Lead Data Engineer, Abrdn

Salary not provided

SQL

Python

Power BI

Azure

Azure Data Factory

Senior and Expert level

Edinburgh

Savings & investment company

Open for applications

Savings & investment company

501-1000 employees

B2BInvestingFinancial Services

Open for applications

Salary not provided

SQL

Python

Power BI

Azure

Azure Data Factory

Senior and Expert level

Edinburgh

501-1000 employees

B2BInvestingFinancial Services

Company mission

Helping clients to prepare for the future

Job

Company

Role

Who you are

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys mentoring others, and is passionate about shaping the future of data at Aberdeen
Proven experience leading data engineering initiatives and teams in complex, data-rich environments
Deep expertise in the Microsoft Azure Stack and modern data architecture patterns
Experience with data & analytics platforms (e.g. MS Fabric)
Strong proficiency in SQL, Python, and data orchestration tools (e.g. Azure Data Factory)
Experience with data visualisation tools, ideally Power BI, and delivering data models that support self-service analytics
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence technical and non-technical audiences
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a strategic mindset
Passion for continuous learning, innovation, and driving data maturity across the organisation

What the job involves

The Data Engineering team sits within the wider Data & Analytics function at Aberdeen, delivering high-quality reporting, analytics, and insights to key stakeholders
The team is focused on transforming raw data from source systems into trusted, integrated datasets that power decision-making and strategic planning across the business
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Data Engineer to spearhead the development of our centralised “single view” data model and lead the evolution of our data engineering capabilities
As a Lead Data Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in architecting scalable data solutions, driving engineering best practices, and collaborating across multi-disciplinary teams to deliver impactful insights
You will be responsible for guiding the technical direction of the team, ensuring data quality and governance, and influencing the broader data strategy
Lead the design and delivery of high-quality, scalable, and impactful data models and pipelines
Architect and optimise data infrastructure to support advanced analytics, reporting, and AI initiatives
Champion data governance, security, and compliance across all engineering activities
Collaborate with stakeholders across technology, analytics, and business domains to understand data needs and translate them into robust solutions
Identify opportunities to enhance data capabilities and drive innovation through new tools, technologies, and methodologies
Mentor and coach junior engineers and analysts, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning
Own the delivery roadmap for data engineering initiatives, ensuring alignment with business priorities and timely execution

Application process

End Date: October 15, 2025

Our take

Abrdn, formerly known as Standard Life Aberdeen, is a global investment company helping its clients to save and invest for their futures. It operates three businesses - Investments, Adviser and Personal - and has been operating since way back in 1825.

Nowadays, atop its investment and advice services, the company delivers two platforms for financial advisers. The first, Wrap, enables users to build and manage portfolios for each client. It also includes SIPP drawdown capabilities - which means advisers can choose the best platform charges when client assets are at their highest. The second, Elevate, encompasses a suite of tools for advisers to save time and make sure their clients are informed.

In 2023, Abrdn announced "adviserOS", which represents an upgrade to their platform offerings. There is limited information to go on, but the company claims this new venture will be simpler and data-led, as well as require less admin. It will be interesting to see if this new release keeps pace with tech developments across the investment space and allows abrdn to continue as an innovator.