Data Engineering Manager

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South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

At South West Water, we’re transforming how we use data to deliver essential services, improve customer outcomes, and support a sustainable future. We’re looking for a Data Engineering Manager to lead our data engineering capability, someone who can combine technical expertise, leadership, and strategic thinking to unlock the full value of our data.

As our Data Engineering Manager, you’ll lead and develop a high-performing team of Data Engineers, driving the design, build, and operation of reliable, scalable data platforms and products.

You’ll play a key role in shaping how we deliver modern, cloud-based data engineering while ensuring the stability and evolution of legacy systems. Working closely with stakeholders across the organisation, you’ll help turn complex data into actionable insights that support business decisions and long-term strategy.

• Lead & Develop Talent – Build, coach, and mentor a motivated data engineering team, fostering growth and high performance

• Drive Delivery – Plan and prioritise work aligned with business objectives and platform roadmap

• Design & Build Modern Data Solutions – Deliver high-quality pipelines, data models, and products using tools such as Databricks and Microsoft Fabric

• Manage Legacy Systems – Oversee maintenance and modernisation of SQL Server and SSIS environments

• Champion Best Practice – Embed strong engineering standards including CI/CD, testing, security, and documentation

• Improve Data Reliability – Continuously enhance data quality, stability, and performance

• Collaborate Widely – Work across architecture, analytics, governance, and business teams to deliver impactful solutions

• Ensure Operational Excellence – Balance innovation with platform reliability, cost efficiency, and performance

• Influence Strategy – Contribute to future platform decisions, tooling, and ways of working

• Measure Success – Define and track KPIs to drive continuous improvement

• Proven experience leading and developing data engineering or technical teams

• Strong background in delivering production-ready data platforms and pipelines

• Experience with cloud data platforms (ideally Azure Databricks)

• Knowledge of legacy environments (SQL Server, SSIS) and migration approaches

• Track record of delivering complex, outcome-focused data initiatives

• Strong stakeholder engagement across technical and non-technical audiences

• Experience with DevOps / CI-CD practices for data platforms

• Understanding of governance, security, and data quality in enterprise environments

Required:

• Degree in Computer Science, IT, or equivalent experience

• Hands-on expertise in modern data engineering (ELT, lakehouse, medallion architecture, orchestration)

Desirable:

• Microsoft Fabric or Azure Databricks certification

• ITIL Foundation or Managing Professional

• Agile / Scrum certification

What you’ll get

Join us and help deliver a reliable, high-quality service for our customers across the South West.

We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work and dedication. As our Data Engineering Manager, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive Salary – Based on experience and skills

• Annual Bonus Scheme – Recognising company performance

• Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for your future

• Flexible Working Options – We value work-life balance and offer flexible hours and hybrid working where possible

• Healthcare Benefits – Access to employee assistance programs

• Employee Discounts – On various products and services

• Annual Leave – Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement

Closing Date: 23rd June 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.