Planning Inspectorate
Senior Data Engineer
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Senior Data Engineer
Senior Data Engineer – Planning Inspectorate
About the Role
The Planning Inspectorate is seeking Senior Data Engineers to join our Digital and Data Unit, supporting the growth of our Data Service Team. You will work on building and maintaining the Inspectorate’s Operational Data Warehouse, integrating data across the planning system to enhance decision-making, performance insights, and transparency for internal teams, government bodies, and the public.
Our mission is to ensure a fair and efficient planning system for England, and this role plays a critical part in uplifting operational efficiency through data-driven solutions. We encourage collaboration, innovation, and flexible working practices to modernise service delivery and make a meaningful impact on communities.
For further details on our organisation, visit: Civil Service Careers
Key Responsibilities
As a Senior Data Engineer, you will:
- Design and maintain data pipelines and system integrations, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance.
- Develop data models for reporting and analytics tools to support business intelligence.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to identify data requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
- Troubleshoot and resolve data quality and performance issues in high-volume environments.
- Apply best engineering practices, including version control, testing (unit, integration), documentation, and CI/CD pipelines.
- Contribute to shared standards within the Data Service, fostering continuous improvement and coherence in our data platform.
- Engage with both technical and non-technical audiences, ensuring clarity in communication.
You will work in a team-oriented environment, delivering complex data solutions that align with the Data Service’s remit to connect operational systems, analytics tools, and business intelligence.
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Salary & Benefits
Remuneration
- Grade: Senior Executive Officer
- Salary: £46,689 + a Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) allowance of up to £10,771 (based on capability and base salary thresholds), aligned with Civil Service pay structures for promotions or level transfers.
Flexible Working
- Standard working week: 37 hours (part-time options available at ≥30 hours).
- Flexible work arrangements are encouraged; hybrid working policies apply under business-unit guidance.
- Office base: Bristol Temple Meads (Runway East), with in-person attendance flexible based on operational needs.
Additional Benefits
- Contribution to Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme: £13,525 employer surplus for members.
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after 5 years) plus 1 privilege day plus standard bank holidays.
- Generous family-friendly policies.
- Modular IT infrastructure (Windows 11, Microsoft 365) for seamless remote collaboration.
- A commitment to inclusion and diversity.
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven ability to design, build, and maintain data pipelines in cloud environments (preferably Microsoft Azure).
- Strong proficiency in:
- Python and SQL for data transformation and orchestration.
- PySpark or similar distributed data processing tools.
- Technical expertise working with Azure Synapse, Data Factory, or comparable cloud-native data platforms.
- Deep understanding of data modelling, warehousing, ETL, and data governance principles.
- Familiarity with data quality frameworks, GDPR compliance, and cybersecurity standards.
- Experience applying version control (e.g., Git), testing, CI/CD pipelines, and performance optimisation.
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Behavioural Traits
The role assesses competence in:
- Changing and Improving (proactive about efficiency gains).
- Working Together (cross-functional collaboration).
- Communicating and Influencing (translating technical insights for non-technical stakeholders).
- Managing Quality Service (oundation of delivery standards).
Application Requirements
Provide a 250-word case study detailing:
- Your experience with designing and implementing a data pipeline using Python and PySpark (solutions, outcomes, challenges, and outcomes).
Selection Process
Applications will be assessed via Success Profiles, evaluating:
- Behaviours
- Technical Skills (pipeline design, data modelling, cloud practices).
- Shortlisted candidates must meet key criteria before panel review.
- Assessments comprise behavioural, experience-based, and technical interviews.
- Interviews are conducted in-person in Bristol (dates: 20–24 July 2024).
Key Notes
- Right to Work: All finalists undergo vetting checks, including Security Clearance (SC) and ID verification.
- Visa Sponsorship: Not available for this role.
- Disability & Equality: Enhanced support through Disability Confident interview schemes and reasonable adjustments.
Eligibility: Open to UK/EU nationals, Commonwealth citizens with unrestricted UK work rights, or those holding EUSS pre-settled/settled status.
Contact: For application-related enquiries, contact the Recruitment Team at: PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
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