security frameworks.
* Enabling self-serve analytics and empowering teams with trusted data products.
What you'll bring
* 7+ years in data engineering or backend systems, with 2+ years in a leadership role.
* Deep experience with modern data stacks (DBT, BigQuery, Airflow, Terraform, GCP/AWS).
* Strong foundations in software engineering (Python, SQL, CI/CD, DevOps practices).
* Knowledge of data warehousing, orchestration, streaming, and ELT/ETL.
* A focus on outcomes — you define success by business value, not just technical output.
* Clear, collaborative communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
* A genuine interest in mentoring others and lifting the overall capability of your team.
Tools & technologies you may use
* Languages: Python, SQL
* Data tools: DBT, BigQuery, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Fivetran
* Orchestration: Airflow, Terraform
* Cloud: GCP, AWS
* CI/CD & Version Control: GitHub, pipelines
* Monitoring & Dashboards: Tableau, Cloud Monitoring
How we work
This role is embedded in cross-functional, product-focused squads where collaboration is key. We value outcomes over outputs, embrace continuous deployment, and believe in "you build it, you run it."
Engineers here work cloud-first, practice test-driven development, and share learnings openly in a blameless culture. If you thrive in environments that prioritise experimentation, automation, and solving real user problems, you'll feel right at home.
What you'll get
* Competitive salary with potential equity or bonus schemes.
* Hybrid working, with at least 3 days per week in the Exeter office to support collaboration.
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, and enhanced leave policies.
* Choice of high-spec laptop (macOS or Ubuntu).
* Regular team and company socials.
* Cycle-to-work and EV schemes.
About this opportunity
This is more than a technical leadership role — it's a chance to shape how data is built, governed, and used across an organisation. If you're energised by leading teams, architecting modern data platforms, and driving innovation, this could be your next big step.
Apply now to join as a Lead Engineer – Data in Exeter and take ownership of building data systems that matter.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £51,000.00-£57,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Company events
* Company pension
* Referral programme
Work Location: In person