About the Role
We are seeking a visionary Principal Data Engineer to join the RegTech, Data and Innovation (RDI) division at the Bank of England. This role will be instrumental in delivering SAM (Supervisory Analytics and Metrics)—a transformative programme that enhances supervisory decision-making through advanced data and analytics capabilities.
You will lead the design and implementation of cloud-native data solutions that align with the Bank’s enterprise cloud strategy and support the SAM Target Operating Model. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of supervisory technology in a high-impact, passionate environment.
The role holder will lead by example in designing and building robust, scalable, and secure data solutions. They will set engineering standards, mentor teams, and collaborate across functions to deliver high-quality code that supports the organisation’s long-term data strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Define and implement the data engineering strategy, ensuring alignment with business and technology goals
Lead the development of data ingestion, data quality, and metadata that power SAM’s supervisory tools.
Work with the Bank’s solution architects and deliver scalable, secure, and production-ready data platforms using modern cloud tooling (Azure, Databricks).
Collaborate across RDI, Technology and DAT to ensure seamless integration of SAM solutions into the Bank’s Enterprise Data Platform (EDP).
Champion standards in CI/CD, data governance, DevOps and federated development within the PRA’s Hub \& Spoke model.
Provide mentorship and coaching to data engineers on modern tools and technologies in Azure, data pipeline management, coding practices, design principles, and implementation patterns ; fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with the data governance team to enforce a comprehensive data catalogue, maintain detailed dataset descriptions and ensure adherence to security and privacy regulations.
Contribute to Communities of Practice and support the evolution of the Bank’s cloud-first strategy.
Provide leadership support and line management in Leeds
Minimum Criteria
Extensive experience in data engineering on cloud platforms (preferably Databricks) with a strong background in modernisation and large-scale migration projects
Expertise in Azure cloud services (API Manager, App Service), Databricks, Spark, Python, SQL and AI/ML frameworks.
Experience leading technical teams and delivering complex data solutions in production.
Strong understanding of data governance, security and compliance in regulated environments.
Essential Criteria
Proven experience in designing and deploying cloud-native data architectures at scale.
Proven proficiency in programming languages such as Python, SQL, PySpark
Demonstrated capability in building cost efficient secure, scalable data solutions on Azure with an in-depth understanding of data security and regulatory compliance, using tools like Microsoft Purview and Unity Catalog.
Ability to translate strategic goals into technical delivery plans and roadmaps.
Desirable Criteria
Desirable Criteria
Prior experience designing and implementing AI/ML driven solutions within data platforms.
Relevant certifications such as Databricks Engineer Professional, Azure Data Engineer Associate, Azure Solutions Architect, or equivalent industry credentials.
Advanced academic qualifications or industry accolades that complement practical experience in data engineering and cloud technologies.
Experience in DevOps practices using GitHub Actions, designing automated CI/CD pipelines.
Our Approach to Inclusion
The Bank values diversity, equity and inclusion. We play a key role in maintaining monetary and financial stability, and to do that effectively, we believe we need a workforce that reflects the society we serve.
At the Bank of England, we want all colleagues to feel valued and respected, so we're working hard to build an inclusive culture which supports people from all backgrounds and communities to be at their best at work. We celebrate all forms of diversity, including (but not limited to) age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. We believe that it’s by drawing on different perspectives and experiences that we’ll continue to make the best decisions for the public.
We welcome applications from individuals who work flexibly, including job shares and part time working patterns. We've also partnered with external organisations to support us in making adjustments for candidates and employees in the recruitment process where they're needed.
For most roles where work can be carried out at home, we aim for colleagues to spend half of their time in the office, with a minimum of 40% per month. Subject to that minimum requirement, individuals and managers should work together to find what works best for them, their team and stakeholders.
Finally, we're proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme . If you wish to apply under this scheme, you should check the box in the ‘Candidate Personal Information’ under the ‘Disability Confident Scheme’ section of the application.
Salary and Benefits InformationWe encourage flexible working, part time working and job share arrangements. Part time salary and benefits will be on a pro-rated basis as appropriate.
In addition, we also offer a comprehensive benefits package as detailed below:
Currently a non-contributory, career average pension giving you a guaranteed retirement benefit of 1/80th of your annual salary for every year worked. There is the option to increase your pension (to 1/65th) or decrease (to 1/105th) in exchange for salary through our flexible benefits programme each year. The Bank has the discretion to vary standard accrual rates and dial up and dial down rates at any time and to withdraw dial up and dial down options at any time.
A discretionary performance award based on a current award pool.
An 8% benefits allowance with the option to take as salary or purchase a wide range of flexible benefits.
26 days’ annual leave with option to buy up to 12 additional days through flexible benefits.
Private medical insurance and income protection.
National Security Vetting ProcessEmployment in this role will be subject to the National Security Vetting clearance process (and typically can take between 6 to 12 weeks post offer) and the passing of additional Bank security checks in accordance with the Bank policy. Further information regarding the vetting and security clearance requirements for the role will be provided to the successful applicant, and information about how the Bank processes personal data for these purposes, is set out in the Bank's Privacy Notice .
The Bank of England welcomes applications from all candidates, but as a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approved sponsor, we have a responsibility to comply with the Immigration Rules and guidance. As such, our ability to employ individuals who require sponsorship for immigration purposes is limited. The Bank cannot guarantee that you and / or the role you are applying for will be eligible for sponsorship and that any application made to UKVI will be successful. Eligibility will therefore be considered on a case by case basis.
The Application ProcessImportant: Please ensure that you complete the ‘work history’ section and answer ALL the application questions fully. All candidate applications are anonymised to ensure that our hiring managers will not be able to see your personal information, including your CV, when reviewing your application details at the screening stage. It’s therefore really important that you fill out the work history and application form questions, as your answers will form a critical part of the initial selection process.
This role closes on Sunday 2nd November at 11.59pmPlease apply online, ensuring that you complete your work history and answer ALL the application questions fully and in detail as your application will not be considered if all mandatory questions are not fully completed.