Head of Data Engineering

HEAD OF DATA ENGINEERING – GCP, Big Query, DBT, Python, SQL

London | Hybrid (3 Days Office)

Leading a Critical Data Transformation Programme

An ambitious digital business is investing heavily in the next generation of its data platform and is looking for a Head of Data Engineering to lead the journey with expert knowledge of GCP

Operating across multiple consumer-focused digital brands, the organisation processes significant volumes of customer data. Following recent growth and acquisitions, they are building a modern cloud-based data ecosystem that will power analytics, AI initiatives, marketing intelligence, and commercial decision-making.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys combining technical credibility with strong stakeholder engagement.

The Opportunity

You will take ownership of the data engineering function, leading a team responsible for delivering a modern cloud data platform whilst ensuring key transformation initiatives remain on track.

This role requires someone comfortable operating at both strategic and technical levels, providing leadership whilst remaining close enough to the technology to support decision making and unblock teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and grow a high-performing data engineering team
• Still being hands on (70%)
• Define and execute technical strategy and delivery roadmaps
• Drive a major cloud data transformation programme
• Partner closely with commercial, marketing, product and technology stakeholders
• Ensure delivery remains aligned to business outcomes
• Promote AI-assisted engineering practices and efficiency improvements
• Maintain oversight across architecture, engineering standards and platform scalability
• Support acquisition integration projects and data consolidation initiatives

Technology Environment

• Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
• BigQuery
• SQL
• Python
• DBT
• Airflow / Astronomer
• Hightouch
• Fivetran
• AI-enabled development tools

What you must show

• Proven experience leading Data Engineering teams
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Commercially aware with the ability to translate technical complexity into business outcomes
• Hands-on understanding of modern cloud data platforms
• Strong knowledge of SQL/Python and data engineering principles
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment
• Able to balance leadership with technical oversight