Data Engineering Lead

The shareholders will fund SZC up until Financial Close through equity in line with the approved schedule and budget. SZC’s business is to design, finance, construct, commission, operate, maintain, and eventually decommission the nuclear power plant and related infrastructure (including activities relating to hydrogen, direct air capture and/or desalination) at Sizewell C in Suffolk. The principal objectives of the current development phase of the SZC project are to agree and implement the Capital Raise Plan, including completing an equity and debt raise, agree the core supply chain contracts and obtain the regulatory permits and licences required for the construction phase of the Project (including the core environmental permits and nuclear site licence).
Prior to the government investment decision SZC operated as part of EDF in the Nuclear Development business unit and was staffed by EDF colleagues and independent contractors who are now in the process of transferring to the direct employment of SZC. It is setting itself up as an organisation capable of delivering a new nuclear power plant, from investment case and funding, to construction, commissioning, operations, maintenance and decommissioning.
The SZC construction programme has a technical and commercial business case predicated on technical replication of Hinkley Point C. EDF will be an important supplier of nuclear capability for the SZC Programme from its established nuclear business footprint in the UK.
Key stakeholders are: UK Government, relevant Government departments and agencies including Treasury BEIS, EDF, Financial investors and institutions, Regulators, Alliance partners and local communities.

Role Purpose

This is an exciting opportunity for a Data Engineering Lead, specialising in the Microsoft technology stack. They will spearhead efforts to advance the Civil Works Alliance data solutions. This pivotal role involves leading the development and integration of data sources, managing complex data contracts, and ensuring high standards of data quality across cloud-based and on-premises platforms. Your expertise will guide your team in deploying scalable and efficient data services that align with our strategic business needs.

What you'll be doing

Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of data engineers and developers.
• Ensure continuous professional development and training of team members.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Strategy and Planning:

• Work with IT team to develop and implement strategies for data collection, integration, and architecture management.
• Coordinate with IT leaders to align the data engineering strategy with broader business goals.
• Define clear metrics and goals for data management and usage.

Data Architecture and Systems Design:

• Oversee the design and maintenance of scalable and secure data architectures.
• Ensure that the data lake supports company requirements in BI, analytics, and other areas.
• Optimise data structures and flow within the Microsoft data ecosystem.

Data Quality Management:

• Implement systems to monitor and ensure high data quality and consistency.
• Develop policies and practices for data governance, compliance, and lifecycle management.
• Address data quality issues proactively by liaising with relevant internal stakeholders.
• Innovation and Technology Adoption:
• Research and integrate new tools and technologies to enhance data ingestion, storage, and analysis capabilities.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Microsoft technologies and data management trends.
• Drive innovation in data practices, including the exploration of AI and Machine Learning integrations.

Project Management:

• Manage timelines, resources, and deliverables for multiple concurrent projects.
• Utilise agile methodologies to ensure efficient project execution and delivery.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations on the status, activity, and results of data initiatives.

Security and Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to IT security policies and compliance regulations.
• Proactively manage risks associated with data security and privacy.
• Work closely with security teams to audit and upgrade data systems as necessary.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

• Act as a liaison between technical and non-technical stakeholders to communicate data-related capabilities and limitations.
• Understand and prioritise business needs and translate them into technical requirements.
• Engage with vendors and external partners to enhance data capabilities and tools.
• Budget and Resource Allocation:
• Manage budgets allocated for data initiatives, tools, and staffing.

Who we're looking for

Knowledge & Skills
Essential:

• Data Lake and Lakehouse Architecture: Deep understanding of designing, implementing, and managing lakehouse architectures which combine elements of data lakes and data warehouses for more unified data management.
• CI/CD Practices: Proficiency in Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment methodologies and tools to streamline the updates and integration of new data pipelines and analytics features.
• Cloud Platform Management:
• General Cloud Knowledge: Strong grasp of cloud services and architecture, especially as they pertain to data storage and processing.
• Specific Platform Expertise: Depending on the project, in-depth knowledge of major cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. Skills in platform-specific tools and services that support data lake and lakehouse architectures.
• ETL/ELT Processes: Advanced skills in ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) and ELT (Extract, Load, Transform) processes to efficiently manage data workflows from diverse sources into the data lake/lakehouse.
• Big Data Technologies: Familiarity with big data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, and Kafka that are often integral to handling large-scale data operations in lakehouse environments.
• Programming Languages:
• Scripting Skills: Strong capabilities in Python, SQL, or Scala for data manipulation and pipeline development.
• Platform-Specific Languages: For Microsoft-focused stacks, knowledge of C#, .NET is advantageous.
• System Integration Tools: Understanding of tools like MuleSoft which aid in integrating various systems and ensuring seamless data flow between disparate sources, crucial for maintaining robust data ecosystems.
• Security and Compliance: Knowledge of data security measures, legal standards, and compliance requirements relevant to data management and processing, crucial for protecting sensitive information.
• Project and Team Management:
• Leadership Skills: Ability to lead and manage diverse teams to meet project goals effectively.
• Budget Management: Capability to manage financial aspects, ensuring projects stay within budget while delivering value.

Desirable:

• Mulesoft Experience
• Positive ‘can do’ mentality.
• Experience in the infrastructure industry.
• Understands the concept of ‘systems thinking’ but has the ability to dive down into the low-level detail.

Why work for us

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

Why join us?

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

• Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
• 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
• Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
• Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more…

About us

Balfour Beatty’s Major Projects business is delivering some of the UK’s most complex and iconic infrastructure projects including HS2, the new high-speed railway and the first nuclear power station in a generation, Hinkley Point C. Using the latest technology, we’re driving productivity and creating a lasting legacy by delivering sustainable solutions that strengthen communities.

From consultancy and design, to all aspects of construction and maintenance. We have the proven expertise to deliver large-scale projects safely and successfully.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion

We are a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/

We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at: candidaterecruitmentqueries@balfourbeatty.com

Job Reference: BBUK12075