Lead Data Engineer - London

Lead Data Engineer - London

Lead Data Engineer - London (Path to Head of DE) Location: London | Hybrid (4 days/week on-site) Salary: £85,000 - £95,000 + benefits Ref: J13147

Are you an experienced Data Engineering Lead ready to step into a high-impact leadership role with a direct track to Head of Data Engineering? A high-growth AI SaaS scale-up is looking for a Lead Data Engineer to own, scale, and elevate their data function. You'll lead a brilliant, agile team of engineers, take charge of technical delivery, and act as a strategic bridge between core product teams and enterprise clients. While this is primarily a management and strategy role, you'll bring the technical muscle needed to review SQL/Python code, architect modern data solutions, and guide engineering decisions.

What You'll Be Doing

• Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and grow a talented team of Data Engineers.


• Delivery & Governance: Own team roadmaps, engineering standards, and quality controls.


• Client & Stakeholder Strategy: Partner directly with external enterprise customers to translate business requirements into scalable, client-facing data products.


• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work side-by-side with Product, AI, and Software Engineering leaders.


• Technical Oversight: Conduct code and SQL reviews, ensuring best practices across the pipeline lifecycle.


• Function Scaling: Play a pivotal role in expanding the team and building out the long-term data strategy.

What You'll Bring

• Leadership Track Record: Proven experience leading, managing, or mentoring Data Engineers.


• Technical Depth: Deep SQL proficiency alongside solid exposure to Python and modern cloud data stacks.


• Customer-Centric Mindset: Experience delivering external-facing data solutions and consulting with client stakeholders.


• Commercial Acumen: A decisive, delivery-focused approach accustomed to SaaS, product-led, or fast-paced scale-up environments.

This is a high-visibility leadership role in a booming AI sector with a clear trajectory toward Head of Department as you scale with the business.