Senior Data Engineer (Modernisation)inManchesterinManchesterPUBLISHED WED 5 MAR 2025

We are at the start of a five-year Data Engineering modernisation programme. This role will lead the programme (alongside the Data Engineering Lead) for the first twelve months. Working as an experienced DBA and SQL developer to direct the testing and legacy removal workstreams, implement new technology and provide expertise on data architecture to the team and department. We are seeking an experienced DBA and Data Engineer with a strong background in SQL Server and automated testing.

The role will work within the Data Engineering team which delivers high quality business and complex clinical reporting structures from disparate systems within a consistent and stable framework that is monitored and assured.

We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation and there is a choice of staff networks that help you meet like-minded people. The Christie supports flexible working, enquiries welcomed. Previous experience of working for the NHS or in a healthcare environment is not essential for this role.

Lead the Data Engineering modernisation programme with the Data Engineering Lead. Develop close working relationships with all members of the Digital Services team and stakeholders to ensure data solutions are built that meet the needs of the trust.

Lead the migration process from legacy reporting and database systems.

Deliver and establish SQL server migration/upgrade and set up non-production environments.

Develop a Data Engineering testing model.

About us

DATA ENGINEERING / MANAGEMENT

• Lead the Data Engineering modernisation programme with the Data Engineering Lead.
• Complete SQL Server migration/upgrade and set up non-production environments, working with Senior Data Engineer.
• Lead the tester and development of a Data Engineering testing model.
• Lead the legacy removal work stream.
• Provide expertise and engage in wider architecture discussions across Digital Services. Input into Future Christie direction.
• Support the Senior Data Engineer to define and promote industry best practice coding and development standards for SQL Server.
• Communicate with NHS staff at all levels on business or clinical processes.
• Attend meetings for project delivery, change management, communications and operational management where required.
• Participate in the development of the data strategy ensuring the development and structures are suitable for the NHS within a horizon of five years.
• Engage with NHS-Digital and NHS England technical forums ensuring the Christies technical profile and staying current with the national agenda.
• Review new technical development tools, languages, methodologies and advise of potential opportunities to adopt where appropriate.
• Research and advise management on new technologies, tools and standards, assessing potential for enhancement of existing services.
• Provide peer review, mentoring, training and assistance for Data Engineers development.
• Ensure data solutions are optimally configured.
• Ensure data solutions systems and processes are monitored for performance and advise on architecture and hardware requirements as required.
• Create and define policies and procedures for data solutions development in association with the Data Engineering Lead and Senior Data Engineer.
• Ensure all knowledge base documentation associated with data solutions is kept up to date and frequently reviewed.

CORE SKILLS

Human Resources

• Responsible for line management of own team in line with appropriate policies, procedures, working practices and guidelines, ensuring all resources are deployed to maximise an efficient and effective delivery of support services to patients and users.
• Undertake and support the development of staff (if applicable) in line with personal development reviews and other associated guidance.
• Provide training for staff (if applicable) from own or other disciplines on own subject area, when required.
• On occasion the post holder may be required to work unsociable hours to support and/or enable the delivery of key programmes or projects.
• Provide regular performance reports on progress, status and achievements for own area to be used by both management and users.

Financial/Physical Resources

• Ensure the robust management of financial resources allocated to own areas and make proposals to maximise those resources through budget setting, recharges, long term financial planning and cost saving opportunities.
• Be responsible for the safe use of ICT hardware and software, including installation, repair and maintenance.
• Monitor the maintenance and support contracts allocated to own area, ensuring continuity of service and budget management. Liaise with third party suppliers to identify and evaluate potential value for money contracts.
• Liaise with external agencies, suppliers and contractors ensuring delivery of service is in line with agreed contracts.
• Contribute to business appraisals and business case production when required in partnership with NHS stake holders. Undertake solution searches and appraisals of supplier proposals.
• Ensure Trust procurement processes and procedures are followed in a timely and efficient manner and participate in the procurement process where relevant, providing assistance for the development and assessment of procurement documentation as required.
• Ensure the post holder adheres to Trust Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs).

Project Management

• Advise and participate in the development and implementation of projects, where required, ensuring Informatics provision of integrated solutions and user objectives are achieved.
• Ensure project tasks, where required, are successfully delivered in line with agreed timescales and budgets.
• Support the activities of project boards and project teams, when required, and making presentations, where required, to all levels of staff.
• Where required; lead work streams as part of projects for system implementations.
• Ensure any project management documentation or reports are delivered in line with agreed standards and timescales.

Policy/Service Development/Governance

• Act as an ambassador for the Christie Informatics Service by developing and maintaining excellent working relationships with users across organisations to deliver a high quality, standard IT culture to achieve local requirements and national targets.
• Lead in the development and maintenance of a culture of service provision and continuous improvement for own areas.
• Be responsible for implementing policies for own work area and for proposing changes to policies, in line with legislation, Trust and NHS policies and guidelines across the Trust, where appropriate.
• Pro-actively participate in ensuring that Informatics services delivered within the Trust reflect best practice with respect to organisational, NHS and legislative requirements and guidelines including IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Data Protection Act (1998), Information Standards, Information Security and compliance with NHS Information Governance.
• Participate in Information Governance and security as required and ensure appropriate governance and security in own area.
• Participate in quality management system, undertaking audits designed to improve IT systems and services.
• Ensure change management is applied in own areas and follows implemented policies and procedures.
• Ensure all documentation relating to own area is complete and fit for purpose and all releases relating to hardware, software and documentation is controlled.
• Ensure there is a proactive and comprehensive approach to risk management and be responsible for service continuity for own area and participate in the Informatics service continuity planning.
• Provide Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for allocated incidents and problems as directed; instigating emergency action, when required, liaising with other Trust Managers, as appropriate.

Business Continuity Management

• Contribute to the development, exercising, maintaining and reviewing of business continuity plans.
• Participate in the business impact analysis exercises highlighting critical business processes within own area.
• Be familiar with the Trust Business Continuity Plan and personal responsibilities within where applicable.