Hays Travel is the UK’s largest independent travel agent, known for exceptional service and customer care. We are passionate about creating memorable experiences for our customers and are becoming a data-driven organization. Join our state-of-the-art Technology Centre and play a key role in transforming how data is used across the Hays Travel Group.

The Role

As the Lead Data Engineer, you will lead a team of six Data Insight and Reporting Analysts, mentoring and inspiring them while improving and expanding our data environment. You will utilise your expertise in Azure and Databricks technologies to deliver efficient and scalable data models across the organisation. This role is crucial in enabling the delivery of actionable insights that will drive strategic decisions and operational excellence.

Key Responsabilities

Leadership & Mentoring: Lead and support the Data Insight and Reporting team, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.

Data Engineering: Design, build, and optimise data models using Azure Data Lakehouse and Databricks to ensure efficiency and speed.

Data Technology Roadmap: Enhance and develop the existing data infrastructure to better serve the needs of the business.

Collaboration: Work closely with stakeholders across the organization to embed data-driven insights into processes and decision-making.

Innovation: Drive continuous improvement by exploring and adopting the latest Azure data technologies.

Governance: Ensure compliance with data governance, security, and regulatory standards.

About you

We are looking for an experienced data engineering expert with a proven ability to lead and deliver high-impact data initiatives. You will have strong technical expertise combined with a passion for developing and mentoring others.

Competencies 

• Significant experience in data engineering, with experience in data lakehouse architectures. Experience with Databricks is a bonus.
• Strong SQL and Python skills
• Strong background in Kimball data modelling and translating business requirements into technical deliverables for the team.
• Experience optimising solution cost and performance
• Strong experience with Power BI data modelling and best practice
• Proven track record of leading and mentoring technical teams.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex data concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Practical experience with Azure Data Factory building meta-data driven pipelines.
• In-depth understanding of data governance and security best practices. 

Desirable Skills

• Experience embedding data models within large organizations.
• Familiarity with predictive analytics and advanced data analysis techniques.

We Offer

• A hybrid working arrangement, with flexibility to work from home up to 3 days per week.
• A collaborative and innovative environment with access to cutting-edge technology.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities. 

About Us

As the UK’s largest independent travel agency, Hays Travel specialise in providing good value, quality holidays alongside excellent customer service. We work with all leading suppliers and can package holidays that include hotels, flights, cruises, tours, attraction tickets, and more. We have over 470 Branches throughout the UK and our Head Office based in Sunderland, is home to tour operator teams, finance, marketing, people/HR and IT, plus many more. We have been operating for over 40 years, and continue to grow each year.

Our values

Our SMILE values are embedded in to our Company and ensures our teams work strongly together. You and all of our colleagues will ensure that the Hays Travel values are demonstrated at all times.

• Supportive
• Motivational
• Innovative
• Loyal
• Excellent

What it’s like to work for us?

Whichever location or department you work in, our people are always at the heart of everything we do. We offer a range of training programmes to help you progress personally and professionally, as we know the benefits of promoting and rewarding our hardworking colleagues are extremely important.

Of course, it's not all about work, we're very sociable and there are always lots of team nights-out and company parties. Plus, there are opportunities to travel abroad on educational trips, and you can also take advantage of our colleague discount when booking your own holidays.

Hays Travel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all colleagues. As an accredited employer provider of apprenticeships, we undertake basic checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety of our apprentices for relevant roles