Job Description

Principal Data Engineer
Are you passionate about harnessing data to drive real-world impact? Southampton City Council is seeking a talented Principal Data Engineer to lead the design and delivery of innovative, integrated data systems as part of our Data, Intelligence and Insight Service and the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC).
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of data-driven public services in Southampton, supporting innovative research and making a tangible difference to local communities as we look to shape the next phase of our Data and Digital Transformation Programme.
About the Role:
You'll play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining a central data warehouse and robust data pipelines, enabling evidence-based decision making across the council. Working closely with senior leaders and analysts, you'll ensure our data architecture supports statutory reporting, performance management, advanced analytics and research to address health inequalities in our city.
Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and maintenance of a reliable and scalable central data platform and 'single version of the truth' for Southampton City Council.
• Design and implement data models, pipelines, and automation for efficient analytics and reporting.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Manage and mentor a team of data engineers, setting best practice standards.
• Ensure compliance with information governance, data protection, and council policies.

About You:
You'll have significant experience in advanced data engineering or data science roles, ideally in the public sector, with a proven track record of developing complex data solutions. You'll be skilled in SQL, Python or R, and familiar with tools such as SQL Servicer Management Studio, MS Azure, GitHub and Power BI.
Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential. Previous management experience and the ability to mentor and develop a team of data engineers would also be an advantage.
If you feel you have the necessary background, experience and skills to undertake this role we would love to hear from you.
What we can offer you:
Salary: The salary band for this role is 52,413 - 58,865. The starting salary is 52,413 with annual progression through the salary bands.
Here at SCC we have a range of different perks and benefits, a few examples can be found below.

• Excellent

with 16.8% employer contribution * Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)

• Generous holiday 25-31 days, based on role and service
• Flexible working options (role-dependent)
• Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
• Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
• Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
• Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
• Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
• Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer

For further information on our benefits package please visit:
Contact details for informal discussion:
For further information and details regarding the role, please contact Cheylea Hopkinson, Principal Data Architect - email .
Recruitment contact details:
Email:
Tel: 023 8083 4033
For more information about SCC please visit
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Organisation
Southampton City Council
Service Area
Data, Intelligence & Insight
Job Location
Civic Centre, Southampton
Contract Length
Permanent
Work Hours
Full time 37 hours per week
Salary
52,413 to 58,865 per annum
Special Requirements
Basic DBS check required
Closing Date
02/11/2025
Job Reference
16099
Documents
(PDF, 198.09kb)

Skills Required