Senior Data Engineer

As a Senior Data Engineer, you'll be part of a skilled BI development team responsible for building and maintaining the data products, systems and reporting solutions that underpin Ofsted's evidence-based work.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and maintain databases, datamarts and reporting systems in a predominantly Microsoft SQL Server environment.
• Use tools such as SSMS, SSIS, Power BI and Excel to deliver reliable, efficient and accessible data solutions.
• Tackle complex data challengers and deliver robust, scalable ETL and reporting processes.
• Work closely with analysts, researchers, IS colleagues and external suppliers to provide high-quality data that supports inspections, regulation, and statistical analysis.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and develop deep business knowledge in your specialist area.
• Coach and support other data engineers and analysts, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing team culture., We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service, Ofsted is devoted to equality, diversity and inclusion. Within our Ofsted Strategy 2023-2027 we have stated that we will improve the representation of under-represented groups across the organisation and publish our progress on this annually. We are always looking to expand on our diverse workforce by recruiting candidates from varied backgrounds and differing experiences. We are proud to be a Disability Confident – Leader, we continually engage with our 5 staff networks for protected characteristics, and highlight the work of our Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Group. We ensure all candidates are treated with fair and open competition, with all appointments being made on merit and we use our Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) to provide assurance to all candidates of this., The selection panel will assess your application based on your evidence you have provided against the essential criteria as set out in the person specification.

You will also be asked to provide information within the “Employer/Activity History” section of the application form. This information is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV setting out your career history (this may be used in the sifting process).

Interview

Candidates who pass the benchmark at the shortlisting stage will be invited to an interview where you will be assessed against a combination of the the Civil Service behaviours and the technical/experience skills set out in section 3 of the job specification.

If we receive a high number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted based on the following lead criterions:

• Experience of designing, developing, and testing medium to large-scale database solutions, which meet complex user needs and provide a high degree of data transformation and automation.

Applicants who meet this initial eligibility criterion will be invited to progress to the next stage of the selection process. If required, a further full sift will be undertaken, where all applicants that passed the initial sift will be assessed against the complete set of essential criteria outlined in the job description.

Interviews will be held week commencing 18 May 2026 remotely via Microsoft Teams. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment., * UK nationals

• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

If you're an experienced data professional who thrives on solving problems, shaping data systems, and influencing how information drives public impact, we'd love to hear from you., This is a fantastic opportunity to further your experience in Ofsted’s well-established team. The post holder will work with high-achieving professionals at all levels, surrounded by a friendly and supportive team. They will have access to amazing benefits, such as flexible working hours, the Civil Service Pension Scheme, and 32.5 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays. We offer a hybrid working model, so you may also choose to spend a proportion of time working from home., * Experience of designing, developing and testing medium to large-scale database solutions, which meet complex user needs and provide a high degree of data transformation and automation. (Essential)

• Experience of using proactive problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in a data and technology environment. (Essential)
• Experience of coaching and supporting colleagues, whilst working in a data and technology environment. (Essential)
• Ability to quickly develop an understanding of complex datasets and ability to document and apply data-driven business rules. (Essential)
• Ability to clearly explain technical concepts at an appropriate level for a technical or non-technical audiences. (Essential)
• Experience of actively managing the capacity and performance of database solutions. (Desirable)

We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:

• Experience of designing, developing and testing medium to large-scale database solutions, which meet complex user needs and provide a high degree of data transformation and automation. (Essential)
• Experience of using proactive problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in a data and technology environment. (Essential)
• Experience of coaching and supporting colleagues, whilst working in a data and technology environment. (Essential), This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills., Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Alongside your salary of £46,954, Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills contributes £13,602 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.