Lead Data Engineer

Company Description/ Business Unit

Location: Basingstoke (hybrid working 2 office days per week)

Employment Type: Permanent, full time

Additional Benefits: Annual Bonus, Cash-Car Allowance & Private Medical Insurance

Think the AA is just about roadside assistance? Think again.

For over a century, we've been evolving and adapting. Today, as the nation's leading motoring organisation, we offer a wide range of products and services to millions of customers. From roadside assistance to home and motor insurance, and the latest driving technologies, we have it all. As we continue to expand, diversify, and modernise, joining us as a Lead Data Engineer means you'll play a crucial role in our success and be part of this exciting motoring journey.

Our Chief Operating Office (COO) are the backbone of The AA, providing both stability and structure to support growth and innovation. We are the drivers of change.

#LI-Hybrid

This is the job

Are you passionate about data engineering and looking for a leadership role that puts you at the heart of driving business performance and operational processes through data?

Joining us as a Principal/Lead Data Engineer, you'll guide and mentor a skilled team Data Engineers and leverage modern data engineering capabilities to empower our organisation to utilise data for enhancing business outcomes. You and your team will work closely with various business areas to deliver data for visualisation, reporting, or analytics solutions, ensuring compliance with our frameworks.

What will I be doing?

• Lead and guide the data engineering team to consistently deliver high-quality technical outputs.
• Grow the team's skills and personal development.
• Establish the data Lakehouse as a trusted, stable, and reliable source of insight for the business.
• Build analytics datasets that provide actionable insights into customer understanding, operational efficiency, and other key business performance metrics.
• Provide hands-on support to users reporting data incidents and help the wider team triage and respond to user queries promptly.
• Embed technical architecture and documentation standards, governance, policies, processes, and procedures.

What do I need?

• Hands-on experience with cloud data platforms (Databricks, Snowflake, RedShift, Azure Synapse) and expertise in Azure services.
• Advanced proficiency in SQL and developing Spark/Databricks pipelines using Python.
• Experience in line management, coaching, and mentoring teams to enhance skills and performance in a positive, collaborative environment.
• Strong understanding of event-driven architecture, data streaming, and implementing Data Lakehouse standards.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies, Azure DevOps, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Ability to collaborate with data teams and business units, fostering relationships and maintaining professional communication.

Additional information

We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA, you will join and learn within a team that’s as driven as they are supportive and have access to a range of benefits including:

• Free AA breakdown membership from day one, 50% discount for family and friends in the first year plus discounts on other AA products
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + the option to buy additional annual leave
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family
• Pension scheme available up to 7% contribution
• Exclusive EV discount scheme
• Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
• Access to employee inclusivity networks
• Dental and Critical Illness Insurance cover accessible for all AA colleagues

We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.

#LI-HH