Lead Data Engineer

About Us

At Travel Counsellors, our customers, communities, and colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. For over 30 years, we've empowered 2,100+ independent travel agents worldwide, helping them build successful businesses while providing deeply personal, human connections with their customers. Supported by a talented team of over 400 people in our Support Offices, we create unique travel experiences that keep customers coming back. Named the Best Place to Work in Travel (2022) and ranked in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work (2023 & 2024), we’re expanding rapidly and looking for exceptional individuals to join our Head Office team.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Data, Insights & Analytics you will lead a team of Data Engineers in the design, development and maintenance of Travel Counsellors’ data infrastructure. This role will be multi-faceted working on data pipelines, our new strategic Data Platform and operationalising our analytical / data science solutions.

Principal Accountabilities

• Support the design and implementation of data pipelines to ensure accurate, consistent and timely data across our analytical and reporting needs

• Work closely with Data Scientists, Analysts and business SMEs to automate and scale our machine learning and AI capabilities

• Support the development of our new cloud-based Data Platform, transforming systematic data into a business view for reporting and analytics

• Take ownership of our existing Microsoft technology (SQL Server, SSIS, SSAS, SSRS) whilst delivering on our migration plans to cloud-based technology

• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for data processes and architectures. Provide training and support to team members and stakeholders.

• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in data engineering, advocating for continuous improvement within the team.

• Lead data-related projects, ensuring timely delivery while balancing multiple priorities and stakeholder needs.

Key Skills and Experience Required

• Highly proficient in SQL and Python
• Strong understanding of data architecture and modelling techniques, e.g. 3NF, Kimball
• Experience using cloud-based data platforms and infrastructure, e.g. Snowflake, BigQuery etc
• Experience building data integrations and understanding of best practices
• Experience operationalising machine learning and AI models
• Stakeholder management

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary + annual bonus
• Flexible hybrid working
• Career development opportunities
• 25 days holiday (increasing to 28 after 5 years)
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity pay
• 1 day paid charity day
• Company events and incentives
• 3x salary death in service benefit
• Pension scheme
• Private Medical Insurance or Healthcare Cash Plan
• Free breakfast and beverages

Our Commitment to Inclusive Recruitment

Travel Counsellors is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, or any protected characteristic. We provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our team and encourage all to apply.