Scottish Funding Council
Edinburgh, Midlothian
Temporary Senior Data Engineer (Grade E3) Application Deadline: 19 April 2026 Department: Corporate Services Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time Location: Edinburgh - Hybrid Reporting To: Head of Data Engineering Compensation: Grade E3 from £48,249 to £56,166 salary per annum. Civil Service Pension. Flexible Working Hours. Hybrid Working. Up to £5K Recruitment and Retention Allowance. Description At Scottish Funding Council, we're embarking on an exciting digital transformation to redefine how we use data to drive innovation and deliver exceptional value to our customers. Central to this journey is the creation of the Azure based data ecosystem, enabling us to unlock the full potential of our data through transformative and intelligent solutions. Our Data Engineering team plays a pivotal role in this mission. We manage the entire data lifecycle, from integrating diverse data sources and optimizing storage and processing pipelines to delivering actionable insights, while ensuring compliance with company standards and data protection regulations. As a Senior Data Engineer, you will be a technical leader within this dynamic team, driving innovation and engineering excellence. You'll work closely with teams across the organisation, including Analytics and Cloud Engineering, to cultivate a data driven culture and lead initiatives that turn data into a powerful tool for transformation. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of post 16 education in Scotland. By delivering innovative, data driven solutions, you will enable institutions, and policymakers to make informed decisions, enhance learning outcomes, and create opportunities that empower students to thrive in an increasingly data centric world. We expect that this role will end in February 2027. Key Responsibilities Lead the delivery of data products and services, leading their design and providing clear visibility of delivery progress and risks to support analytics, reporting and decision making. Build and maintain data pipelines and the underlying data platform, ensuring they are production ready, reliable and efficient. Apply and contribute to data architecture and engineering standards and best practices, improving consistency and quality across the team. Ensure data quality, governance, security, and regulatory requirements are addressed as part of solution design, delivery, and support. Work with stakeholders to understand requirements and turn them into practical data solutions. Support the development of others through mentoring, peer reviews, knowledge sharing, and support. Contribute to the ongoing improvement of the data platform and overall data maturity, identifying opportunities to improve how data is used across the organisation and contributing to roadmaps. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise It is important through your CV / Cover Letter that you give evidence of proven experience of each of the following essential criteria: Essential Proven track record of designing, developing and delivering enterprise scale data platforms and data products in a cloud environment (ideally Microsoft Azure). Ability to build and support reliable and scalable data products, with an understanding of performance and maintainability. Advanced proficiency in SQL and modern data processing frameworks, coupled with strong programming skills in at least one language (Python preferred). Expertise applying data modelling and architecture approaches, including dimensional modelling, data warehousing patterns. Hands on experience working with CI/CD and DevOps practices for data engineering, including version control, automated testing and deployment pipelines to support continuous delivery. Understanding and application of data governance principles, including data quality, lineage, meta data and security controls. Experience delivering integration or migration initiatives, particularly involving legacy systems and modern data platforms. Strong analytical capability, including data profiling, source system analysis supporting data solution design and insights. Experience supporting or mentoring data engineers, including line management or informal coaching, promoting data engineering best practice and contributing to standards. Demonstrated ownership of technical delivery of data solutions across the lifecycle, leading implementation from discovery, requirements gathering, through to production. Strong stakeholder communication and engagement skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences. Desirable Degree level education (SCQF level 9) or equivalent experience, ideally in a technical field such as Computer Science, Mathematics or Physics. Significant exposure to Azure utilising some of the following: Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure SQL, Azure Data Factory, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Lake, Azure DevOps and PowerBI. Azure Data Engineer Associate certification or higher OR Azure AI Engineer Associate certification or higher. Terms and Benefits Normal full time hours of work are 35 per week. We will consider flexible working arrangements. A flexi time system is in operation. Annual leave entitlement of 30 days pro rata, plus public and privilege holiday entitlement of 13 days pro rata. A flexible approach to hybrid working, giving you flexibility to work from home anywhere in the UK for some of the time while also maintaining regular in person contact with colleagues. Annual pay