Data Engineer - Entry level

Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week over 5 days
Salary: £25,800 - £30,000
Location: Hybrid – 40% in our office in Burford, OX18 4PF & 60% from home
Closing date: Sunday 3 November 2024

We’re recruiting a Data Engineer to join our Information Services team at Blue Cross. This entry-level position is ideal for recent graduates or those with some hands-on experience in a Data Engineering environment.

More About the Role:

This is a fantastic opportunity to kick-start your career in Data Engineering. You will work closely with our Senior Data Engineer and Data Manager, gaining invaluable experience while supporting key Data Engineering activities. 

You'll be part of a dynamic team that plays a key role in harnessing data to drive meaningful insights for Blue Cross, helping us improve the lives of pets and their owners. This role offers a supportive learning environment where you can develop your skills and make a positive impact on our charity’s mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Optimise the flow of data and ensure ongoing monitoring and correction of data quality issues.
• Assist with data imports and identify new data sources.
• Write ELT (Extract, Load, Transform) scripts.
• Help reduce data silos to ensure a cohesive view of Blue Cross data.
• Manage the import and export of data to and from our CRM system.
• Support continuous improvement for data processes and help implement new tools and approaches.
• Maintain standard operating procedures for consistency of service.
• Write ad-hoc SQL scripts to achieve short-term objectives.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of data by regularly reviewing and updating records in our CRM.
• Coordinate routine database enquiries and carry out data cleansing processes.
• Aggregate data to support reporting needs across various teams, including Fundraising, Marketing, and Veterinary services.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with Data Protection legislation and charity regulations.
• Monitor and correct data quality issues, ensuring datasets are fit for analysis.

Please Note: We understand that commuting to Burford may be a consideration for some applicants. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, with the majority of your time spent working from home. This arrangement is designed to accommodate various commuting needs while ensuring you remain an integral part of our team.

About You:

We are looking for a natural problem solver with a strong analytical mindset who is eager to develop skills that benefit both you and Blue Cross. Your customer-first approach will enable you to build strong relationships across the organisation and communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical colleagues effectively.

You will be organised and analytical, capable of juggling multiple projects while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality work in a collaborative environment.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Strong analytical skills and experience in data manipulation.
• Strong numeracy skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent attention to detail and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Ability to work well with people at all levels of the organisation.
• Good time management and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding and application of Blue Cross values.

While not essential, the following would be beneficial:

• Experience in a charity or not-for-profit sector.
• SQL coding and programming experience.
• Familiarity with data entry and database solutions.
• Experience with data warehousing solutions.
• Knowledge of GDPR and UK Data Protection legislation.
• Awareness of charity regulations related to data management.

How to apply 

Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date on Sunday 3 November. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.  

What happens next

We will be in touch as soon as possible after the closing date to inform you of the outcome of your application. If selected, you will be invited for an interview.

For this position, we have a two-stage interview process. This is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other better and for you to learn more about what we do.

1st Interview: Either Thursday 7 or Friday 8 November 2024 via MS Teams
2nd Interview: Week commencing Monday 18 November, in person at our office in Burford

Blue Cross benefits  

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it weren’t for their amazing efforts and commitment, we wouldn’t be able to make the difference that we do today.  In return, we want to provide you with the best working environment we can. 

With a wide range of perks aimed at enhancing your life both inside and outside of work, you'll
thrive in a supportive and rewarding environment.

Our generous benefits package includes:  

• 38 days per year, increasing to 43 with service (including bank holidays). For part-time roles, holiday entitlement is calculated pro-rata.
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution 
• Life assurance 
• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
• Free access to GP via MetLife
• Recognition scheme
• Annual volunteer days 
• Claim for professional fees
• Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers. 

We want you to feel valued and supported throughout your career with us. For more details on our benefits and to see how we invest in our team, visit the 'Why Work for Us' page on our website.