Yolk Recruitment Ltd
Senior Data Engineer
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Senior Data Engineer (Greenfield Data Platform)
Location: Cardiff (hybrid) Salary: £47,675
About the Role
We’re seeking an experienced Senior Data Engineer to design and build a modern Azure-based cloud data platform from scratch. You’ll shape the organisation’s data architecture, establish engineering best practices, and develop scalable solutions for reporting, analytics, and future AI initiatives—with genuine ownership and influence.
Ideal for engineers who enjoy solving complex data challenges, building robust platforms, and guiding technical direction. This is a greenfield opportunity for those seeking impactful, large-scale work.
Responsibilities
- Design and build a modern Azure-based data platform
- Develop scalable ETL/ELT pipelines using Databricks, Spark, and Azure services
- Implement secure, governed data solutions aligned with DataOps and DataSecOps principles
- Create high-quality data models to support reporting and self-service analytics
- Develop and optimise Power BI semantic models and reporting architecture
- Ensure data quality, security, and performance across the platform
- Champion CI/CD, automation, and engineering best practices
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical leadership
- Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business requirements into scalable data solutions
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Requirements
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong proficiency in SQL and Python (preference for PySpark)
- Proven expertise in building cloud-based data platforms on Azure
- Hands-on experience with Azure Databricks, Delta Lake, and Azure Data Lake
- Expertise in designing ETL/ELT pipelines
- Experience with Power BI administration and data modelling
- Knowledge of Git, CI/CD, and modern engineering practices
- Strong understanding of data governance, security, and access control
- Ability to design scalable analytics and reporting solutions
Preferred (Nice to Have)
- Experience with Medallion Architecture or Lakehouse frameworks
- Knowledge of Azure Data Factory, dbt, or Prefect
- DataSecOps and cloud security experience
- AI/ML data preparation skills
- History of leading technical projects or mentoring engineers
What You’ll Thrive On
- Building platforms from the ground up
- Taking ownership and driving technical decisions
- Balancing engineering excellence with practical delivery
- Clear communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Enthusiasm for mentoring others and knowledge-sharing
- A continuous improvement mindset
Why Join Us?
✅ Greenfield engineering opportunity to shape a data platform ✅ Technical ownership and autonomy for impactful projects ✅ Influence long-term data strategy ✅ Modern Azure technology stack ✅ Collaborative and mouldable engineering culture ✅ Opportunities to mentor and define standards ✅ Projects with measurable business impact
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Benefits
🕒 31 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays) + 2 Privilege days 🏠 Flexible and hybrid working 💰 28.9% employer pension contribution ✨ Wellbeing-focused time off 🚗 Green car scheme available 🚲 Cycle2Work and season travel tickets ⚽ Subsidised sports groups
P.O.A for salary discussions—contact us to discuss potential.
Yolk Public Sector & Not-for-Profit team supports organisations across the UK to achieve their recruitment and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) goals. We specialise in temporary, contract, and permanent hires for long-term strategy or high-volume campaigns while aiding candidates in navigating public sector recruitment processes.
Yolk is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, education, parental status, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.
✨ Bring your whole self to work.
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