Head of Data

London | Hybrid (2–3 Days in Office)
Full-Time

The Opportunity

An established and growing software organisation is seeking a Head of Data to lead the design, build and optimisation of its modern data platform.

The business provides technology solutions to public sector organisations, supporting operational efficiency, regulatory compliance and public safety outcomes. Following significant recent investment and acquisition activity, the company is now focused on building a robust, data-driven operating model to support continued growth.

This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping data strategy, building scalable infrastructure and enabling advanced analytics capabilities across the organisation.

The Role

Reporting to the executive team, the Head of Data will design, implement and secure a modern data platform (including Databricks, pipelines and governance frameworks), establishing repeatable processes to ensure data is:

• Accurate
• Accessible
• Secure and compliant
• Cost-effective at scale

You will combine strategic leadership with hands-on technical capability, building a high-performing data function that delivers measurable value to both the business and its clients.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary data team across reporting, data engineering and data operations
• Define and drive the organisation’s data strategy and roadmap
• Establish scalable data governance and best practice frameworks
• Create a high-performing, collaborative culture within the data team

Data Platform & Engineering

• Design, build and optimise a modern cloud-based data platform (Azure / Databricks environment)
• Develop robust, scalable data pipelines to support reliable reporting and analytics
• Ensure strong security controls and proactive risk mitigation across data infrastructure
• Drive cost-efficient architecture and performance optimisation

Analytics & Insights

• Deliver self-service reporting and analytics capabilities
• Develop insight-led analytics to improve operational efficiency and decision-making
• Lead the development of machine learning and predictive analytics solutions
• Translate complex business requirements into practical data products

Governance & Quality

• Champion data quality, integrity and compliance standards
• Implement governance controls across datasets and reporting outputs
• Manage large-scale data environments handling high-volume datasets

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner closely with product, delivery and senior stakeholders
• Provide technical leadership while remaining hands-on where needed
• Support proof-of-concept reporting and rapid iteration initiatives

Experience & Technical Skills

Essential

• 5+ years’ experience in data engineering
• At least 2 years in a leadership or Head of Data role
• Proven track record building data platforms from scratch in production environments
• Strong experience with Azure Databricks, Spark and Python
• Experience with MySQL, PostgreSQL and MSSQL
• Experience operating in agile, fast-paced technology environments
• Background in troubleshooting complex data issues and optimising queries
• Experience managing governance and compliance in data-intensive environments

Desirable

• Experience building basic reporting solutions for proof-of-concept work
• Experience driving data monetisation and value creation at scale

Personal Attributes

• Security-first mindset with strong ethical data handling principles
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and owning end-to-end delivery
• Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable being hands-on
• Strong communicator across technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Committed to continuous improvement and emerging technologies
• Collaborative leader who mentors and develops talent

What’s on Offer

• Competitive market salary
• 25 days annual leave
• Additional “Moments in Time” days
• Life assurance (4x base salary)
• Private pension
• Health care cash plan
• Hybrid working model
• Additional leave linked to length of service

Diversity & Inclusion

The organisation is committed to equal opportunities and makes recruitment decisions based on skills, qualifications and experience. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified candidates.

Please note that applicants must have the right to work in the UK.