review: approved within the framework of the Scottish Government's Public Sector Pay Policy and negotiated with our recognised trade union, Unite. Salaries are reviewed annually in April for employees who commence employment prior to 1 October in the preceding year. Eligibility to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme. With its low member contribution rates and generous employer contributions, this gives you a secure, inflation proof pension for life with no investment uncertainty. Details of contribution rates together with further details of the pension benefits are available on the Civil Service Pensions website. There is also the option of a Partnership pension account. Support for continuous professional development: as a part of SFC, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for continuous learning and professional development. Civil Service Learning curriculum has thoughtfully designed to cater to various learning preferences, allowing employees to engage in a manner that best suits their needs. All our educational resources are conveniently accessible through the CSL website. Support for health and wellbeing, including generous occupational sick pay, free access to confidential advice and support through our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, Special Leave (paid and unpaid), a contribution to learning outside work through our Lifelong Learning Fund, free winter flu vaccination, and access to occupational health support. We provide support to SFC employees with Volunteering Days. Support for travel to and from work, including a salary sacrifice cycle loan scheme, cycle storage and shower facilities, an interest free loan for bus or rail season tickets and free office car parking for employees on a first come basis. Although most salaried roles are advertised as full time positions (35 hours a week), we are happy to discuss part time or compressed hours to suit a candidate's circumstances. We also operate a flexible working scheme to work around a candidate's other commitments such as caring responsibilities. We will consider secondment applications for most salaried fixed term or temporary positions and in many cases also for salaried permanent positions. If you are interested in applying on a secondment basis and this option is not explicitly mentioned in the job advert, please contact for further information. This role has been identified and will be funded by The Scottish Government to support the smooth transition of the Tertiary Education and Training (TET) Bill. This will enable SFC to continue delivering key priorities including the smooth transfer of the funding, development and delivery of national training programmes, including apprenticeships, from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).
Temporary Senior Data Engineer (Grade E3) Application Deadline: 19 April 2026 Department: Corporate Services Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time Location: Edinburgh - Hybrid Reporting To: Head of Data Engineering Compensation: Grade E3 from £48,249 to £56,166 salary per annum. Civil Service Pension. Flexible Working Hours. Hybrid Working. Up to £5K Recruitment and Retention Allowance. Description At Scottish Funding Council, we're embarking on an exciting digital transformation to redefine how we use data to drive innovation and deliver exceptional value to our customers. Central to this journey is the creation of the Azure based data ecosystem, enabling us to unlock the full potential of our data through transformative and intelligent solutions. Our Data Engineering team plays a pivotal role in this mission. We manage the entire data lifecycle, from integrating diverse data sources and optimizing storage and processing pipelines to delivering actionable insights, while ensuring compliance with company standards and data protection regulations. As a Senior Data Engineer, you will be a technical leader within this dynamic team, driving innovation and engineering excellence. You'll work closely with teams across the organisation, including Analytics and Cloud Engineering, to cultivate a data driven culture and lead initiatives that turn data into a powerful tool for transformation. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of post 16 education in Scotland. By delivering innovative, data driven solutions, you will enable institutions, and policymakers to make informed decisions, enhance learning outcomes, and create opportunities that empower students to thrive in an increasingly data centric world. We expect that this role will end in February 2027. Key Responsibilities Lead the delivery of data products and services, leading their design and providing clear visibility of delivery progress and risks to support analytics, reporting and decision making. Build and maintain data pipelines and the underlying data platform, ensuring they are production ready, reliable and efficient. Apply and contribute to data architecture and engineering standards and best practices, improving consistency and quality across the team. Ensure data quality, governance, security, and regulatory requirements are addressed as part of solution design, delivery, and support. Work with stakeholders to understand requirements and turn them into practical data solutions. Support the development of others through mentoring, peer reviews, knowledge sharing, and support. Contribute to the ongoing improvement of the data platform and overall data maturity, identifying opportunities to improve how data is used across the organisation and contributing to roadmaps. