At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to shape and execute data strategies for impactful business decisions.
- Company: Join a fast-growing retail business in the West Midlands, driving innovation through data.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about transforming complex data into actionable insights.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of data-driven decision-making in a dynamic retail environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in data analytics, strong leadership, and technical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 84000 - 120000 £ per year.
Location: West Midlands (Hybrid)
Salary: Up to £120,000
Sector: Retail
We are partnering with a fast-growing retail business based in the West Midlands to recruit a Head of Data Analytics & Data Science. This is a pivotal leadership role focused on shaping and executing the company's data strategy, while embedding advanced analytics and data science into core decision-making processes.
You will lead a high-performing team of analysts and data professionals, working closely with senior stakeholders across trading, marketing, digital, and operations. From pricing and product performance to customer insights and predictive modelling, you will drive the use of data to deliver tangible commercial outcomes.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced data leader with a strong commercial mindset and a passion for turning complex data into clear, actionable insights.
Key Responsibilities:- Define and lead the data analytics and data science strategy aligned to business priorities
- Deliver insights across pricing, margin, product mix, and channel performance
- Drive customer segmentation, behaviour analysis, and lifetime value modelling
- Champion the use of predictive analytics and data science to inform trading and marketing activity
- Establish and maintain core KPIs across commercial and operational functions
- Collaborate with IT and data engineering to optimise data pipelines, integrations, and architecture
- Build, lead, and mentor a team of analysts and data scientists, fostering innovation and continuous improvement
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, influencing strategic direction through data
- 10+ years' experience in data analytics, ideally in retail, ecommerce, or fast-paced consumer sectors
- Proven track record leading data teams and delivering commercial value through analytics
- Strong technical skills in SQL, Excel, and BI tools (Power BI, Tableau); exposure to Python, R, or similar is a plus
- Deep knowledge of trading metrics, pricing optimisation, and margin management
- Experience applying data science methods such as regression, clustering, or forecasting in a commercial setting
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Experience working with cloud-based data platforms and modern data stack environments is desirable
Head of Data (Ref: 184624) in Birmingham employer: Forsyth Barnes
Join a dynamic and fast-growing retail business in the West Midlands as the Head of Data Analytics & Data Science, where you will play a crucial role in shaping the company's data strategy. With a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration, this company fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, offering opportunities to lead a high-performing team while driving impactful commercial outcomes. Enjoy the benefits of a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and the chance to influence strategic decisions through data-driven insights.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data (Ref: 184624) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the retail and data analytics sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you successfully led a team or project. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you drove commercial value through data analytics in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in data science and analytics, particularly in the retail sector. Being able to discuss current methodologies and tools will demonstrate your passion and commitment to the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to articulate how you would align the data strategy with business priorities. Think about specific KPIs and metrics that are crucial for the retail industry and be ready to discuss how you would implement them effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data (Ref: 184624) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in data analytics and leadership roles. Emphasise your achievements in driving commercial value through data, particularly in retail or ecommerce.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for data and how it can transform business strategies. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led data teams and delivered insights that influenced decision-making.
Showcase Technical Skills:Clearly outline your technical skills in SQL, Excel, and BI tools like Power BI or Tableau. If you have experience with Python or R, make sure to include that as well, as it will strengthen your application.
Highlight Leadership Experience:Detail your experience in building and mentoring teams. Provide examples of how you've fostered innovation and continuous improvement within your team, as this is crucial for the Head of Data role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forsyth Barnes
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Data, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any mentoring or coaching experiences that demonstrate your ability to foster talent.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Make sure you can confidently discuss your technical skills, especially in SQL, Excel, and BI tools like Power BI or Tableau. If you have experience with Python or R, mention specific projects where you applied these skills to drive business outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare to discuss how you would approach real-world scenarios related to pricing optimisation, customer segmentation, or predictive analytics. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Align with Business Priorities
Research the company’s current data strategy and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals. Show that you understand the retail sector and can translate complex data into actionable insights that drive commercial success.
