Programmer (Entry Level) – SQL & Data Programming

Role overview

This is an entry-level role for someone who wants to build a career in data programming and database development. Working primarily in Microsoft SQL Server, you will help load, process and maintain the data behind customer data platforms for a range of blue-chip brands, making sure the information our clients rely on to give their customers relevant, personalised experiences is accurate, connected and delivered on time.

This role is based out of our London office with an expectation to be in the office at least 1 day per week.

About Plinc

Since 2001, Plinc has been helping big consumer brands boost their relevance, resonance and revenue. We’ve got a unique approach to connecting, analysing, and harnessing data that helps turn casual customers into consistent buyers.

We are a group of solutions-focused data experts passionate about helping our clients achieve amazing things, whether it’s through expertly engineered data platforms or innovative analytics (such as machine learning and AI-driven solutions) or strategic planning. We work with some of the world’s biggest and most respected brands and are at an exciting time in our evolution, with ambitious plans to scale our solutions and reach an even broader audience.

If you are looking for a role in a nurturing, fun, people-focused environment and welcome the chance to test your skills working with super-ambitious brands, then this is the opportunity for you. We invest in our people and promote personal development, offering training and support for growth and a range of employee benefits.

What you'll be doing

You will start with around a month of intensive, full-time training in SQL and in the way we write and structure code, learning on a live client dataset so you understand what data we hold, how it joins together and the processes that run on it, alongside the other tools we use.

By your second or third month you will be contributing to client work, which includes:

- Running daily QA checks on data feeds and processes that load client data into our systems, then fixing issues or escalating them where needed
- Writing and maintaining SQL scripts and processes for data extraction, transformation and loading, including SSIS packages
- Integrating new data into customer data platforms, including our proprietary cloud-based Unilyze platform and marketing tools such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud and Apteco FastStats
- Producing data extracts, reports and campaign selections to specification and to schedule
- Documenting data and workflow processes and suggesting improvements
- Building skills beyond SQL as you progress, including Azure, APIs and C#

Where it leads

Programmers at Plinc learn a wide range of technical skills quickly and work on a constantly changing mix of clients and projects, within a supportive framework that still gives you room to put your own ideas forward. There may be future opportunities to move into data engineering and potentially become involved in the development of our products/platforms.

About You

You don’t need commercial SQL experience, as we will train you from the ground up. If you don’t have SQL, then you will need to have written code in another language (such as in Python, R or Java).

You will need to bring strong numeracy and a logical, analytical way of thinking. The bar is high, and so is the investment we make in the people who join us.

What you’ll bring

- Programming experience in any language, gained through study, personal projects or work; SQL is an advantage but not essential
- Excellent numeracy and a logical, analytical approach to solving problems
- Exceptional attention to detail and a methodical approach to checking your own work
- Clear, confident communication and a real appetite for working as part of a team
- A strong interest in technology and data, and the ability to pick up new skills quickly
- Not essential but highly beneficial - a degree, or equivalent education/training/experience, in maths, science, engineering, computing or another numerate subject.

And in return, Plinc offers*

- Salary: £30,000
- Bonus scheme
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus additional days with service
- Holiday Purchase Scheme – buy/sell up to 5 days
- 2 community volunteering days
- Hybrid working
- Flexible working practices
- Ongoing Training & Development
- Health & Wellbeing package
- Financial Health (pension, life assurance, etc.)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Team & Company Socials

*Full details of local benefits and perks available on request from the People Team (HR).

Why Join Us

Our solutions and services help some of the leading brands in the UK solve the most complex marketing challenges, embracing the latest technological innovation to better connect, analyse and activate their data.

Part of the vibrant Savanta & Next 15 Communications Group, we have an entrepreneurial and inclusive company culture that actively recognises and values its people, and offers unrivalled scope for career development, including mentoring, coaching and extensive training programmes.

Plinc is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and continuously strives to be an employer of choice. Our people are our greatest asset, we value workplace diversity and inclusion, oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination, and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates of all backgrounds.

We encourage authentic responses that reflect your own experience and approach. Candidates should avoid relying on Generative AI to fully create cover letters or application responses, as this may be considered during the review process.

For information on how Plinc & Savanta uses your data, please see https://savanta.com/about/careers/job-opportunities

All candidates will be considered equally; however, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.