Data Migration Lead

We are seeking an experienced Data Migration Lead to take ownership of complex data migration activities as part of a major systems transformation programme. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the end-to-end migration of data from multiple legacy systems into a modern target platform, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and full reconciliation across all datasets.

This role requires strong technical expertise in SQL, ETL processes, and data transformation, combined with the ability to work closely with business stakeholders, SMEs, and third-party suppliers to define and deliver migration requirements.

The environment includes large-scale housing, financial, and operational datasets, often originating from multiple legacy systems with varying levels of data quality and structure.

Key Responsibilities

Data Migration Delivery

Lead the full lifecycle of data migration activities from legacy systems to target platforms

Analyse and profile complex datasets across multiple source systems

Design and implement data migration strategies, processes, and execution plans

Develop and maintain data mapping specifications and transformation logic

Ensure alignment with supplier-led migration frameworks and delivery schedules

Data Analysis & Design

Work with SMEs and business users to gather and define data migration requirements

Analyse legacy data structures and define business rules for migration

Contribute to the development of target data models and architecture

Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and structural issues in legacy datasets

ETL & Technical Delivery

Design and implement ETL processes using SQL Server, SSIS, or equivalent tools

Extract, transform, cleanse, and load data from multiple legacy systems

Write and optimise SQL scripts, stored procedures, and data transformation logic

Ensure high performance and scalability of migration processes

Data Quality & Governance

Identify and resolve data quality issues, duplicates, and inconsistencies

Define and enforce data validation and cleansing rules

Ensure all migrated data meets required quality, integrity, and compliance standards

Support GDPR and data protection requirements when handling personal data

Testing & Reconciliation

Lead unit testing, system integration testing (SIT), and user acceptance testing (UAT) of data loads

Produce detailed reconciliation reports comparing legacy vs target systems

Support defect resolution and reprocessing of data loads where required

Ensure full auditability of migration outputs

Stakeholder Engagement

Act as primary interface between business SMEs, technical teams, and suppliers

Facilitate workshops to define data definitions, mapping rules, and migration scope

Communicate complex technical issues in a clear, business-friendly manner

Provide regular progress updates and risk/issue reporting

Key Skills & Experience Required

Essential

Proven experience as a Data Migration Lead or Senior Data Migration Specialist

Strong background in migrating data from legacy systems into enterprise platforms

Advanced knowledge of SQL and relational databases (SQL Server preferred)

Experience with ETL processes and data transformation techniques

Strong experience in data mapping, profiling, and cleansing

Experience working with multiple legacy data sources and complex datasets

Ability to work independently and lead migration workstreams

Strong stakeholder management and SME engagement experience

Desirable

Experience in housing, public sector, or asset management systems

Knowledge of systems such as Capita Open Housing, Dynamics 365, Unit4, SAP

Experience with SSIS, Oracle, DB2, or PostgreSQL

Understanding of financial data structures (GL, AR/AP, fixed assets, tenancy data)

Experience contributing to data architecture and target system design

Personal Attributes

Detail-oriented with a strong focus on data accuracy and integrity

Logical and methodical approach to complex problem solving

Comfortable working in high-pressure, delivery-focused environments

Strong communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Proactive, self-directed, and solution-focused mindset