At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance cloud data services for Network Rail, driving innovation and collaboration.
- Company: Network Rail, a key player in the UK's transport infrastructure.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diversity-focused employer, welcoming applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data-driven decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in data management with cloud service expertise.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for a Head of Cloud Data for a 6 Month Hybrid contract based in Milton Keynes up to 3 days per week.
Job Purpose
Deliver and enhance Network Rail's cloud-based data services by designing secure, scalable, and high-performing solutions that align with business and data management strategies. Lead a team of data professionals, foster innovation, and collaborate across functions to optimise data infrastructure and support data-driven decision-making.
Key Accountabilities
- Execute a cloud data strategy aligned with Network Rail's data management objectives to maximise the value of cloud services.
- Design and implement scalable, secure, and efficient cloud-based data solutions to meet business requirements and adhere to IT standards.
- Optimise cloud data services and infrastructure such as Microsoft Azure/Amazon Web Services Data Factory, Data Lake, and Analytics to maintain high performance and reliability.
- Develop a high-performing team of data professionals by mentoring and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
- Maintain compliance with security policies and regulatory requirements by embedding encryption, access controls, and audit logging into all cloud data solutions.
- Collaborate with project teams, business units, and vendors to identify and deliver data-driven opportunities that align with business goals.
- Evaluate emerging cloud data technologies to identify innovations that enhance Network Rail's data capabilities.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance on the adoption of cloud data services to embed best practices and drive innovation across teams.
Essential
- Proven experience in leading data management or analytics teams, with a strong background in multiple cloud data services (eg, Azure/AWS Data Factory, Azure/AWS Data Lake, Azure/AWS Analytics).
- Deep understanding of data architecture principles, data modelling, and ETL processes.
- Experience with data governance, data quality management, and data security practices.
- Significant experience operating at senior levels in information technology with solid background in data architecture, planning, design, and development.
- Significant experience of operating at a senior level, building effective relationships, and dealing with executive colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) to explain technical concepts to non-technical people including front line staff and senior business and technology leadership.
- Ability to take a strategic view and see the 'big picture' allied to the ability to adopt an analytical approach to complex change programmes with the awareness of operational implications.
- Experience of developing strategy and architecture based on emerging digital technologies (eg IOT, API, AI, Social, Mobile, Cloud, Apps Modernisation).
- Experience of leading and developing teams including performance management coaching and professional development.
Desirable
- Certifications in one or more cloud data services (eg, Azure/AWS Data Engineer Associate, Azure/AWS Data Scientist Associate).
- Experience in implementing machine learning and advanced analytics projects using multiple cloud services.
- Familiarity with data visualisation tools and techniques.
- Broad experience of the use of modelling, data management, simulation, workflow and end-user analysis tools.
- Knowledge of data compliance and privacy regulations (eg, GDPR, CCPA).
- Leadership experience in other parts of the IT life cycle - including build, service, operations, supplier management.
- Proven experience in strategic risk identification, assessment, and management.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas. Network Rail is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They welcome applications from everyone.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Network Rail guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Armed Forces Covenant
Network Rail guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following: this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.
Head of Cloud Data employer: Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing
The Government Property Agency is an exceptional employer, committed to reshaping the Civil Service and providing innovative workplaces across the UK. With a strong focus on employee growth, collaboration, and inclusivity, the Agency offers a dynamic work culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages continuous improvement. Working in locations like Manchester, Darlington, or Sheffield not only allows for hybrid flexibility but also places you at the heart of significant government transformation initiatives, making your role impactful and rewarding.
Contact Details:
Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing Recruitment Team
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