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- Tasks: Lead the transformation of our data strategy and build a modern data platform.
- Company: Forge Holiday Group, a leading UK holiday lettings business with award-winning brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, 33 days holiday, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Dynamic culture focused on growth, learning, and diversity.
- Why this job: Join us to shape the future of data and drive real commercial impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale data transformations and modern data architecture.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive (Plus Bonus and incentives)
Location: Head Office – One City Place, Chester (Hybrid)
Reporting to: Group CTO
About Us
Forge Holiday Group is a leading UK holiday lettings business, connecting millions of customers with great holiday experiences. With award-winning brands like Sykes Holiday Cottages and Forest Holidays, we’re 1,700+ people strong and powered by four values: One Business One Team, Keep it Simple, Grow & Learn, Sustainable Impact. Data is already central to how we operate – and we’re now investing to take it further. We’re building a modern, AI-ready data platform to create a single, trusted view of our business – powering insight, decision-making, and over 300 AI agents already in use.
The Role
This is a builder’s role – not maintenance. As Director of Data, you will define and deliver our end-to-end data strategy, platform, and capability.
Responsibilities
- Architect and scale a modern data platform (data vault, knowledge graph, insight layer)
- Enable AI, analytics, and product innovation through trusted data
- Build and lead high-performing data teams
- Build the Future of Data at Scale – Define the strategy, infrastructure, and operating model that will power data across multiple brands and markets
- Drive a true data-first culture across the organisation
- Drive Real Commercial Impact – Every initiative will connect directly to revenue growth, customer experience, and owner success
- Join a Strong Technology Leadership Team – Work alongside senior leaders driving product, platform, and AI transformation across the group
Why Now
We’re moving from fragmented data to a single version of the truth – trusted, accessible, and compounding in value over time. Strong foundations are already in place – now we need the right leader to accelerate and deliver.
Our Approach: Grow and Learn
One of our core values is Grow and Learn. We’ve applied that directly to this search – listening, refining, and evolving the role based on what we’ve learned. We welcome both new applicants and those who have previously applied.
What You’ll Bring
Essential
- Experience delivering large-scale data platform transformations
- Deep expertise in modern data architecture (data vault, lakehouse, semantic layers)
- Cloud data platform experience (Microsoft Fabric highly advantageous)
- Experience supporting AI/ML or agent-based systems
- Proven leadership and stakeholder management capability
Desirable
- Experience in travel, e-commerce, or marketplace businesses
- Knowledge of knowledge graphs and data democratisation
- Strong commercial acumen
Why Join Us
- A transformational, CEO-sponsored programme
- A business already leveraging AI at scale
- The opportunity to build a platform and team from strong foundations
- A culture that lives its values – including Grow and Learn
Benefits
- Annual STIP Company-wide Bonus Scheme offering up to an additional 30% of your salary through our performance-based bonus programme
- 33 days’ holiday (including bank holidays), plus up to 5 extra with long service
- Option to purchase extra holiday days if you wish
- A day off for your birthday
- 2 volunteering days per year
- Enhanced parental leave (24 weeks maternity, 3 weeks paternity at full pay)
- Pension scheme with employer contributions
- Discounted and last-minute stays at Forest Holidays and Sykes Cottages for you, your friends & family
- Special offers and discounts designed to enhance your overall wellbeing
- Health cash plan & life assurance
- Training & development opportunities
- 24/7 mental health support
- On-site gym and parking at Chester HQ (near train station)
- Employee savings scheme
- Long service awards and company events
Diversity and Inclusion
We’re all about diversity, inclusion, and bringing your authentic self to work. Need adjustments for the recruitment process? Just ask.
Director of Data employer: Forge Holiday Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
Forge Holiday Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Data
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values, especially around data and innovation, so you can show how you align with their mission and vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-world examples. Be ready to discuss past projects where you’ve driven data transformations or led teams. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Forge Holiday Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Data
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with data platform transformations and modern data architecture. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Forge Holiday Group!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Director of Data, you'll be leading teams and driving a data-first culture. Use your application to demonstrate your proven leadership capabilities and how you've successfully managed stakeholders in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your achievements and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff. Remember, we’re looking for impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to build the future of data with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forge Holiday Group Ltd
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As a candidate for the Director of Data role, it's crucial to have a deep understanding of modern data architectures like data vaults and lakehouses. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud platforms, especially Microsoft Fabric, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully delivered large-scale data transformations in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've built and led high-performing data teams, and be ready to discuss how you foster a data-first culture within an organisation. Highlight any experiences where your leadership directly contributed to revenue growth or improved customer experiences.
✨Connect Data to Business Impact
Forge Holiday Group is all about driving real commercial impact through data. Be prepared to articulate how your data strategies have previously connected to business outcomes. Think of specific instances where your initiatives led to measurable improvements in customer experience or operational efficiency.
✨Embrace the Grow and Learn Mindset
One of the core values at Forge is 'Grow and Learn'. During your interview, express your commitment to continuous learning and development. Share examples of how you've adapted your strategies based on feedback and evolving industry trends, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for building a future-ready data platform.