Principal Data Engineer

The role Are you passionate about mastering data at scale and shaping how an organisation manages its most critical information? At Specsavers, we’re looking for a Principal Data Engineer (MDM) to lead the design, evolution, and delivery of our global Master Data Management capability, right at the heart of our data strategy. This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to own and shape how master data is created, governed, and consumed across the business. You’ll be the technical authority for MDM, responsible for building robust, scalable, multi‑domain MDM implementations that underpin everything from operational excellence to customer experience. If you enjoy solving complex data challenges and want to leave a lasting architectural legacy, this role is made for you. In this role, you’ll lead the Engineering design and hands‑on implementation of our MDM platform, with a strong focus on tools such as Stibo STEP. You’ll configure and evolve data models, workflows, validation rules, and user experiences to ensure our master data is accurate, trusted, and fit for purpose. You’ll work closely with product owners, delivery managers, and stakeholders across the business to ensure MDM solutions align with real business needs, while remaining flexible, scalable, and future‑ready. You’ll thrive here if you’re a true player coach, someone who enjoys being hands‑on when needed, while also setting direction, mentoring engineers, and embedding best practice. As part of the Data Engineering leadership community, you’ll stay at the forefront of MDM trends and technologies, helping to shape the broader data platform strategy and influencing how master data is managed across the organisation. You’ll also provide oversight and guidance to third‑party engineering partners, ensuring consistent ways of working and high‑quality delivery. What sets you apart is your depth of MDM expertise combined with strong leadership and communication skills. You’ll bring proven experience implementing and managing enterprise MDM platforms, a strong grounding in data management principles, and the ability to translate complex business processes into effective MDM solutions. You’ll be confident working across disciplines, presenting complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences, and making pragmatic decisions that balance rigour, cost, and delivery timelines. If you’re excited by the opportunity to define and lead a best‑in‑class Master Data Management capability and to play a pivotal role in enabling trusted, high-quality data across Specsavers this is your chance. Join us as our Principal Data Engineer (MDM) and help shape the foundations of our data‑driven future. #LI-CB1 Stay connected Salary: Up to £87,000 Dependent on Experience + bonus and benefits Key information Location St. Andrew’s Area of interest: Technology & Data Contract type: Permanent Apply by 3rd April