Principal Data Engineer

Forward Role Recruitment

Principal Data Engineer – Wigan (hybrid /remote)

I’m working with a growing business investing heavily in their data function, and they’re now looking for a Principal Data Engineer to lead the build of their Azure data warehouse.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll set the technical direction, establish best practices, and work closely alongside a high-potential mid-senior engineer providing the mentorship, guidance, and progression they’re looking for.

With a major ERP implementation (Business Central) underway, you’ll play a key role in shaping how data is structured, governed, and used across the organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys greenfield engineering, solving complex challenges, and building both platforms and people.

What’s in it for you?

  • Salary up to £75,000 DOE
  • Mainly remote working – ideally once a week or a few days per month in the Wigan office, with flexibility for the right person
  • Company bonus scheme
  • 25 days holiday + bank holidays
  • Pension
  • Flexible working hours
  • Opportunity to own and help shape a modern Azure data platform
  • Chance to mentor and develop a Data Engineer, helping build a high-performing team

Key skills

  • Strong experience with Azure
  • Microsoft Fabric
  • SQL
  • Power BI
  • Python
  • Strong experience designing ETL / data pipelines
  • Solid understanding of data warehousing principles

Experience needed

  • Experience building and scaling cloud-based data platforms (Azure)
  • Experience operating at a senior, lead, or principal level · Background in mentoring, coaching, or supporting other engineers
  • Experience integrating data from multiple systems (ERP, transactional platforms, etc.)
  • Exposure to Business Central or similar ERP systems is highly beneficial
  • Strong understanding of data architecture, governance, and data quality ·
  • Comfortable balancing hands-on delivery with technical leadership
  • Experience working with high-volume transactional data

Day to day

  • Leading the design and build of a scalable Azure data platform
  • Acting as the technical authority for data engineering within the business
  • Mentoring and supporting a Data Engineer, helping drive their development and progression
  • Designing and implementing robust, scalable data pipelines
  • Supporting the integration of Business Central into the wider data platform
  • Establishing best practices around data architecture, governance, and quality
  • Building a centralised data warehouse for reporting and analytics
  • Continuously improving performance, scalability, and reliability
  • Collaborating with technical teams to deliver high-quality data solutions

Why join?

You’ll be joining at a pivotal stage, with the chance to build a modern data platform from the ground up, while also playing a key role in developing talent and setting the standard for data engineering within the business.

If you’re a Principal Data Engineer who enjoys combining hands-on technical work with leadership and mentoring, this is a brilliant opportunity to make a real impact. APPLY NOW or email

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*Please note this role cannot offer sponsorship or accept short term or graduate visas*