Lead Data Engineer

Application process: Please apply via the application button which will direct you to our careers site. If you require any adjustments to assist you in applying, please contact [email protected]. We're on an exciting journey to build a brand-new greenfield Data Platform using Microsoft Fabric in Azure, unlocking next generation insights, innovation and personalised experiences for our members. As our Lead Data Engineer, you'll take a hands-on role in designing, building and running this capability from the ground up. Partnering with our Head of Data, you'll set the technical foundations, create engineering standards and develop reusable frameworks that power enterprise grade integration, analytics, AI and regulatory reporting. This is a unique chance to influence the entire data ecosystem, from architecture and ingestion through to consumption and innovation, in a forward-thinking organisation that champions curiosity, inclusivity and positive change. Here's a taste of what you will be doing as a Lead Data Engineer Nottingham Building Society -

• Build a Cutting-Edge Data Platform: Design, develop and operate a scalable, secure and high-performing Data Platform using Microsoft Fabric technologies such as OneLake, Lakehouse/Warehouse, Data Factory, Synapse, Power BI and Fabric pipelines.
• Create Robust Data Integration Frameworks: Develop and maintain ingestion and transformation processes connecting multiple internal and external sources including Sopra Banking Services, Salesforce, CACI and Experian.
• Select the Right Tools for Every Challenge: Choose the most suitable Fabric workloads for each use case, from Data Engineering and Spark to Real-Time Analytics, Data Science and Power BI.
• Define Models and Structures for Insight: Implement data models, Lakehouse structures and orchestration patterns that enable self-service BI, single customer view, regulatory reporting and AI/ML capabilities.
• Champion Data Security and Governance: Establish role-based security patterns, ensure data quality, lineage and observability using Microsoft Purview and other governance tools.
• Embed Modern Engineering Practices: Lead the adoption of DataOps and DevOps principles with Azure DevOps, Git integration, infrastructure-as-code and automated CI/CD pipelines.
• Mentor and Inspire Engineering Excellence: Guide and support a growing team of Data Engineers, promoting best practices, code reviews and continuous improvement.
• Drive Innovation and Strategic Thinking: Act as the technical authority for Microsoft Fabric, stay ahead of emerging features and help shape the Society's long-term data strategy.

• Extensive Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of Microsoft Fabric components including OneLake, Lakehouse/Warehouse, Delta Lake, Direct Lake, Data Factory, Spark (PySpark/Scala) and Power BI (DAX and semantic modelling).
• Advanced Programming and Data Engineering Skills: Proficient in Python, SQL and T-SQL with experience in PySpark; familiarity with KQL for real-time analytics and robust ELT design using medallion architectures.
• Proven Experience in Modern Data Platforms: Track record of building and operating Azure-based data platforms, ideally in greenfield or transformational contexts, with integration across on-premise, cloud and third-party sources.
• Strong Cloud and Governance Knowledge: Hands-on experience with Azure services (ADLS Gen2, Event Hubs, Key Vault, Purview) and governance tools for data quality, lineage and compliance; awareness of AWS/GCP is a plus.
• Expertise in Engineering Best Practices: Skilled in CI/CD, infrastructure-as-code and automation using Azure DevOps; experienced in setting coding standards, reviewing designs and embedding reusable frameworks.
• Leadership and Mentoring Ability: Proven capability to lead or mentor small technical teams, fostering collaboration, code quality and continuous improvement across multi-workstream deliveries.
• Inclusive and Purpose-Led Approach: Collaborative, curious and quality-driven, with strong communication skills to simplify complex topics and align decisions with member-first values and responsible innovation.
• Qualifications and Continuous Learning: Degree or equivalent experience in a technical discipline; Microsoft certifications (DP-203, DP-600, PL-300) or willingness to achieve; commitment to ongoing professional development and learning., The people are the best part of working at Nottingham Building Society. It doesn't matter who you speak to. They are all so friendly and helpful. Flexibility is also a massive part of working here. They know everyone has a life outside work, and you can enjoy both., If you're thinking about a Nottingham Building Society career, be your true, authentic self. We value the qualities that make you a great fit for the role and acknowledge that skills can always be developed.

• Competitive Package: Fair salary benchmarked against market data, annual discretionary bonus, and 29 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Health & Wellbeing: Access to Medicash healthcare, mental health first aiders, and a suite of wellbeing resources to support you inside and outside of work.
• Work-Life Balance: 35-hour working week for full-time roles, with flexibility to help you perform at your best.
• Career Growth: Ongoing personal and professional development, we'll support your ambitions and help you grow your potential.
• Inclusive Culture: Be part of a friendly, values-led team that genuinely cares about doing the right thing for colleagues and customers.
• Giving Back: Use two paid volunteering days each year to support causes close to your heart, through our Samuel Fox Foundation.
• Sustainability Focus: Join a business committed to reducing its carbon footprint and making a positive impact on the environment.
• Free access to Octopus Money: Financial coaching & tools that help you plan, manage, and make the most of your money.

Embracing Diversity Together - We proudly embrace and celebrate diversity as a fundamental cornerstone of our values. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace is not just essential for our success but is also a reflection of the vibrant communities we serve. Our commitment to diversity extends beyond our internal culture to the way we approach advertising and engage with our customers. Our commitment means actively working to eliminate barriers and biases that may hinder equal opportunities within our organisation. We strive to ensure that all individuals, regardless of background, have an equal chance to thrive and advance in their careers. We acknowledge that diversity is not just a goal to be achieved but a continuous journey toward creating an environment that embraces differences and promotes equal opportunities for all. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that encourages collaboration, creativity, and a sense of belonging for every member of our community.

We are a mutual, which means we don't have shareholders. Instead, we're owned by our members and use our money to do good, investing in our community, responsible causes, and - well, you. So, we're always striving to do the right thing for our team, communities and members.

What do you enjoy most about working at Nottingham Building Society? I love the variety at Nottingham Building Society. Every day I come to work, there's something different to focus on or a new project to get stuck into. I'm challenging myself and learning new things all the time. Everyone at Nottingham Building Society is supportive and wants to achieve the same thing for our members. You never feel alone or that there's no help available. What advice would you give someone applying for a role at Nottingham Building Society? If you're considering a career at Nottingham Building Society, don't hesitate. The culture makes working here so enjoyable and fulfilling. We put our members at the heart of everything we do, making our jobs much more rewarding. Don't be fooled by the idea that Nottingham Building Society is a regional building society. It's one of the most ambitious organisations I've worked for, and it's an exciting journey to be part of., If you're considering a career at Nottingham Building Society, do it! It doesn't matter where you are in your career. Nottingham Building Society offers support to develop alongside people who want to see you succeed. Be your authentic self and bring that to everything you do. The difference is what drives us forward.