Job Description

About the role.

As part of the development of our Digital Services function, we are strengthening internal digital capability within the Data Team. These roles are central to building sustainable in-house expertise that supports the design, development, and delivery of digital solutions across the transport network. A key focus of this campaign is creating new opportunities, and as a result, we are recruiting a Principal Data Engineer. This is a pivotal role within the organisation.

In this role, you will work closely with business stakeholders to design, build, test, and maintain data management systems that meet user needs and business requirements. You will lead the design and implementation of complex data flows, connecting operational systems with analytics and BI platforms, while ensuring data is secure, governed, and compliant across the full lifecycle.

As a Principal Data Engineer, you will drive best practice in data engineering, championing automation, reuse, and the adoption of modern data approaches. You will provide technical leadership and advisory support across projects, helping to improve data reliability and efficiency, while contributing to organisational strategy and supporting the delivery of wider Digital Services objectives.

This is a hybrid role, requiring two days per week in the office, based at any National Highways office location.

• Lead the design and implementation of complex data flows and pipelines
• Define and oversee verification and validation activities, ensuring data flows are designed, managed, maintained, and retired in line with data policies across the full data lifecycle.
• Own the end-to-end lifecycle management of data pipelines, identifying opportunities for reuse and driving efficiency through standardisation and automation.
• Develop and advocate for data engineering best practices and standards – helping to build the discipline and,and championing data engineering across the business, industry and government.
• Provide technical leadership and socialise best practice across the organisation, contributing to strategic objectives, managing data-related risks, and supporting the delivery of digital services.

About you.

• A proactive leader who takes initiative, seeks continuous improvement, and drives smarter, more efficient ways of delivering data services, fostering a culture of learning and change.
• A collaborative team player who builds strong, trusted relationships across technical and business stakeholders, confidently challenges assumptions, and creates an inclusive environment that supports delivery of shared objectives.
• Strong decision-making capability, using sound judgement, evidence, and technical expertise to balance risks, protect sensitive information, and deliver secure, sustainable, and high-value outcomes.
• Committed to professional and operational excellence, with the ability to plan, organise, and manage complex data engineering activities to deliver high-quality, reliable, and efficient services using appropriate project and risk management approaches.
• A strategic thinker with the ability to understand the wider organisational and public context, aligning data engineering activities to business goals, long-term strategy, and the delivery of value to the organisation and its customers.

About us.

Here at National Highways, we manage and improve England’s motorways and major A roads, helping our customers have safer, smoother and more reliable journeys. Our priorities are safety, customers and delivery, and at the core of this, are our values of passion, integrity, safety, teamwork and ownership.

The Digital Services Directorate is helping to reshape the way National Highways operates by delivering digital, data, and technology services across all areas, from frontline to back office, in a modern and efficient manner. Our vision is to develop integrated information and technology that empowers our colleagues and provides real-time information to our customers, as well as integrating with intelligent vehicle and transport systems as they evolve, to enhance journey safety and reliability.

External candidates will be offered a starting salary at the lower end of the pay scale, while current employees will be appointed in accordance with our established pay policy.

We are committed to creating a diverse environ

Why you should join us

At National Highways we believe in a connected country. We are passionate about creating a culture where colleagues feel connected, included and enjoy greater wellbeing to achieve this. We’re proud that as an organisation we are continually striving to do better and actively encourage and support our colleagues to do the same with their careers.

So, if you put safety first, take ownership of your work, show passion for what you do, work effectively in a team, and demonstrate integrity in how you do it – then you’ll be a great fit for our organisation.

A connected and sustainable working approach has been adopted across National Highways. For some roles, this means being able to work in a hybrid way spending up to 60% of time working from a remote location such as home.

Please wait until the interview stage before asking us about flexibility, and we will explore what is possible.

Our benefits package

• Our total reward package includes basic salary, the potential for a performance related bonus
• Contributory pension scheme with employer contribution of up to 10%
• Annual Leave starting at 26 days (plus Bank Holidays) rising by 1 day each year up to 31 days (plus Bank Holidays)
• Flexible hours and an approach driven by connected and sustainable working which includes hybrid working
• Life assurance of 4 times annual salary
• Health and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, available 24/7 365 days and network of mental health first aiders. Plus access to a wellbeing app to enhance your self-care 24/7, Occupational health service and flu vaccines
• A cycle to work scheme for the purchase of a bicycle and equipment for healthy, low carbon travel
• Significant investment in your career development, through learning and development, talent management, coaching, mentoring and on job experience

And we are

• Family friendly with enhanced maternity leave and pay, paternity leave (15 days), shared parental leave, adoption leave. Plus access to financial support for holiday play schemes and paid special leave (up to 5 days pa), eg for caring responsibilities
• Money friendly with access to a discounts platform including over 3000 discounts for supermarkets, eating out, leisure, holidays. Alongside a financial wellbeing programme
• Community friendly – offering paid leave to volunteer, 3 days basic/year

If you are successful, it is key to know all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory completion of our pre-employment checks which include:

• Right to work check
• 3 year employment history references
• DBS criminal record check
• Social media and adverse journalism check
• Driving licence check (if applicable)
• Fit to work questionnaire (for all), followed by a medical check (if applicable)
• Qualifications and/or professional membership check (if applicable)

And finally

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