Hybrid Service Data Lead

at Rider Levett Bucknall RLB

• Job title: Service Data Lead
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: No Education Requirement
• Tech skills: Azure, Cloud, ETL
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Birmingham, United Kingdom

About the role

• Lead Data Engineer shaping RLB's data strategy across service lines with Microsoft Fabric. Responsible for data pipelines, dashboards, mentoring, and collaboration with leadership teams.

Responsibilities

• The Lead Data Engineer will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering RLB’s data strategy across its core service lines.
• The role will focus on building, optimising, and maintaining RLB’s data ecosystem using Microsoft Fabric, enabling the business and its clients to derive actionable insights, improve decision-making, and unlock value from structured and unstructured data sources.
• The postholder will be responsible for designing scalable data pipelines, ensuring alignment with industry taxonomies (e.g. IFC, COBie, Uniclass), and enabling secure, efficient data sharing with clients and external partners.
• Typical duties will include but not limited to:
• Lead the design, development, and deployment of data pipelines and data models within Microsoft Fabric.
• Build and optimise scalable architectures to integrate data from key systems (e.g. ROSS 5D, Autodesk Construction Cloud, finance platforms, project management tools).
• Ensure alignment of data structures with industry-recognised taxonomies and standards (COBie, IFC, Uniclass).
• Define and implement data quality, governance, and master data management processes to ensure trusted data delivery across the business.
• Partner with Cost Management, Built Asset Consultancy, and Project Management service line leaders to understand data needs and translate them into deliverable solutions.
• Enable the creation of dashboards, data products, and reports that drive efficiency, insight, and value for internal teams and clients.
• Support the automation of traditional workflows, helping transition RLB towards a more digital-first service model.
• Design and manage secure, client-facing data hubs and dashboards for project and portfolio reporting.
• Implement role-based access and sensitivity classifications to ensure appropriate data security levels.
• Develop solutions that allow clients to seamlessly integrate RLB-delivered data into their own systems.
• Lead and mentor a team of data engineers and analysts, building a culture of innovation and delivery excellence.
• Act as a technical authority for Microsoft Fabric and related technologies within RLB.
• Collaborate closely with the Digital, IT, and Service Line leadership teams to ensure data engineering supports business strategy and client outcomes.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior/lead data engineering role within professional services, construction, or related industries.
• Strong expertise in Microsoft Fabric (including Data Factory, Synapse, OneLake, Power BI integration).
• Hands-on experience with data modelling, ETL/ELT processes, and data pipeline orchestration.
• Solid understanding of data governance, data quality, and master data management.
• Familiarity with construction and built environment data standards (COBie, IFC, Uniclass) and their practical application.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide technical teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience delivering secure client-facing dashboards and data products.
• Desirable: Knowledge of construction cost management systems (ROSS 5D) and project management tools (Autodesk Construction Cloud, Primavera, MS Project).
• Exposure to machine learning, predictive analytics, or AI-driven insights in the built environment.
• Professional certifications in Microsoft Azure/Fabric, data engineering, or related fields.

Benefits

• We believe in building a diverse and inclusive environment where each person can be themselves, feel valued for their contribution and be challenged and supported to reach their full potential. We have a responsibility to support the communities in which we live and work, and that our workforce should reflect these communities and our clients. Our talent strategy should enable us to overcome bias in the construction industry by recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce. Find out more here: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - RLB | Europe****If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during any stage of the application or interview process, please contact our recruitment team at: [email protected]
• Hybrid Working - Working patterns to support your work-life balance. As well as competitive maternity and paternity packages.
• Well-Rewarded - A competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement. As well as the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days.
• Focus On Wellbeing - We offer a number of health and wellness options, including gym membership and cycle to work schemes.
• Healthcare Packages - Private healthcare insurance and medical support, including dental insurance and eyecare vouchers.
• Personal Development - A continuous learning and development programme, including established APC and in-house mentoring schemes.
• Additional Benefits - We offer a wide range of benefits including a season ticket loan and professional membership subscriptions.
• Exceptional Exposure - You’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects across different sectors and regions.
• Social Responsibility - We hold team and social events as well as charity fundraising and volunteering activities.