Planning Inspectorate
Senior Data Engineer
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Senior Data Engineer
Senior Data Engineer – The Planning Inspectorate
About the Role
The Planning Inspectorate is recruiting Senior Data Engineers to join our growing Digital and Data Unit, which supports better decision-making and insight for colleagues, government, and the public.
You’ll contribute to developing and maintaining the Inspectorate’s Operational Data Warehouse, integrating data across the planning system to build scalable, reliable data solutions.
The Planning Inspectorate oversees England’s planning system, ensuring it remains fair and impactful. This role offers a chance to work on ambitious, mission-driven projects with meaningful public sector impact.
Key Responsibilities
As a Senior Data Engineer, you will:
- Design, build, and maintain data pipelines and integrations across multiple systems
- Develop and maintain data models enabling reporting and analytics
- Collaborate with stakeholders to translate data requirements into technical solutions
- Investigate and resolve data quality and performance issues
- Apply engineering best practices, including version control, testing, and documentation
- Contribute to shared standards and continuous improvement within the Data Service
- Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
The role focuses on delivering robust, well-governed data solutions within a cross-functional team, supporting analytics and operational insight.
Eligibility & Key Criteria
This position is open to:
- UK nationals
- Republic of Ireland nationals
- Commonwealth citizens with right to work in the UK
- EU/EEA/UK citizens with settled/pre-settled status (EUSS)
- Turkish nationals with right to work in the Civil Service
Salary & Benefits
- Grade: Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
- Salery: £46,689 plus Data & Digital Allowance (DDaT) of up to £10,771 (based on capability and experience)
- Civil Service Pension: £13,525 annual contribution
- Annual Leave: 25 days increasing to 30 after 5 years, plus 1 privilege day
- Flexible Working: Incl. hybrid models, part-time (30+ hrs), flexitime, and compressed hours
- Family-Friendly Policies: Generous leave and support for working parents
- IT & Collaboration: Fast, modern kit with Windows 11 and Microsoft 365
- Inclusion & Diversity: Focused, supportive working culture
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Person Specification
Experience
Essential:
- Proven experience in designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines in cloud environments
- Advanced skills in Python and SQL for data transformation
- Experience with distributed data processing tools, specifically PySpark
- Experience with cloud data platforms, ideally Microsoft Azure (including Azure Synapse, Azure Data Factory)
- Practical knowledge of data modelling, integration, transformation, and warehousing
- Understanding of data quality, governance, security, and privacy (including GDPR compliance)
- Knowledge of version control, CI/CD, and performance optimisation in data engineering
Technical Skills
Candidates will be assessed on:
- Data pipeline design & implementation
- Data modelling & integration approaches
- Data governance & security practices
- Effective use of cloud technologies (Azure, Synapse, Data Factory)
Required Evidence
Candidates must provide:
- One 250-word example detailing experience of designing and implementing a data pipeline using Python and PySpark in the application form.
Selection Process
- Lead Sift: Initial review for technical criteria (especially the 250-word example).
- Interview (20–24 July):
- Mix of behavioural, technical, and experience-focused questions.
- Option for reasonable adjustments under Disability Confident Scheme.
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Commitments
- Security Check: Mandatory (Security Check (SC)), potentially taking weeks post-appointment.
- Vetting: BPSS compliance required.
- Right-to-Work: Full identity validation via verified documentation.
Working Arrangements
- Hours: 37-hour standard week or part-time (30+ hrs).
- Location: Contractually based at Runway East, Bristol Temple Meads, with flexible hybrid options (discussed at interview).
- Interviews: In-person at Bristol (£admin fees). No travel support provided.
Application Process
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Submit via Civil Service Jobs
- Provide a detailed CV listing employment history, tailored to Person Specification criteria.
- Attach the technical example (250-word PySpark pipeline case study) directly in the application form.
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Shortlisting Timeline:
- 06–10 July: Candidate screening
- 20–24 July: Interviews
Next Steps
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For further details, explore: Civil Service Careers Planning Inspectorate
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Disability Support: Your application must meet the minimum essential criteria. If you have a disability, explain how your strengths offset any disparities.
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Security: A clearance (SC level) is required before appointment.
Contact Us
Job Contact: Aaron Beck Email: PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
For recruitment-related feedback: Chief People Officer (contact via PINS.Recruitment).
Diversity & Inclusion
- The Civil Service embraces veteran, prison-leaver, and neurodiverse candidates.
- Open to candidates with unspent convictions meeting baseline eligibility.
- Supported under the Disability Confident Employer Scheme.
“It’s about inviting who you should, not just who you could” – Civil Service Values.
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