Data Engineering Lead

Data Engineering Lead

The closing date is 06 March 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen to play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, efficient healthcare by leading the Data Engineering Team within the Data & Analytics Directorate. The team provides robust, timely, and accurate data to support operational, clinical, and corporate decision-making, primarily through Power BI and enterprise data platforms.

As part of a strategic transformation, the organisation is transitioning from traditional on premise data warehouses to modern cloud based technologies, including Databricks. The postholder will be part of this transition, ensuring the adoption of best practices and the latest innovations to establish a scalable, high performing data platform that positions the team as an exemplar within and beyond the NHS.

Main duties of the job

• Contribute to the development and delivery of a strategic roadmap for the Data Platform, supporting the move to Databricks and other modern technologies.
• Support the design and implementation of scalable, efficient data warehouse and pipeline solutions.
• Ensure data structures are optimised for aggregation, analysis, and reporting.
• Work closely within the Data Engineering Team to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Share knowledge and mentor colleagues, supporting their development and the adoption of new technologies.
• Collaborate with other Data & Analytics teams to align efforts and share best practices.
• Support the transition from on premise data warehouses to Databricks, ensuring smooth migration and minimal disruption.
• Contribute to the administration and optimisation of the Azure platform and ensure robust data services.
• Maintain high standards of data quality, governance, and compliance with NHS standards.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to align data solutions with organisational needs.
• Represent the Data Engineering function in relevant meetings and forums.
• Work with partners across the organisation and wider health system to support strategic data requirements.

About us

The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA) provides hospital and integrated health and social care services to over one million people across Greater Manchester. Our 20,000 colleagues care for people in hospital and in the community, working across Bury, Rochdale, Oldham and Salford.

As a large NHS trust we are committed to enhancing the health of our local population by delivering consistently high standards of care and working closely with local authorities and key partners. We believe in our power and potential to make a difference and we're always looking for people who demonstrate our three core values - care, appreciate and inspire - to join our team.

In return, we can offer you a job role with purpose and flexibility. The size and scale of the NCA means we can provide more challenge and opportunities so your career can always be moving in the right direction. By joining us you can also access a competitive benefits package, including a fantastic annual leave allowance, flexible working opportunities and protected hours for health and wellbeing activities, helping you to achieve more personal downtime and a better work life balance.

Job responsibilities

To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading.

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• Degree in numerate / informatics or business management related subject or equivalent experience in delivery of the responsibilities described at senior management level
• Microsoft SQL Server Certification or evidence of SQL server management over 3 years
• Evidence of relevant continued professional development in specialist informatics area

Desirable

• Formal Management / Leadership training or demonstrable leadership experience and skills
• Microsoft Azure Certification or evidence of Azure management
• PRINCE2
• Informatics related courses and qualifications

Professional Registration Essential

• Membership of a relevant Fed IP recognised professional body is desirable (BCS, SOCITM, IHRIM, CILIP, AphA)

Knowledge, Training & Experience Essential

• Understanding of local and national information strategies and their implications
• Extensive understanding of data warehousing and data processing principles and best practice
• Experience of staff management including staff recruitment, appraisals, training, and career development
• Experience of working at senior levels establishing credibility
• Demonstrable experience working within a similar area

Desirable

• Knowledge of Microsoft Azure cloud service and best practices
• Extensive Experience using Databricks
• Significant NHS experience of working with health related data
• Experience in providing mentorship to junior colleagues
• Extensive and detailed knowledge of the information and operational processes in an acute NHS setting
• An excellent understanding of NHS information and Data Standards

Skills & Abilities Essential

• Strong leadership skills, ability to lead and develop the team through influence
• Ability to motivate and inspire others around a common goal
• Ability to lead by example. High personal standards of conduct and behaviour
• Able to communicate complex issues to a wide audience, both verbally and in writing
• Excellent analytical and numerical skills
• Highly developed organisational, communication and time management skills
• Able to negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues, and present complex and sensitive information to large and influential groups
• A proactive approach to problem solving in the workplace
• Advanced abilities in the use and availability of data warehouse tools

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Employer details Employer name

Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Salford Royal Hospital
Stott Lane
Salford
M6 8HD

Employer's website