Data Engineer

Data Engineer - Hybrid working, minimum 40% of your time working in the office, Civic Centre, Gateshead.

Help build data structures to improves lives across Gateshead.

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Help build a greenfield corporate data platform to deliver actionable insights.

IT Services play a critical role in delivering the technology, infrastructure and digital capabilities that enable Gateshead Council, its schools and key partners to operate effectively and innovatively. The service provides strategic leadership, development, implementation and support of ICT solutions, ensuring employees are equipped with the tools and skills needed to work efficiently while safeguarding the council’s data through secure, resilient systems. Covering a broad portfolio, IT Services are at the heart of enabling modern, connected and data-driven services that improve outcomes for residents and communities.

Champion a data-driven culture across a whole organisation.

We are looking to offer a fantastic opportunity for a talented and committed individual to join our Data team. We are a young team within the Council and our role is build and realise the value of the corporate data platform. Your role will be key in enabling the Council to be data-driven and evidence-led, helping us to improve service delivery.

This is an exciting time to join our team. You will be part of a programme focused on building a connected, corporate data infrastructure, which is the first step in enabling us to use data more effectively to inform and evaluate decision-making. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and experience in a supportive environment. You will work on projects that detect trends, predict outcomes, and optimise resource distribution, ultimately making a positive difference in our communities and on lives of people in Gateshead.

As a Data Engineer, you will contribute to data projects, collecting requirements and developing data pipelines that support the Council’s data objectives. You will work in a MS Fabric environment with the ability to leverage Power Platform, Copilot and Power BI experience within the Data Team.

You will be responsible for:

• The development and implementation of data pipelines into our Fabric data platform, ensuring it is optimised and configured correctly to deliver high quality data solutions that meet the needs of the Council
• Leading on investigative projects bringing new methods / technology (e.g. splink, graph databases, dbt, semantic labs etc.) into the team's toolkit
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand data requirements and delivering scalable data solutions using SQL, pySpark, Python, PowerQuery
• Ensuring data quality, integrity, and security across all data processes
• Contributing to the development and maintenance of interoperable data systems, ensuring tour systems and product integrate effectively
• Champion data quality and governance across the organisation

What you'll bring:

• A relevant degree (Data Engineering, Data Science, AI, Analytics, Computer Science, or related subject or equivalent) or professional certifications in analytics/data management
• A passion for data with experience working within data analytics and/or engineering: Azure or Fabric; SQL; pySpark, Python etc.
• Experience of working with modern cloud-based data platforms (e.g. Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks) and data integration approaches (ETL/ELT).
• A demonstrable understanding of data engineering practices and techniques
• A demonstrable understanding and experience of using data analytics tools such as Power BI
• Ability to work collaboratively and have strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills
• A dedication to keeping on top of the fast-changing SAAS world of modern cloud data platforming

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.