Rodney Arbon
Data Engineering Lead @1st Central
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WORK HISTORY
Data Engineering Lead @1st Central
Lead Data Engineer with strong experience delivering large‑scale cloud data platforms and managing high‑performing engineering teams. I currently lead a team of eight Senior Data Engineers and Data Engineers, driving both technical delivery and long‑term strategic planning to support the organisation’s data ambitions.I specialise in modernising legacy estates and recently led the migration of our motor quote and policy data from on‑premise systems into a best‑in‑class Databricks platform. This involved designing scalable architectures, implementing robust data‑quality controls, improving orchestration for cost and efficiency, and strengthening governance to meet strict SLAs. The platform processes billions of rows and terabytes of complex insurance and financial data, supporting analytics, regulatory needs, and operational functions.I play a key role in defining engineering strategy and roadmaps—aligning platform evolution, tooling, investment priorities, and capability planning with wider business objectives. I work closely with Business Analysts, Release Train Engineers, Product Owners, and end users to ensure solutions deliver measurable value and are aligned to long‑term goals.Strongly committed to Agile best practice, I manage delivery through Azure DevOps, overseeing Epics, Features, and User Stories while supporting CI/CD deployments, Scrum ceremonies, retrospectives, and quarterly planning.As a people leader, I’m deeply involved in recruitment, coaching, team development, and performance management. I focus on building empowered engineering teams with a culture of collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement.
SKILLS
ABOUT RODNEY ARBON
I’m an experienced Data Engineering Leader with 20+ years working across the financial and insurance industry, specialising in data strategy, cloud transformation, analytics, and delivering insight that drives commercial and operational decision‑making. My background spans marketing, pricing, digital, customer, financial and operational data, giving me a deep understanding of how organisations use data to grow, optimise and innovate.Across my career I’ve worked confidently at every level of the business—from senior executives to operational teams and customers—translating complex data into clear insight and actionable recommendations.My technical foundation is extensive: SAS (18+ years), SQL Server (MCSA certified), Databricks, Azure Data Factory, Synapse, Power BI, QlikView, Tableau, Adobe Campaign, and advanced database engineering. I’ve designed and delivered large‑scale cloud data solutions, built enterprise data platforms, and led high‑performing engineering teams.As a Lead Data Engineer, I specialise in modernising legacy landscapes and building scalable, cloud‑first data platforms. I have led major migrations to Databricks, engineered pipelines that process billions of rows, implemented robust quality and governance frameworks, and driven Agile delivery through Azure DevOps. I also define engineering strategy, shape roadmaps, and ensure data solutions deliver measurable business value.Alongside technical leadership, I bring strong people‑management experience—recruiting, coaching, performance managing, and building collaborative, empowered teams.Before moving into Engineering Leadership, I held senior roles in analytics, BI and customer insight at AXA and Aviva, managing analytical teams, building enterprise SAS databases, developing customer value models, and delivering reporting, forecasting and campaign analysis across major insurance portfolios.I’m passionate about enabling organisations to unlock value from their data through strong engineering, clear insight, and high‑performing teams.
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