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise It is important through your CV / Cover Letter that you give evidence of proven experience of each of the following essential criteria: Essential Proven track record of designing, developing and delivering enterprise scale data platforms and data products in a cloud environment (ideally Microsoft Azure). Ability to build and support reliable and scalable data products, with an understanding of performance and maintainability. Advanced proficiency in SQL and modern data processing frameworks, coupled with strong programming skills in at least one language (Python preferred). Expertise applying data modelling and architecture approaches, including dimensional modelling, data warehousing patterns. Hands on experience working with CI/CD and DevOps practices for data engineering, including version control, automated testing and deployment pipelines to support continuous delivery. Understanding and application of data governance principles, including data quality, lineage, meta data and security controls. Experience delivering integration or migration initiatives, particularly involving legacy systems and modern data platforms. Strong analytical capability, including data profiling, source system analysis supporting data solution design and insights. Experience supporting or mentoring data engineers, including line management or informal coaching, promoting data engineering best practice and contributing to standards. Demonstrated ownership of technical delivery of data solutions across the lifecycle, leading implementation from discovery, requirements gathering, through to production. Strong stakeholder communication and engagement skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences. Desirable Degree level education (SCQF level 9) or equivalent experience, ideally in a technical field such as Computer Science, Mathematics or Physics. Significant exposure to Azure utilising some of the following: Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure SQL, Azure Data Factory, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Lake, Azure DevOps and PowerBI. Azure Data Engineer Associate certification or higher OR Azure AI Engineer Associate certification or higher. Terms and Benefits Normal full time hours of work are 35 per week. We will consider flexible working arrangements. A flexi time system is in operation. Annual leave entitlement of 30 days pro rata, plus public and privilege holiday entitlement of 13 days pro rata. A flexible approach to hybrid working, giving you flexibility to work from home anywhere in the UK for some of the time while also maintaining regular in person contact with colleagues. Annual pay review: approved within the framework of the Scottish Government's Public Sector Pay Policy and negotiated with our recognised trade union, Unite. Salaries are reviewed annually in April for employees who commence employment prior to 1 October in the preceding year. Eligibility to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme. With its low member contribution rates and generous employer contributions, this gives you a secure, inflation proof pension for life with no investment uncertainty. Details of contribution rates together with further details of the pension benefits are available on the Civil Service Pensions website. There is also the option of a Partnership pension account. Support for continuous professional development: as a part of SFC, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for continuous learning and professional development. Civil Service Learning curriculum has thoughtfully designed to cater to various learning preferences, allowing employees to engage in a manner that best suits their needs. All our educational resources are conveniently accessible through the CSL website. Support for health and wellbeing, including generous occupational sick pay, free access to confidential advice and support through our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, Special Leave (paid and unpaid), a contribution to learning outside work through our Lifelong Learning Fund, free winter flu vaccination, and access to occupational health support. We provide support to SFC employees with Volunteering Days. Support for travel to and from work, including a salary sacrifice cycle loan scheme, cycle storage and shower facilities, an interest free loan for bus or rail season tickets and free office car parking for employees on a first come basis. Although most salaried roles are advertised as full time positions (35 hours a week), we are happy to discuss part time or compressed hours to suit a candidate's circumstances. We also operate a flexible working scheme to work around a candidate's other commitments such as caring responsibilities. We will consider secondment applications for most salaried fixed term or temporary positions and in many cases also for salaried permanent positions. If you are interested in applying on a secondment basis and this option is not explicitly mentioned in the job advert, please contact for further information. This role has been identified and will be funded by The Scottish Government to support the smooth transition of the Tertiary Education and Training (TET) Bill. This will enable SFC to continue delivering key priorities including the smooth transfer of the funding, development and delivery of national training programmes, including apprenticeships, from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).
