Group IT Practice Lead - Data Engineering

Mō te tūranga | About the role

We’re looking for a Practice Lead - Data Engineering to lead and grow a capable team of Data Engineers across a matrix-based environment. This is a role for someone who knows their craft, backs high standards, and can help shape future-ready enterprise data solutions in an AI-first world.

You’ll lead how the team works, not just what gets delivered. That means building capability, lifting engineering quality, and making sure strong standards and smart processes are followed right through the software development lifecycle.

The location of this role is open across New Zealand and Australia and will work closely with other Practice Leads, engineering teams, and partner engineers.

Ngā tino kawenga mahi | Key role responsibilities

• Lead the development and capability uplift of Data Engineers across the practice.
• Create, embed, and monitor effective engineering standards and processes across the full software development lifecycle, from source control and peer review through automated testing, deployment and production support
• Champion modern data pipeline engineering, including batch and streaming patterns, orchestration, performance, reliability and observability
• Establish strong automated testing practices, including unit, integration, regression and data quality testing
• Provide technical leadership in Databricks, Python, SQL, data warehousing, and dimensional modelling.
• Support engineers to deliver high-quality, consistent outputs in a fast-paced, matrix-based working environment.
• Help shape enterprise data solutions that are scalable, practical, and ready for what’s next.

Kei te kimi mātou i tētahi e whai ana i ēnei pūkenga | We’re looking for someone with

• Strong hands-on experience with Databricks, Python, PySpark/Spark, SQL, data warehousing, dimensional modelling, and Azure DevOps.
• Strong experience designing, building and operating enterprise scale data pipelines using modern batch and/or streaming patterns
• Strong understanding of software engineering practices including Git, CI/CD, automated testing, code review and release management
• Experience with data quality, regression testing and engineering observability in production data environments
• Deep technical expertise and the confidence to lead an experienced team who will look to you for advice and direction.
• Around 10-15 years’ relevant experience in data engineering or related technical leadership roles.
• A delivery-focused, disciplined approach with high standards for quality and a willingness to work at pace.
• Databricks certifications would be an advantage.
• An understanding of Infrastructure as Code, ideally Terraform and how engineering integrates with cloud platform services.

He pai te mahi, he pai ngā painga | Good work, good benefits

At Fulton Hogan, we genuinely care about the wellbeing of our people and giving them the tools and opportunities they need to succeed and grow with us.

You’ll have access to

• Medical insurance and Life insurance after the eligibility period.
• KiwiSaver employer contributions after service milestones, up to 7%.
• Parental leave top up payment with additional return to work support.
• Ongoing training and development, with clear career growth and progression opportunities.
• Great discounts at a wide range of retailers.

Ko wai mātou | About us

At Fulton Hogan, Good Work is more than what we deliver. It’s how we work, how we support each other, and how we keep moving forward together.

We’re not big on hierarchy or ego. We work side by side, back good ideas wherever they come from, and give people the space to make an impact. We take the work seriously, not ourselves. And when the stakes are high, we switch on and deliver to a high standard.

If you’re someone who enjoys building capability, lifting performance, and helping a team grow while staying practical and human, you’ll fit right in.

Me pēhea te tono | How to apply

If you’re ready to lead from the front, grow a strong engineering practice, and do Good Work with a team that’s forward moving and low ego, we’d love to hear from you.

We are managing recruitment for this role directly and are not accepting applications or CVs from recruitment agencies. Any unsolicited CVs received from agencies will not be considered.