Principal Software Engineer who can combine deep technical expertise with strategic vision and leadership needed ASAP. Yo u'll shape the architecture and delivery of enterprise-scale data platforms that enable analytics and insight across this regulated global media and events company.

You'll partner with Digital Data Foundation, Product Analytics, and Enterprise Data Lake teams to design, build, and govern robust Data Lakes, Pipelines, and Data Products - balancing innovation with security, compliance, and scalability.

What you'll do

• Architect and deliver secure, scalable data platforms across cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP)

• Lead the design and hands-on development of data pipelines (batch & Real Time) using Python, Spark, and modern frameworks

• Define and enforce standards for data quality, validation, and regulatory auditing

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to align data initiatives with business and compliance goals

• Drive governance, metadata, and lineage practices across Data Lake and Mesh environments

• Champion automation, observability, and CI/CD for data workflows

• Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineers, fostering clarity and consistency in delivery

What you'll bring

• Proven track record in leading large-scale data engineering projects in complex, regulated environments

• Strong hands-on experience with Python, PySpark, and modern data stacks (Glue, Databricks, Kafka, Terraform, etc.)

• Deep understanding of data architecture, governance, and privacy/security controls

• Confident communicator - able to translate complex data concepts into actionable business insights

• Demonstrated experience influencing multiple stakeholders and aligning technical solutions to strategic goals

• Balance of big-picture thinking and practical, hands-on problem solving

Why this role

This contract offers the opportunity to set data strategy, design future-proof platforms, and lead delivery at scale - all while working with cutting-edge technology in a collaborative, high-performing environment.

Richmond upon Thames offices. Hybrid working. Full spec' available.