Planning Inspectorate
Senior Data Engineer
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Senior Data Engineer
Senior Data Engineer – The Planning Inspectorate
About the Organisation
The Planning Inspectorate, a Civil Service organisation, ensures a fair and effective planning system for England. Our work significantly impacts communities, livelihoods, and the economy. We’re shaping the future by building a data-driven culture that fosters innovation, flexibility, and cross-functional collaboration.
The Role
We’re recruiting Senior Data Engineers to join our Digital and Data Unit, specifically within the Data Service team. You will help design, build, and maintain our Operational Data Warehouse, integrating critical data from the planning system. This will enable better decision-making, insights, and service delivery for colleagues, government, and the public.
As part of a collaborative, team-based environment, you’ll contribute to modernising our data engineering and analytics solutions, applying rigorous engineering practices and supporting continuous improvement.
Job Summary & Key Duties
Core Responsibilities
- Design, build, and maintain data pipelines, ensuring integrations across multiple systems (e.g., cloud-based, operational platforms).
- Develop and support data models tailored for reporting, analytics, and business intelligence.
- Work closely with stakeholders (technical and non-technical) to translate data requirements into scalable technical solutions.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to data quality, performance, and reliability.
- Adopt best practices for engineering discipline: version control, testing (CI/CD), documentation, and performance optimisation.
- Contribute to shared standards, code quality, and governance within the Data Service.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels to ensure alignment and clarity.
This role is delivery-focused, prioritising efficiency and governance. It aligns with our mission to support data flows that connect operational systems, analytics platforms, and decision-making tools.
Position Details
Salary
- Grade: Senior Executive Officer
- Starting Salary: £46,689 plus a DDaT allowance (up to £10,771), based on capability and base salary.
- Discounts (such as DDaT rates) apply to candidates with relevant experience.'))
Working Hours
- Standard: 37-hour week (with part-time possibilities at 30+ hours)
- Flexibility: Hybrid working options with flexitime, compressed hours, and remote work (if suitable to the role and business needs).
Location & Attendance
- Contractually based at Runway East, Bristol Temple Meads.
- Flexible hybrid policy: In-office attendance will vary by business unit but can be discussed with shortlisted candidates.
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Person Specification
Experience & Technical Requirements
- Proven design and architecture of data pipelines and integration solutions, preferably in cloud environments (e.g., Microsoft Azure).
- Proficiency in Python and SQL, with hands-on experience in distributed data processing (tools like PySpark).
- Experience working with cloud technologies (preferably Microsoft Azure solutions like Azure Synapse, Azure Data Factory).
- Robust understanding of data modelling, transformation, integration, and warehousing, supporting analytics.
- Knowledge of data governance, quality, security, and privacy principles (e.g., GDPR compliance).
- Adherence to version control, CI/CD pipelines, testing, and optimisation standards.
Key Behaviours Assessed
We evaluate applications against the following qualities:
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
Essential Technical Evidence
Applicants must provide one 250-word example in their application demonstrating: ✔ Expertise in designing and implementing a data pipeline using Python and PySpark.
Benefits & Perks
- Civil Service Pension: A £13,525 salary contingency for defined-benefits contributions.
- Flexible working policies: Flexitime, part-time, compressed hours, and remote work options where applicable.
- 25 days paid annual leave + 1 privilege day, increasing by one day annually (max: 30 days after 5 years).
- Diverse and inclusive culture: Strategies with this commitment are formally outlined in our People Plan and Diversity & Inclusion Strategy.
- Family-friendly policies: Strategy, policies, and support aligned with a diverse workforce.
- Modern IT infrastructure: Windows 11 + Microsoft 365, enabling smooth remote/office collaboration.
Selection & Process
Application Requirements
Applicants must upload a CV emphasising:
- Relevant roles and timetable, clarifying how they meet the essential criteria.
- One 250-word technical example.sqrting a expertise on data pipeline implementation via PySpark/Python.
Shortlisting & Lead Sift
If there are a high number of applications, there will be a lead sift against essential criteria. Failure to meet key requirements means the rest of your application will not be reviewed.
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Interview Stage
Shortlisted candidates will be evaluated through:
- Behavioural questions related to cultural fit and diversity.
- Technical quiz featuring challenges tied to prototype implementation, modernisation, and real-world problem-solving.
- Discussions on experience, priorities, and job requirements.
Applications Open Until: Closed since July 11 (date may have changed).
- Interview Dates (in person): Held at The Planning Inspectorate’s office, Bristol.
- Interviews Calendar Outlined: Between 20 - 24th July.
- Successful applicants require a Security Check (SC).
Additional Requirements
Security Vetting
- A Security Check (SC) will be required, lasting several weeks before an approval granted.
- For further info on clearance, refer to HMG's Personnel Security Controls Protocol
Right to Work
Applicants must undergo a right-to-work verification through ID validation technology, or original documents.
Visa Sponsorship
- Not sponsored.
Feedback
Feedback from candidates discounted with their interview viability.
Policy Consideration & Diversity Initiatives
Civil Service Code
This position adheres to Civil Service behavioural standards Civil Service Code.
Disability & Ability Inclusion
Vacancies will adhere strictly to Civil Service guidelines of reasonable accommodations with our Disability Treat initiative to enable recruitment inclusive mechanisms.
Veterans
The role aligns with the "Great Place to Work for Veterans" initiative.
Contact Support
If discrepancies were identified in application fairness, the following channels will forward offerings:
- Vacancy Manager contact Miss Leonora acceder via PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk.
- Appeal mechanisms presented in In-person assessment formal guideline setting.
Key Contacts
- Recruitment Lead: Aaron Beck, PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Not dischargeable terms by seeking revisions during the recruitment process. We suggest retaining these on file to boost the credibility aspects.
Diversity & Equal Opportunities
The heritage of this job posting reflects authority plan on recruitment terms policies.
For more visit:
Civil Service Plans, Diversity & Inclusion Structure: Civil Service People Plan
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