Due to continued growth throughout the business our tech team is levelling up to meet demands. Because of this exciting time, we are looking to recruit a Lead Cloud Data Engineer to join our tech team.

Sitting alongside the Data science Director and Head of Database Administration & Development this role will require you to perform cloud based database engineering architecture, implementation and optimisations.

Role: Lead Cloud Data Engineer

Location: Liverpool City Centre

Salary: up to £80,000 depending on experience

Working Hours: 37.5 Hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm

What you will be doing:

Lead the design, development, and optimization of scalable data and pipelines in a cloud-based environment
Implement, and manage data warehouses using Azure Synapse, ensuring data integrity and security
Build, deploy, and manage ETL processes to support real-time and batch data processing using tooling across the Azure estate, Databricks, PySpark, and SQL
Oversee data storage across both relational and non-relational databases, ensuring efficient data retrieval
Design and implement data security protocols to safeguard sensitive information
Collaborate with dba’s, the cloud architect, and end users to ensure seamless integration between data platforms and business needs
Manage the ingestion, transformation, and processing of large datasets utilizing big data tooling
Ensure optimal performance of data pipelines and infrastructure using cloud services such as Azure and AWS S3
Lead a team of data engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement

What we are looking for:

5+ years of experience in data engineering
Expertise in Azure DWH and AWS Databricks
Strong programming skills in Python/PySpark or other relevant languages for data manipulation and ETL workflows
Proficiency in SQL and experience with both relational (e.g., SQL Server, MySQL) and non-relational databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra)
Experience with AWS S3 and other AWS services related to big data solutions
Hands-on experience with big data tooling (Hadoop, Spark, etc.) for processing large datasets
In-depth understanding of data security best practices, including encryption, access controls, and compliance standards
Familiarity with ETL frameworks and the ability to build automated, scalable data pipelines
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions
Excellent communication and skills, and the ability to document processes

Experience with data streaming technologies (Kafka, Flink, etc.) would be preferred
Experience with graph/vector databases would be advantageous
Relevant certifications in Azure or AWS cloud technologies could be beneficial

About Acorn Insurance

We are a growing business with great opportunities to build your knowledge of the financial services industry. As a specialist insurance provider, we have 40 years of experience helping people secure motor insurance across all of the UK. We help more than 50,000 customers to find a policy that meets their needs and gives them the peace of mind that comes with high-quality insurance.

At Acorn Insurance we provide full training and continuous coaching inhouse you will be given full in-depth FCA regulated industry knowledge and have all the tools necessary to help you personally grow your career with the business.

We celebrate difference and it’s important to us that we have a culture where our people feel respected and valued for who they are. We pride ourselves on being accessible and encourage inclusive environments where our people can always give and show the very best of themselves.

Why Acorn Insurance?

Acorn Insurance want to give you more than a job, we want to give you a purpose and a career. Enhanced Annual Leave entitlement starting at 31 days and potentially increasing to 35 days per year depending on grade & length of service (including bank holidays)

Additional Buy & Sell Holidays
Company Sick Pay Scheme
Company Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave
Generous Company Pension Scheme
A comprehensive Mental Health support system via the health assured Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
A wide network of mental health first aiders.
Our very own reward and discount platform "Your tomorrow"
Fresh fruit Deliveries twice a week
£250 Refer a friend bonus
Cycle to work scheme
Free eye test vouchers and a contribution towards the frames
Regular Employment Engagement including ongoing competitions with fantastic prizes
Charity fundraising events

All roles are subject to DBS and Financial checks, any offer made will be conditional until checks are completed to a satisfactory standard.

Due to the length of training and complexity of the role, we can only accept applications from candidates who have at least one year remaining on their (Graduate/ Post study work) visa. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorships.

At Acorn, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. We recognise that candidates may have specific needs and are happy to consider reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process and working environment to accommodate individual requirements. Whether it’s modifying equipment, adjusting working hours, or providing additional support, we aim to ensure all employees can perform at their