Head of Data Engineering

• Lead and manage the Data Engineering team, providing technical direction, mentoring and development.
• Establish and maintain data engineering standards, coding standards and best practices.
• Set expectations around code quality, testing, documentation, version control and deployment.
• Provide technical leadership across data engineering architecture and delivery.
• Work closely with Data, Technology and Business stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into robust data engineering solutions.
• Lead the design, development and optimisation of data pipelines and data products.
• Ensure engineering solutions are scalable, reliable, secure and maintainable.
• Review existing engineering practices and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support the continued development and maturity of the organisation’s Databricks environment.
• Recruit, develop and retain high-quality Data Engineering capability as the function grows.

A strong background in Databricks is essential, alongside proven experience managing Data Engineers.

The successful candidate will be comfortable getting into the detail when required. You also need the technical credibility to review code and architecture, define development standards and challenge technical decisions, while also providing leadership and direction to the wider data engineering team., * Proven experience as a Head of Data Engineering, Data Engineering Manager, Lead Data Engineer or similar senior technical leadership role.

• Strong technical background in data engineering and software development.
• Demonstrable experience of managing and leading Data Engineers.
• Strong hands-on experience with Databricks.
• Excellent understanding of modern data engineering principles, architecture and practices.
• Experience establishing and enforcing coding and engineering standards.

Leeds - £800 per day Contract Posted by: Lithium3 Technology Recruitment Limited Posted: Friday, 14 August 2026

Lithium3 are looking for an experienced Head of Data Engineering to join a growing SME and take ownership of the data engineering function, technical standards and engineering delivery.

£800 per day.

Inside IR35.

This SME are 3 days per week in the office.

6 months initially.

We are ideally looking for someone who has come from a strong software/data engineering background and can operate at both strategic and technical levels.

You will lead a team of Data Engineers, establish engineering standards and best practice, and ensure the organisation is getting the most from its data platform.