Delivering Critical Data Engineering Capability for a Leading UK Travel Operator

High-quality hires delivered at speed when it mattered most

 

The Recruitment Challenge

A leading UK travel operator specialising in luxury rail tours struggled to attract high-quality candidates with specialist Microsoft Fabric experience. The on-site requirement of four days per week further reduced the available talent pool. Their previous recruitment provider was unable to deliver suitable candidates, leaving vacancies unfilled for up to four weeks and impacting operational and transformation goals.

• Industry: Travel / Tourism
• Location: York headquarters with UK-wide operations
• Company Size: 200–500 employees
• Roles Recruited: Head of Data, Data Engineer

Key challenges:

• Urgent need for an on-site Data Engineer to support a Microsoft Fabric migration
• Candidate quality from the incumbent agency was below expectations
• Vacancies had remained unfilled for up to 4 weeks
• Delays risked impacting internal transformation timelines and operational efficiency
• Strengthening internal data capabilities and reducing reliance on third-party providers

 

Our Recruitment Solution

SPG Resourcing already had an established relationship with the client, providing ongoing market insight, benchmarking, and advisory support. Drawing on this prior knowledge and understanding of the client’s culture and operational priorities, SPG implemented a consultative, permanent recruitment solution.

The key steps SPG took to deliver this solution included:

The Approach:

• Conducted targeted search activity for Microsoft Fabric specialists
• Leveraged SPG’s network of pre-vetted, qualified data professionals
• Maintained open and transparent communication with the hiring manager
• Provided honest guidance on candidate availability and on-site expectations
• Focused on technical fit and candidate quality rather than CV volume

Why it Worked:

• In-depth understanding of the business, its culture, and technical needs
• Consultative, solution-focused approach rather than transactional
• Rapid, high-quality delivery that met project timelines

 

The Results

The critical Data Engineer role was filled in under two weeks, reducing vacancy duration by over 50% compared to previous timelines. This enabled the client to maintain their Microsoft Fabric migration project schedule and improve operational efficiency. The improved candidate quality reduced time spent on unsuitable applications and interviews. The hire also strengthened internal capabilities, reducing reliance on third-party providers and opening opportunities for future talent initiatives.

Client Outcomes:

• Total hiring process took approximately 3 working weeks, including Christmas holiday
• Time from first interview to accepted offer was approximately 2 weeks
• Candidate onboarding completed within around 2 weeks of offer acceptance
• Client’s first on-site Data Engineer hire to support Microsoft Fabric implementation
• Strengthened internal data capability and supported wider transformation programme

 

Their Thoughts:

“SPG quickly demonstrated a strong understanding of both our technical requirements and wider operational priorities. 
The quality of candidates delivered was significantly stronger than previous suppliers, enabling us to secure the right hire quickly and maintain momentum across a critical transformation programme.”

 

Partner with Experts Who Understand Your Business

SPG Resourcing’s consultative and technically-led approach ensured the client quickly secured the right talent to drive project success and long-term operational capability. Contact SPG to discover how we can support your organisation’s change, transformation, and data hiring needs.