Senior Data Engineer

Manchester Metropolitan University is launching an ambitious new Centre for Digital Data Research (CDDR) to harness the power of digital data in driving world-class, socially responsible research. This cross-disciplinary centre will bring together academic expertise, technical specialists, and advanced computing capabilities to enable research at scale – from the processing of large, complex data sets to the training and deployment of cutting-edge AI models.

To support this exciting new centre and to be part of a dedicated team, we are seeking a highly experienced and skilled Senior Data Engineer to play a critical role in designing, delivering, and optimising the University's dedicated CDDR cloud-based data warehousing capabilities. You will work closely with your core stakeholders, consisting of researchers and technical colleagues to ensure the data capability for CDDR is scalable, secure, and capable of supporting advanced analytics, machine learning, and large-scale data processing. Your expertise will help underpin the University's ambition to become a leader in digital and data-driven research. 

Manchester Metropolitan is investing in its research capabilities like never before. This is your opportunity to join at a formative moment, helping shape the technical foundation of a major new research centre. 

About the Role

As the dedicated Senior Data Engineer for CDDR, you will:

• Lead the design, development, and optimisation of the University's Azure-based CDDR platform to support research and institutional data initiatives.
• Design, test, implement and manage data pipelines, CDDR Lakehouse and data warehouse architectures to enable advanced analytics and AI-driven research.
• Work collaboratively with academic researchers, dedicated data scientists, and other IT colleagues to contribute to delivering secure, scalable, and high-performing data solutions in the Azure.
• Promote and champion best practices in design, data governance, security, and automation.
• Engage with our Azure Cloud Operations Team to ensure the required platform is scalable, monitored by Operations Team, compliant and meets security needs.

You'll be part of a welcoming and forward-thinking team committed to enabling high-impact research through digital innovation.

About you

You will bring:

• Proven experience in designing and managing data warehousing platforms, data ingestion and a quality driven approach to pipeline design. You will be familiar with Microsoft Azure, including services such as Azure Data Lake, Synapse Analytics, Azure SQL, and Azure Data Factory (ADF).
• A strong understanding of modern data architecture, including data modelling, ETL/ELT processes, and supporting advanced analytics and AI workloads.
• Committed to ensuring that all output is documented, quality controlled and tested, meeting quality standards that are reflected in Manchester Met.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage effectively with technical colleagues, researchers, and wider stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver impactful solutions.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity and benefits we offer, please read the JD and Candidate Pack.

If you're passionate about architecting and building a modern platform to support MMU's Research, as well as working with the latest technologies, we'd love to hear from you!

Application & Assessment

• To apply, please submit your latest CV with a cover letter detailing your suitability, on the portal.
• Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we sometimes close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role. For any informal queries, please contact Dom Chung on d.chung@mmu.ac.uk 
• First stage of assessment will include an informal discussion and second stage will be a formal panel interview, details of which will be shared in the invite.

We believe in working together, sharing knowledge and valuing everyone's contributions. Develop your skills, further your knowledge and be part of a team who are transforming lives, every single day!

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support. Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups. 

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy. This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme and best meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.

Recruitment Agencies: The University has engaged an approved list of recruitment agencies to support the recruitment of its vacancies from time to time. The University does not accept speculative applications from recruitment agencies outside of this list.