Lead Data Engineer

I'm working with an innovative Auckland-based SaaS business that is investing heavily in building its first modern data platform. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a greenfield data engineering initiative, designing and delivering the platform that will underpin reporting, analytics and future AI capabilities across the organisation.

This isn't a role where you'll inherit someone else's architecture—you'll be the person building it.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Engineering, you'll lead the design and implementation of a modern cloud data platform from the ground up. You'll establish scalable data pipelines, implement best-practice data modelling, and deliver the first production reporting solutions while laying the foundations for a long-term internal data capability.

Initially, you'll focus on delivering the core platform and a flagship reporting solution before expanding the environment to support broader analytics and customer-facing reporting.

What You'll Be Doing

• Designing and building a modern cloud data platform from scratch.
• Implementing a layered data architecture (Bronze, Silver, Gold).
• Developing scalable ELT pipelines from operational systems into the data platform.
• Building robust dbt models, testing frameworks and documentation.
• Delivering production-ready reporting datasets and data products.
• Establishing data quality, governance, lineage and monitoring.
• Working closely with software engineers, product teams and business stakeholders.
• Helping shape the organisation's long-term data strategy and engineering capability.

What We're Looking For...

• Proven experience building modern data platforms from the ground up.
• Strong hands-on experience with Snowflake.
• Advanced dbt experience (Cloud or Core).
• Experience with modern ELT tools such as Fivetran, Airbyte, Matillion or similar.
• Excellent SQL and data modelling skills.
• Experience designing scalable cloud-based data architectures.
• Strong understanding of dimensional modelling and Medallion architecture.
• Experience implementing data quality, governance and monitoring.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Nice to Have

• AWS data services experience.
• SaaS or multi-tenant platform experience.
• Experience with customer-facing analytics or embedded reporting.
• Exposure to AI or modern analytics platforms.
• Experience reducing reliance on traditional BI tools through modern data platform design.

Why Apply?

• Genuine greenfield opportunity with significant technical ownership.
• Influence architecture, tooling and engineering standards.
• Work alongside a high-performing software engineering team.
• Flexible engagement—contract or permanent considered.
• Opportunity to build a long-term internal data capability from day one.

If you're passionate about building modern data platforms and want to leave a lasting impact, I'd love to hear from you.