Head of Data

Overview

Lead data strategy, architecture & governance to build a cloud‑native, AI‑ready platform.

Key Responsibilities

• data architecture
• cloud migration
• integration design
• pipeline automation
• data governance
• board reporting

Tasks

Working closely with the C-Suite, data science, risk, finance and business stakeholders, this role will drive the transformation of the data estate into a modern, cloud-native, AI-ready data platform that underpins regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and commercial growth. The Head of Data will be accountable for shaping and executing the enterprise data strategy, ensuring data is a trusted, governed and value-creating asset across the business. This hybrid role combines responsibilities of a Head of Data (strategy, governance, insight enablement) with those of a Data Architect (designing scalable, secure, modern platforms and data models). -Own the enterprise data architecture, ensuring scalability, performance, resilience and cost efficiency. -Lead the migration of the legacy SQL Server data warehouse into a modernised, cloud-native architecture. -Define integration patterns (APIs, ETL/ELT pipelines, streaming) across SaaS platforms, in-house systems and external data sources. -Build the vision for a modern, cloud-based data platform (e.g. Microsoft Fabric, Synapse, Databricks, Snowflake), enabling real-time analytics, AI/ML and self-serve BI. -Manage a small data engineering and BI capability, balancing in-house skills with managed service partners. -Define and deliver the enterprise data strategy, aligned with business and regulatory priorities. -Oversee the delivery of reliable, automated pipelines for ingestion, transformation, and quality assurance of data. -Design logical and physical data models that support loan origination, servicing, risk decisioning, finance and customer insights. -Introduce modern tools for metadata management, lineage, cataloguing and access controls (e.g. Purview). -Establish and chair data governance forums, embedding data stewardship across the business. -Act as the senior owner of data governance, ensuring compliance with FCA, GDPR and other obligations. -Ensure data platforms and processes adhere to best-practice security models (Entra, IAM, conditional access). -Support the CTO in board-level reporting on data risks, opportunities, and investment roadmaps. -Embed robust processes for data quality, lineage, auditability and model governance (critical in lending and regulated environments).

Requirements

• team leadership
• data architecture
• azure
• sql
• python
• stakeholder management

What You Bring

-Track record of leading small, high-performing data teams and managing external partners. -Proven experience in a senior data leadership role (Head of Data, Data Architect, Data Engineering Manager) within a regulated financial services. -Hands-on technical ability across SQL, Python, ETL/ELT, APIs and cloud-native data services. -Strong stakeholder management skills, able to translate technical concepts into business value for executives and non-technical teams. -Deep expertise in enterprise data architecture, cloud platforms (Azure preferred), and modern data warehousing/lakehouse technologies. -Strong knowledge of data governance, GDPR, and FCA regulatory requirements. -Experience introducing AI/ML and advanced analytics capabilities into operational and decisioning contexts.

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About Eden Smith Group

-Founded with a mission to connect talent with opportunity in the built environment sector. -Specializes in recruitment and consultancy services across multiple industries. -Works with clients on large-scale projects in energy, infrastructure, and construction. -Has a proven track record of delivering talent solutions for complex and high-profile projects. -Focuses on long-term partnerships, aiming to be a trusted advisor to clients and candidates. -Serves a broad range of sectors, including energy, utilities, residential, and commercial. -Known for adapting to market changes and delivering innovative solutions to clients' workforce needs. -Committed to offering tailored services that help clients navigate the challenges of the built environment.

Sector Specialisms