Lead Data Engineer
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer issued few or no visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£54,700
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2134 (65% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £54,700, and Royal London is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2133 (IT business analysts, architects and systems designers) or SOC 2139 (Information technology professionals not elsewhere classified). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2134 Programmers and software development professionals Most likely code | £38,300 | £43,700 | £49,200 | £54,700 |
2133 IT business analysts, architects and systems designers Also possible | £38,400 | £43,900 | £49,400 | £54,900 |
2139 Information technology professionals not elsewhere classified Also possible | £36,600 | £41,800 | £47,100 | £52,300 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Alderley Park
Working style: Hybrid 50% home/office based
Job Summary
We’re looking for a Lead Data Engineer to provide hands-on engineering leadership across our data platform landscape, with a particular focus on Microsoft Fabric. You’ll lead and support a small team, helping us design, build and operate reliable, secure and high-quality data solutions in Fabric while contributing to the development and improvement of our wider data platforms.
About the role- Lead and support a team of Data Engineers, setting clear technical standards and helping the team work effectively and efficiently.
- Oversee the day-to-day operation of our data engineering services, including pipeline availability, data quality, incident resolution, change management and performance optimisation.
- Manage data engineering deliverables, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.
- Identify and introduce modern technologies and techniques that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our data engineering processes.
- Design, develop and implement automated solutions that reduce manual data processing and improve speed, accuracy, consistency and repeatability.
- Collaborate with teams across Royal London, including the Group Data Office and IT, to ensure our data capabilities meet business needs and support the wider data strategy.
- Embed effective risk management, operational controls and regulatory requirements throughout the team’s work.
- Deep technical knowledge and a strong track record in data engineering, including delivering and operating large-scale data processing systems.
- Experience of successfully leading development initiatives and supporting or managing technical teams, ideally within an agile delivery environment.
- A good understanding of data processing technologies and tools such as Apache Spark, data lakes, data warehousing and SQL databases.
- Proficiency in Python and continuous integration and continuous delivery techniques, enabling change to be implemented consistently, securely and to a high standard.
- Experience of cloud-based data storage and processing platforms, particularly Microsoft Azure.
- An understanding of data security and privacy requirements, supported by strong analytical and problem-solving skills and an automation-focused mindset.
- Excellent communication, collaboration and stakeholder-management skills, with the confidence to work independently and constructively challenge where needed.
Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.
About Royal LondonWe’re the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions and investment company, offering protection, long-term savings and asset management products and services.
Our People Promise to our colleagues is that we will all work somewhere inclusive, responsible, enjoyable and fulfilling. This is underpinned by our Spirit of Royal London values; Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve.
We've always been proud to reward employees by offering great workplace benefits such as 28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, an up to 14% employer matching pension scheme and private medical insurance.
Inclusion, diversity and belongingWe’re an inclusive employer. We celebrate and value different backgrounds and cultures across Royal London. Our diverse people and perspectives give us a range of skills which are recognised and respected – whatever their background.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Royal London, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Programmers and software development professionals (SOC 2134) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~399k in sample- Middle half £42,536–76,752
- Median £56,784
- Going rate £54,700
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £38,300–49,200
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Royal LondonAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Royal London holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2134 going rate of £54,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.