Head of Data Technology and Data

The Head of Data is responsible for the organisation's core data capability, owning the data architecture, models, integrations, analytics, and reporting estate across the Group. This role ensures that data is treated as a strategic asset that is well governed, reliable, and accessible across all business operations and jurisdictions.

Working closely with Infrastructure, Business Applications, Security, and the Data Protection Officer, the Head of Data translates data strategy into practical delivery, building the platforms, integrations, and reporting capabilities that support day-to-day operations, regulatory obligations, and the organisation's evolving AI ambitions.

Whilst this is a strategic leadership role, the Head of Data must maintain a strong working knowledge of all areas of responsibility alongside practical, hands-on experience.

Reporting to the CTO, the Head of Data leads a team of data engineers and data analysts and acts as the primary point of contact for the business on all matters relating to data, ensuring the organisation's data estate evolves in line with business growth, acquisitions, and technology strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Data Architecture & Strategy

• Own and maintain the Group's core data architecture, ensuring it is scalable, secure, and aligned with business and technology strategy across all jurisdictions.
• Define and govern data models, data artefacts, and master data standards across the organisation.
• Own the data warehouse and data lake architecture, overseeing design, implementation, and ongoing management.
• Horizon-scan for emerging data trends, technologies, and opportunities that could deliver business value.
• Develop and maintain a data roadmap, balancing strategic priorities with operational requirements.

Integrations & Data Interfaces

• Own all data interfaces and integrations between business applications, data platforms, and external systems.
• Work with the Business Applications team to define and deliver integration requirements for new and existing systems.
• Work with development teams to define and deliver API-driven integration solutions.
• Ensure integrations are robust, well documented, and monitored for quality and reliability.

Analytics, Reporting & Dashboards

• Own the organisation's analytics and reporting capability, delivering meaningful dashboards and reports to stakeholders.
• Work directly with business stakeholders to understand reporting requirements and translate them into scalable, reusable data products.
• Ensure data products are accurate, timely, and trusted across the business.
• Support IT service performance reporting and management information requirements.

Data Lifecycle & Governance

• Own and manage key data lifecycle processes, including data ingestion, transformation, storage, archiving, and retirement.
• Establish and enforce data quality standards, lineage documentation, and governance practices.
• Work with the Data Protection Officer to ensure the processing and storage of data complies with relevant data protection legislation.
• Work with Security leadership to ensure data practices meet security and compliance requirements.
• Own associated data software and platforms, managing licences, vendors, and roadmap alignment.

Business Engagement & Delivery

• Act as the primary technology contact for stakeholders with data requirements, translating business needs into scalable and deliverable solutions.
• Own testing and deployment processes for data solutions, ensuring appropriate validation prior to release.
• Participate in business and technology change initiatives where data is a key workstream, representing data interests throughout project lifecycles.

Artificial Intelligence

• Contribute to and help shape the organisation's AI strategy, working with senior stakeholders to identify opportunities where AI can deliver business value.
• Lead the design and implementation of the data architecture that underpins AI initiatives, ensuring it is scalable, secure, and integrated with the wider technology estate.
• Contribute to AI governance frameworks, addressing data considerations including model risk, bias, explainability, and provenance.
• Work with Security and Data Protection functions to ensure AI initiatives meet regulatory, compliance, and data protection requirements.

Data Literacy & Data-Driven Culture

• Champion a data-driven culture, partnering with senior leaders and stakeholders to embed data-led decision-making.
• Define and drive a data literacy programme, equipping colleagues at all levels with the knowledge and confidence to use data effectively.
• Work with HR and business leaders to embed data literacy objectives within learning and development plans.
• Identify and develop data champions within business areas, creating a network of advocates who promote effective data practices.
• Measure and report on data literacy and adoption across the organisation, using insights to inform future investment.

People Management

• Line manage a team of data engineers and data analysts.
• Set clear objectives, provide regular feedback, and support professional development.
• Build and maintain a high-performing, collaborative data team culture aligned with broader technology objectives.

Additional Duties

• Undertake other responsibilities as required to support business needs.
• Uphold organisational values and standards of conduct.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Significant experience in data architecture, data engineering, or analytics leadership, ideally within a multi-entity and multi-jurisdictional environment.
• Proven track record of owning enterprise data platforms, including data warehouses, data lakes, and integration layers, from design through to operational management.
• Strong hands-on technical skills across data modelling, ETL/integration, and reporting and BI tools (such as Microsoft Fabric and Power BI), combined with strategic leadership capability.
• Strong understanding of data governance, data quality, metadata management, and lineage practices.
• Sound knowledge of data protection legislation and regulatory considerations within complex or regulated environments.
• Experience contributing to or shaping AI strategy, with a clear understanding of data architecture, governance, and model risk considerations required for responsible AI adoption.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions and engage effectively with senior leaders.
• Demonstrated experience building, leading, and developing data engineering and analytics teams.
• Comfortable operating within fast-changing environments, including business growth, transformation, and acquisitions.
• Experience within financial services, professional services, or other regulated sectors is desirable.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to promote data literacy and foster a data-driven culture across a diverse organisation.

Key Stakeholders

• Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
• Head of Infrastructure
• Head of Business Applications
• Head of Security
• Data Protection Officer
• Head of Service Desk
• Head of Innovation
• Head of Transformation & Integration
• Business stakeholders across the organisation

This job can be based in Jersey, Guernsey Isle of Man or London YOU MUST BE ABLE TO WORK IN THESE LOCATIONS SORRY NO SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE