Senior Data Engineer – Azure Cloud Migration | NHS Role with UK Visa Sponsorship

Employer: Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
Application Deadline: 11:55 pm on Monday, 31st March 2025
Location: Salford, United Kingdom
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Salary: £46,148 to £52,809 per year
Job Grade: Band 7

Job Summary

Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust is seeking two highly skilled Senior Data Engineers to join our Data & Analytics Team. As we transition to a state-of-the-art Azure-based cloud data warehouse, you’ll play a key role in designing, developing, and implementing a new hybrid data platform. This is a career-defining opportunity to join one of the UK’s first NHS trusts to fully migrate to a modern cloud data solution.

You’ll be at the forefront of a strategic shift—moving away from legacy systems and towards a dynamic, agile, and product-focused data environment. This role is pivotal in delivering high-quality, actionable insights to support operational, clinical, and corporate decision-making across the trust.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement a hybrid on-premise and Microsoft Azure cloud data warehouse platform
Lead the migration of existing data warehouse solutions from legacy systems to Azure
Work with internal stakeholders to maintain and enhance the trust’s data infrastructure
Troubleshoot data issues proactively, ensuring minimal disruption to operations
Utilize tools such as SSIS, SSRS, and T-SQL for data integration and reporting
Collaborate with cross-functional teams in an Agile (Scrum) environment
Ensure compliance with data governance and security standards
Mentor and support junior team members
Engage in continuous improvement initiatives to optimise data flow, performance, and scalability
Liaise with third-party vendors and internal teams to maintain business continuity

Technical Requirements

Essential Qualifications
Degree in a related technical or informatics field, or equivalent professional experience
Evidence of continued professional development in data engineering and SQL disciplines
Microsoft certifications in SQL Server and Azure technologies

Desirable Qualifications
Leadership or project management certifications (e.g. PRINCE2, Agile, Scrum)
Professional membership with relevant bodies (e.g. BCS, SOCITM)

Essential Skills & Experience
Expertise in Azure infrastructure, including Data Factory, Synapse, and ETL pipelines
Strong command of Microsoft SQL Server (indexes, performance tuning, complex queries)
Experience with dimensional data modelling (Kimball methodology)
Demonstrated ability to manage large datasets from multiple systems
Experience providing end-user training and technical support
Track record of mentoring junior engineers
Significant experience with Microsoft data tools (SQL Server, SSIS, SSRS, SSAS)

Desirable Skills
Previous experience working with NHS data
Understanding of Agile methodologies and working in Scrum teams
Familiarity with Power Apps, Power Automate, Data Lake, and Databricks

Person Specification

Excellent problem-solving skills with a proactive mindset
Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders
Comfortable managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively within a team
Motivated to learn, innovate, and contribute to a transformative data journey

Benefits

NHS pension scheme
Generous annual leave entitlement
Flexible working arrangements, including remote options
Comprehensive training and professional development support
Visa sponsorship available for eligible international applicants

Application Process

This role follows the NHS Jobs application framework. Applicants requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered equally. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and assessed based on experience, technical proficiency, and alignment with the Trust’s values.

Security Clearance

All offers are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Applicants requiring a Certificate of Sponsorship may also be required to present a criminal record certificate from previous countries of residence.

Eligibility

Open to:

UK and Irish nationals
Commonwealth citizens with the right to work in the UK
EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals with settled/pre-settled status under EUSS
Applicants requiring visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route
Applicants and adult dependants may be subject to criminal record check requirements

Diversity & Inclusion

Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Applications from individuals of all backgrounds are encouraged, including those with disabilities or requiring reasonable adjustments.

Contact Information

For any questions regarding this role, please contact the Northern Care Alliance Recruitment Team.