At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data engineering and architecture services for major public sector programmes.
- Company: Join Envitia, a top-rated UK tech company transforming data into actionable insights.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, training opportunities, and flexible work arrangements.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth and community engagement opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data services while making a real impact in government and defence sectors.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in data engineering and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Be Part of Something Real. Envitia is a UK-based software and services company that helps organisations unlock the full value of their data to make better, faster decisions. With over 30 years of experience, we specialise in delivering innovative software products, solutions, and consultancy services that transform complex data challenges into actionable insights. Our mission is to empower customers across defence, government, and national security sectors to harness the power of data — from geospatial intelligence to advanced analytics and AI integration. We are proud to be a trusted partner to UK defence and government organisations, delivering technology that drives smarter, data-driven outcomes.
The Role. The Head of Data Services is Envitia’s senior commercial and delivery lead for Data Engineering and Data Architecture services within a major public sector client programme. Operating at a strategic level, the role holds end‑to‑end accountability for the successful mobilisation, governance and delivery of Envitia’s data engineering capability within a complex, multi‑supplier environment. This is not a purely technical leadership position. The role blends commercial ownership, senior stakeholder engagement, service mobilisation and delivery assurance, supported by a strong technical grounding in data engineering and architecture. This breadth enables the post‑holder to make informed decisions, credibly challenge assumptions, and ensure high‑quality, outcome‑focused delivery.
Acting as the primary interface between Envitia, the client organisation and the prime contractor, the Head of Data Engineering is responsible for ensuring that services are mobilised effectively, managed through appropriate governance, and delivered to agreed time, cost and quality expectations. The role plays a critical part in shaping trust, maintaining senior relationships and positioning Envitia as a reliable and valued delivery partner.
Responsibilities:
- Act as Envitia’s senior commercial and delivery lead for Data Engineering and Data Architecture services across major public sector programmes and frameworks.
- Serve as the primary senior interface with client stakeholders and prime contractors, ensuring expectations are managed and contractual commitments are met.
- Shape and support new work with clients and partners, including feasibility assessments, impact analysis and costed Statements of Work.
- Lead the mobilisation and transition of services into complex enterprise and prime‑led delivery environments, ensuring readiness for service acceptance and go‑live.
- Maintain oversight of delivery performance, ensuring outcomes are achieved to agreed time, cost and quality, and that live services are protected during transition.
- Establish and uphold effective governance, assurance, decision‑making and escalation processes aligned to client security, data governance and operational standards.
- Provide senior leadership across Envitia’s data engineering capability, setting direction, anticipating demand and aligning resourcing, skills and partners to delivery needs.
- Identify opportunities to grow Envitia’s footprint by demonstrating delivery excellence, trusted advisory capability and strong client relationships.
Experience Required:
Essential:
- Senior leadership experience in data engineering or large‑scale data platform delivery within complex client environments.
- Strong commercial acumen, including shaping work, estimating, and managing delivery against contractual commitments.
- Proven ability to operate at programme or portfolio level, coordinating multiple teams and stakeholders.
- Experience working with prime contractors and enterprise scale clients, navigating governance and assurance frameworks.
- Sufficient technical depth to credibly engage on data platforms, pipelines, architectures, and delivery risks.
Desirable:
- Experience delivering services into UK central government or regulated environments.
- Familiarity with enterprise data platforms, cloud ecosystems (AWS), and modern data engineering practices.
- Experience leading mobilisation, transition, or service take‑on from incumbent suppliers.
Security Clearance Requirements. The successful candidate must be eligible to obtain and maintain a SC level security clearance.
Location. This is a hybrid role with travel required to London 2 days a week.
What it's like to work at Envitia. At Envitia, we believe that our greatest asset is our people. We’re committed to fostering a work environment where every employee feels valued, supported, and motivated to excel. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to enhance both your professional and personal wellbeing, including:
- Annual Leave: 25 days plus your birthday off, with the ability to buy or sell up to five additional days.
- Private Healthcare: Comprehensive coverage with additional options for family members.
- Training & Skills Development: Ongoing learning opportunities to help you advance your career.
- Fitness Reimbursement: Support for gym memberships or fitness-related expenses.
- Life Assurance: Extensive life insurance coverage for peace of mind.
- Pension Contribution: Competitive options to help you plan for a secure financial future.
- Perkbox Subscription: Discounts on a wide range of products and services.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Designed to support work-life balance and personal commitments.
- Internal Reward Schemes: Recognition initiatives to celebrate your contributions and achievements.
- Community Engagement & Volunteering: Opportunities to support meaningful causes through company-sponsored programs.
Inclusion at Envitia. At Envitia, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. We believe that our strength lies in our differences, and we are dedicated to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We encourage applications from people of all abilities, ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, and religions. We strive to support a culture of inclusion, accessibility, and work-life balance. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know.
Head of Data Services in Horsham employer: Envitia
Envitia is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of The Sunday Times Top 100 Medium-Sized Companies to Work For 2025, reflecting our commitment to innovation and a thriving workplace culture. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, private healthcare, and ongoing training opportunities, all designed to support your professional growth and personal wellbeing. With a focus on inclusivity and community engagement, Envitia provides a dynamic environment where every employee can contribute meaningfully while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Services in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Envitia or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Envitia’s projects and values. Show us that you understand our mission to empower clients with data. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with what we do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of your past successes in data engineering and leadership. We want to hear how you've tackled challenges and delivered results in complex environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role and appreciate the opportunity to connect.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Services in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in data engineering and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:Since this role blends technical and commercial aspects, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of managing delivery against contractual commitments. Share examples where you’ve successfully navigated complex client environments.
Engage with Our Values:At Envitia, we value innovation and collaboration. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by sharing experiences that illustrate your ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Envitia
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As the Head of Data Services, you'll need to demonstrate a strong technical grounding in data engineering and architecture. Brush up on your knowledge of data platforms, pipelines, and architectures. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex client environments and delivered successful outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
This role requires a blend of technical and commercial skills. Prepare examples of how you've shaped work, estimated costs, and managed delivery against contractual commitments. Highlight your experience with prime contractors and enterprise-scale clients to show you can handle the commercial side of things.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
You'll be the primary interface between Envitia and its clients, so it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to manage expectations and maintain senior relationships. Think of specific instances where you've successfully engaged stakeholders and ensured that their needs were met throughout the project lifecycle.
✨Prepare for Governance Discussions
Given the importance of governance and assurance frameworks in this role, be prepared to discuss how you've established effective processes in previous positions. Share your experiences in maintaining oversight of delivery performance and ensuring compliance with security and operational standards.