End-to-end engineering
Requirements, source analysis, architecture, ETL, data marts, analytics and reporting.
Senior Data Engineer · Business Intelligence · Data Warehousing
Gordon Black.
I design and deliver data platforms from first requirements through to dependable reporting—combining hands-on engineering with an end-to-end view of the architecture.
Gordon Black
Senior Data Engineer · West Midlands, UK
Modern data platforms
SQL Server 2025, Azure Databricks, Azure Data Factory, dbt, Power BI and Snowflake.
Hands-on leadership
I can support project scope and architecture, then stay close to the detailed design and build.
About me
Deep experience. Straightforward delivery.
I work across the complete data warehouse lifecycle. I support scoping and sizing, gather requirements, identify and assess source data, shape the architecture, and design, build and schedule ETL. From there I deliver data marts, semantic models and reporting, while keeping quality, security, auditing and governance in view.
My professional profile
Senior Data Engineer with an end-to-end delivery mindset.
I’m equally comfortable contributing to a shared programme or delivering directly into a project or business. My broader application-development background helps me understand dependencies across the wider estate, adapt solutions as requirements change and remain hands-on throughout delivery.
Technical capability
Capability that makes complex work feel manageable.
I bring a broad Microsoft and cloud data background, with experience across established enterprise estates and modern analytics platforms.
01
Data architecture & modelling
I translate requirements and source analysis into documented architectures, dimensional models, data marts and dependable delivery plans.
02
ETL & orchestration
I design, build and schedule data pipelines using Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, SSIS, SAP Data Services and dbt.
03
SQL Server & cloud databases
My database background spans SQL Server from legacy estates through SQL Server 2025 and Azure SQL, alongside Snowflake.
04
Analytics & reporting
I deliver semantic and reporting layers with Analysis Services, Reporting Services, Power BI, BusinessObjects and Crystal Reports.
05
Quality, security & governance
I build quality checkpoints into data flows and have implemented governance processes, access controls, security components, auditing and event logging.
06
Hands-on delivery
I combine architectural awareness with practical design and development, adapting solutions proactively as business requirements change.
Recent experience
Data delivery across different businesses and environments.
My recent work has included senior engineering, warehouse development and consulting assignments across entertainment, insurance and financial services.
Jan 2022 - Jul 2026
Senior Data Engineer
The Ambassador Theatre Group · Self-employed
A four-and-a-half-year senior data engineering engagement supporting one of the UK’s leading live entertainment organisations.
Apr 2021 - Jan 2022
Senior Data Warehouse Developer
1st Central Insurance · Contract
A contract data warehouse development role within the insurance sector.
Mar 2015 - Jan 2022
BI Consultant
ORBCMI Solutions Ltd
Independent business intelligence consulting delivered across multiple clients and assignments.
Jan 2019 - Apr 2021
Data Warehouse / BI Developer
The Ambassador Theatre Group
Data warehouse and BI development supporting reporting and analytical delivery.
Dec 2018
BI Consultant / Senior SQL Server Developer / DBA
Legal & General
A focused SQL Server, BI development and database administration engagement.
Technology experience
I have worked across generations of enterprise data technology. Today I position that experience against current platforms, including SQL Server 2025 and the modern Azure data stack.
Databases
SQL Server 2000-2025 · Azure SQL · Snowflake
Data engineering
Azure Databricks · Azure Data Factory · SSIS · SAP Data Services · dbt
Analytics
Analysis Services · Reporting Services · Power BI
Reporting
BusinessObjects XI · Crystal Reports · Microsoft reporting stack
What colleagues say
The person behind the expertise.
The recommendations I’ve received consistently point to the same qualities: strong BI capability, adaptability, dedication and the kind of personality that improves a team.
“Gordon is an exceptional Business Intelligence consultant, who is adaptive to the environments he encounters, and extremely hard working.”
Dave Sheppard
Former colleague
“His dedication and his fantastic sense of humour meant that it was a pleasure to work with him, and he fitted into the close-knit team immediately.”
Ian Tullie
Former colleague
Let’s talk about the work.
If you’re hiring, planning a data programme or need experienced support on a contract, I’d be pleased to hear from you.