Head of Data, Commercial in London

OVERALL SUMMARY

At Close Brothers we look to recruit individuals from all different backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don’t tick every box. We celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity and are open to discuss flexible work options to help you balance your work and home life.

The Head of Data is a senior leadership role with responsibility for shaping and leading the Commercial Division’s approach to data governance, management and insight. The role ensures that data is treated as a strategic asset, enabling informed decision making, effective regulatory reporting, and the delivery of high quality management information and insight to support the growth and performance of the business.

To be successful in this role, you will have relevant experience in a data-leadership role with a proven track record of effectively coaching and mentoring a team. You will have deep expertise and credibility in Data Quality, Data Governance and Data Management frameworks and the ability to build strong working relationships with senior stakeholders and the ability to drive measurable improvements in data capability, control and value realisation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the Commercial Division’s data strategy, treating data as a strategic asset that underpins decision‑making, performance and sustainable growth.
• Own and embed robust data governance, ownership and quality frameworks to ensure data integrity, consistency and control across the business.
• Set the direction for data, reporting and analytics capabilities, aligning divisional priorities with wider Group data and technology strategies.
• Deliver high‑quality management information and actionable insight that supports strategic, operational and risk‑based decisions at senior level.
• Act as the senior authority for data governance within Commercial, chairing divisional forums and driving accountability for data standards and outcomes.
• Ensure the accuracy, timeliness and reliability of data used for regulatory, statutory and internal reporting, working closely with Risk and Compliance.
• Partner with senior stakeholders across Commercial, Technology and central teams to prioritise data initiatives and balance regulatory, operational and strategic demands.
• Drive measurable improvements in data maturity, controls and value realisation through clearly defined roadmaps and outcomes.
• Represent the Commercial Division in data‑related governance forums, oversight activity and assurance interactions as required.
• Lead, develop and inspire a high‑performing data team, setting clear direction, managing performance and building long‑term capability.
• Recruit, coach and develop talent, creating a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and strong professional standards.
• Embed consistent ways of working, tools and standards that improve efficiency, scalability and resilience of data services.
• Oversee third‑party and vendor relationships where relevant, ensuring effective delivery and value for the business.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF YOU HAVE/ARE:

• Proven experience in a senior data, analytics or information management leadership role within a complex and regulated organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop data teams, setting clear direction, managing performance and building capability to support business priorities.
• Strong experience establishing and embedding data governance, data ownership and data quality frameworks within a multi‑stakeholder environment.
• Experience partnering with senior business leaders to align data and insight with strategic objectives and to support effective decision making.
• Track record of delivering high quality management information, reporting and insight for senior stakeholders.
• Experience operating effectively across complex stakeholder landscapes, including managing third‑party and vendor relationships.
• Solid understanding of regulatory, risk and compliance requirements relating to data management, reporting, data protection and information security within financial services.

IT IS NOT ESSENTIAL BUT IT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU:

• Have experience in the Commercial Banking including Asset Finance and Invoice Finance
• Are experienced with Azure Snowflake, Tableau and/or PowerBI

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We recognise that candidates may have specific needs that require adjustments to ensure they have a fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills and abilities. Candidates who require the job description or application form in an alternative format, or any other adjustments, are encouraged to email us at recruit.ssc@closebrothers.com or request a call back.

ABOUT US

At Close Brothers we support employees to balance their work life priorities and in this role you will be able to enjoy a mixture of hybrid working.

Close Brothers is a leading UK merchant banking group providing lending, deposit taking and securities trading. We employ approximately 3,000 people, principally in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Close Brothers Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250.

To find out more about Close Brothers, please visit our careers page: https://www.closebrothers.com/careers

To find out more about life at Close Brothers:
https://www.closebrothers.com/life-close-brothers#374017299-899295541

To find out more about our benefits:
https://www.closebrothers.com/employee-benefits

To find out more about our commitment to creating an inclusive environment:
Our Responsibility – Diversity and inclusion ¦ Close Brothers Group

#LI-JN1 #LI-CBAFL #LI-Hybrid

Close Brothers is a UK specialist banking group providing lending and deposit taking. We employ approximately 3,000 people, principally in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Close Brothers Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Our specialist lending and deposit solutions include:

• Commercial: Offers specialist and predominantly secured lending principally to the SME market.
• Retail : Provides intermediated finance through motor dealers, motor finance brokers and insurance brokers, and savings products for individuals and corporates.
• Property: Offers residential development finance to established UK property developers, funding for commercial properties, and bridging and refurbishment loans.

At Close Brothers, we are here to help people and businesses thrive over the long term.

Through our deep sector knowledge and expertise, focus on delivering excellent and specialist service, and strength of established relationships, we support our customers through the cycle. Our values of deep expertise, consistent service and long-term relationships embody our distinctive culture and customer-centric approach.

We also recognise our responsibility to help address the social, economic and environmental challenges facing our businesses, employees and customers, now and into the future.