Head of Data Engineering

Head of Data Engineering - £130k + 40% Bonus / LTIP + £7.5k Car AllowanceLocation: Chatham, Kent (Hybrid)Our longstanding financial services client is embarking on their first-ever digital transformation journey and is seeking a Head of Data Engineering to build and lead a best-in-class function. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of data for a highly regulated organisation, driving the migration from legacy systems to Azure Data Services.Package:

• Basic salary: £120,000 - £130,000 (circa)
• 40% bonus / LTIP
• £7.5k car allowance
• Additional benefits

The Role:You will lead a multi-national team of around 40, SQL and Azure data professionals, setting the vision, strategy, and standards for data engineering. You'll oversee the design and delivery of robust, high-quality data solutions, ensure governance and compliance in a regulated environment, and drive innovation across the function.Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing Data Engineering team.
• Design, build, and optimise secure, scalable data pipelines and storage solutions.
• Oversee the migration from on-premise SQL Server estates to Azure Data Services, including the decommissioning of data centres and warehouses.
• Embed governance, documentation, and lifecycle best practices.
• Collaborate with technology, architecture, and business teams to align data strategy with business goals.
• Foster innovation by exploring new tools, technologies, and approaches.

Core Requirements:

• Proven leadership of a Data Engineering function (circa 40 staff) across SQL and Azure environments - must have.
• Extensive experience delivering complex data engineering projects, including ETL pipeline design and development - must have.
• Track record of data migrations from SQL Server estates into Azure cloud - must have.
• Experience working within regulated environments (finance or banking preferred) - must have.
• Knowledge of data-related regulations (BCBS239 / IRB) - preferred.

Three stage interview process.