We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• Experience in a senior or lead data engineering role.
• A strong background in designing and implementing cloud-based data platforms using technologies such as Azure, Databricks, Snowflake or similar.
• Strong coding skills, such as SQL or Python.
• Experience designing data models and database structures.
• A track record of integrating data across multiple systems and platforms.
• Knowledge of data governance, security and access controls.
• The ability to influence, engage and build strong relationships with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for continuous improvement.
• Experience with Alteryx and AI-enabled analytics would be advantageous but isn't essential.

What you'll bring

We're looking for someone who combines technical expertise with curiosity, collaboration and influence. You'll be comfortable navigating complexity, bringing people together around a common vision and communicating technical concepts in a way that others can understand and act upon. You'll be working in an evolving environment where you can challenge thinking, introduce new ideas and help drive meaningful change.

Ready to make an impact?

Please upload your most recent CV with a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Applications will close at 23:59 on Tuesday 8 September.

Interviews will be held in either the Manchester or Guildford office, whichever is nearest to you, in the week beginning 21 September.

You will be asked to present on a topic followed by values and behaviours based questions.

At AQA, we're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can do their best work. We value the different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds our people bring, knowing they strengthen our culture, decision-making and impact. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect, has access to opportunities to grow and contribute, and feels able to be themselves. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

#MCRE #LI-FH1

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

This role will act as the lead for data engineering within the Data Analytics, Insight & Reporting (DAIR) team, with accountability for shaping, delivering and evolving the organisation’s data platform from an analytics and insight perspective.

The postholder will help to translate AQA’s data strategy into practical, scalable data platform capabilities that enable high-quality analytics, reporting and the use of AI. They will work collaboratively with technology colleagues to ensure solutions align with enterprise architecture, governance and security standards.

Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the role will drive best practice in data engineering across DAIR and influence how the data platform supports organisational data analysis priorities.

Landscape

AQA is a leading exam board and educational charity. As well as delivering high quality assessment, we believe it is vital we use our research, insight and expertise to support strategic decision making and business improvement.

The DAIR team plays a key role in enabling this by providing trusted data, insight and reporting across the organisation. This role will be critical for shaping AQA’s ability to deliver its data strategy.

Activities

• Lead DAIR’s input into the design and development of the data platform, ensuring it supports analytics, insight and reporting, and work collaboratively with technology colleagues to align approach.
• Help design scalable, secure and high-performing data solutions that meet business needs.
• Design, build and maintain robust data pipelines and integrations across systems.
• Lead data modelling to support analytics and reporting.
• Use coding skills such as SQL or Python to deliver efficient, scalable solutions.
• Help enable AI and advanced analytics through effective data engineering.
• Work with colleagues to implement and maintain defined data access controls and standards.
• Support compliance with organisational and regulatory governance requirements.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to define data engineering solutions and resolve complex issues.
• Ensure solutions are well documented and maintainable.
• Promote best practice in documentation, coding standards and data engineering processes.
• Represent DAIR in relevant meetings and data governance forums.
• Line manage an analytics engineer development post.
• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve and staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and best practice.
• Provide flexible support across the team and undertake other tasks commensurate with the role.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

Knowledge & Experience

• Demonstrable experience in a senior or lead data engineering role and/or a degree in an analytical, technical or mathematical discipline.
• Experience designing and implementing cloud-based data platforms using Azure, Databricks or similar.
• Understanding of data architecture principles (desirable, working closely with formal Data Architecture roles).
• Significant experience in data modelling and database design.
• Strong coding skills such as SQL or Python.
• Experience of data integration across multiple systems and platforms.
• Understanding of data governance, security and access control principles.
• Experience working with tools such as Alteryx (desirable).
• Awareness or experience of large-scale data platforms supporting AI or advanced analytics (desirable).

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong leadership and influencing skills.
• Ability to engage and negotiate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify pragmatic solutions.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to balance long-term direction and immediate delivery.
• Self-starter with an inquisitive and proactive approach.
• Strong continuous improvement mindset.
• Highly collaborative with the ability to build strong working relationships.
• Organised and detail-oriented with a focus on quality and delivery.