At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a cutting-edge data platform and drive data strategy.
- Company: Forge Holiday Group, a leading UK holiday lettings business with a strong team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, 33 days holiday, and a hybrid work model.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on growth and learning.
- Why this job: Join a transformative journey to shape data-driven decision-making and innovation.
- 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
- 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...
Director of Data in London 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 in London
✨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, highlighting the impact you made on revenue or customer experience.
✨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 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Director of Data. Highlight your experience with data platform transformations and modern data architecture. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to build a data-first culture!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about data and how you can drive real commercial impact. Share specific examples of your past successes in leading data teams or projects.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Director, we need someone who can lead high-performing teams. In your application, make sure to highlight your leadership experience and stakeholder management capabilities. We want to know how you've built and motivated teams in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the latest updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forge Holiday Group Ltd
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As a Director of Data, you’ll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of data architecture and platform transformations. Brush up on modern data concepts like data vaults and lakehouses, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented these in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've built and led high-performing teams, and how you've driven a data-first culture in previous organisations. Be specific about the impact your leadership had on projects.
✨Connect Data to Business Outcomes
Forge Holiday Group is all about driving commercial impact through data. Be ready to discuss how your data strategies have directly contributed to revenue growth or improved customer experiences. Use metrics and case studies to illustrate your points.
✨Embrace the Grow & Learn Mindset
Since one of the company’s core values is 'Grow and Learn', show that you’re adaptable and open to feedback. Share instances where you’ve learned from challenges or adapted your strategies based on new insights. This will resonate well with their culture.