QA
Stockport, Cheshire
Why Join Emmaus CAT? Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust is a fast-growing organisation committed to providing outstanding Catholic education. As an IT Cluster Apprentice, you will be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team implementing modern technologies across our schools. This role offers excellent development opportunities and the chance to contribute to a meaningful mission. About the role: As an IT Cluster Apprentice, you will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day implementation of IT services within our schools. Working as part of the Emmaus CAT Central Team, you will help ensure that staff and pupils receive effective, efficient and reliable IT support. Your initial deployment will be at St Anne's RC Voluntary Academy (Stockport Cluster). Over time, you will also provide on-site support to neighbouring primary schools within the Catholic Academy Trust (CAT) on a rota basis. This IT apprenticeship offers exposure to a wide range of technologies, including Microsoft 365, Windows 11, Chrome OS, and school service desk systems. As an IT Cluster Apprentice, you will work closely with the Head of IT, IT Operations Manager, Cluster IT Manager, School Business Managers, and School IT Leads. Responsibilities: Supporting the day-to-day implementation of IT services across CAT schools Assisting with desktop administration, including Microsoft and Windows environments Helping manage the school IT service desk Providing on-site support across multiple schools within the Trust Working collaboratively to support the Emmaus CAT IT strategy Delivering excellent customer service to staff and pupils Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times What we're looking for: Experience & knowledge: Experience with Windows & 11, Chrome OS Confident using Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive) Understanding of basic IT troubleshooting Customer-focused approach Awareness of DfE Digital & Technology Standards (desirable) Skills & attributes: Adaptable and flexible across multiple school sites Integrity, professionalism and alignment with Emmaus CAT values Ability to work collaboratively and discreetly Commitment to the Trust community Full UK driving licence Enhanced DBS clearance Entry requirements: 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 4+ (A-C) in any subject GCSE Maths and English (or equivalents) at grades 3+ (D or above) Prospective apprentices must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level as this apprenticeship is in a similar subject You may also have a combination of qualifications and experience which demonstrate the minimum foundation needed for the programme. In this instance you could still be considered for the programme. If you hold international equivalents of the above qualifications, at the time of your application you must be able to provide an official document that states how your international qualifications compare to the UK qualifications. For more information please visit the UK ENIC website. Working hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week Future prospects: Opportunities available as the Trust's IT service expands. About QA: Our apprenticeships are the perfect way to gain new skills, earn while you learn, and launch yourself into an exciting future. With over 50,000 successful apprenticeship graduates, we're a top 50 training provider, dedicated to helping you succeed. Interested? Apply now! Please be advised that this advert may close prior to the closing date stated above if a high number of applications are received. If you are interested in this vacancy please apply below as soon as possible.
Why Join Emmaus CAT? Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust is a fast-growing organisation committed to providing outstanding Catholic education. As an IT Cluster Apprentice, you will be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team implementing modern technologies across our schools. This role offers excellent development opportunities and the chance to contribute to a meaningful mission. About the role: As an IT Cluster Apprentice, you will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day implementation of IT services within our schools. Working as part of the Emmaus CAT Central Team, you will help ensure that staff and pupils receive effective, efficient and reliable IT support. Your initial deployment will be at St Anne's RC Voluntary Academy (Stockport Cluster). Over time, you will also provide on-site support to neighbouring primary schools within the Catholic Academy Trust (CAT) on a rota basis. This IT apprenticeship offers exposure to a wide range of technologies, including Microsoft 365, Windows 11, Chrome OS, and school service desk systems. As an IT Cluster Apprentice, you will work closely with the Head of IT, IT Operations Manager, Cluster IT Manager, School Business Managers, and School IT Leads. Responsibilities: Supporting the day-to-day implementation of IT services across CAT schools Assisting with desktop administration, including Microsoft and Windows environments Helping manage the school IT service desk Providing on-site support across multiple schools within the Trust Working collaboratively to support the Emmaus CAT IT strategy Delivering excellent customer service to staff and pupils Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times What we're looking for: Experience & knowledge: Experience with Windows & 11, Chrome OS Confident using Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive) Understanding of basic IT troubleshooting Customer-focused approach Awareness of DfE Digital & Technology Standards (desirable) Skills & attributes: Adaptable and flexible across multiple school sites Integrity, professionalism and alignment with Emmaus CAT values Ability to work collaboratively and discreetly Commitment to the Trust community Full UK driving licence Enhanced DBS clearance Entry requirements: 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 4+ (A-C) in any subject GCSE Maths and English (or equivalents) at grades 3+ (D or above) Prospective apprentices must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level as this apprenticeship is in a similar subject You may also have a combination of qualifications and experience which demonstrate the minimum foundation needed for the programme. In this instance you could still be considered for the programme. If you hold international equivalents of the above qualifications, at the time of your application you must be able to provide an official document that states how your international qualifications compare to the UK qualifications. For more information please visit the UK ENIC website. Working hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week Future prospects: Opportunities available as the Trust's IT service expands. About QA: Our apprenticeships are the perfect way to gain new skills, earn while you learn, and launch yourself into an exciting future. With over 50,000 successful apprenticeship graduates, we're a top 50 training provider, dedicated to helping you succeed. Interested? Apply now! Please be advised that this advert may close prior to the closing date stated above if a high number of applications are received. If you are interested in this vacancy please apply below as soon as possible.
