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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a modern data platform and oversee a team of Data Engineers.
- Company: Join a tech-driven insurer backed by AXA, transforming home insurance in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a salary up to £110,000, hybrid working, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data with AI insights in a mission-led, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in data engineering, cloud migrations, and strong leadership experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for impactful work with training and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 77000 £ per year.
Job Description
HEAD OF DATA PLATFORM
LONDON
£110,000
THE COMPANY
Backed by AXA and powered by smart tech, this company provider is transforming how the UK insures all types of homes. As they undergo a major data transformation, this role offers the chance to shape the data future of a mission-led, tech-forward insurer.
THE ROLE
As Head of Data Platform, you will lead the development and evolution of a modern, scalable data platform. With a major migration underway and ambitious plans to enable AI-driven insights across the business, this is a hands-on leadership role with strategic influence, architectural ownership, and real scope to shape the future of data at the company.
Specifically, you can expect to be involved in the following:
- Overseeing a small team of Data Engineers, with scope to build and upskill the function
- Leading and executing a data platform migration into Google Cloud Platform (GCP)-initially in partnership with a consultancy
- Owning all aspects of the data warehouse, ETL/ELT, and platform infrastructure (DevOps, FinOps)
- Driving forward best practices in data governance, access control, and architecture
- Collaborating cross-functionally with pricing, analytics, IT, and commercial teams
- Helping shape the long-term strategy and roadmap for platform evolution, including future capabilities like AI, Gemini, and self-serve analytics
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
The successful Head of Data Platform will have the following skills and experience:
- Strong hands-on background in data engineering, with 5+ years working on modern data platforms
- Experience leading cloud data migrations-GCP and BigQuery strongly preferred
- Proficiency in SQL, Python, dbt, Airflow, Terraform and other modern tooling
- Excellent understanding of data architecture, governance, and DevOps best practices
- Proven leadership or team management experience within a regulated or mid-to-large tech-driven company
- Comfortable being both strategic and hands-on in a fast-moving, evolving environment
BENEFITS
The successful Head of Data Platform will receive the following benefits:
- Salary up to £110,000
- Performance-based bonus
- Hybrid working, 2/3 days in South West London
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Private medical and life insurance
- Training and development opportunities
- Impactful work at the core of a business with a clear social mission
HOW TO APPLY
Please register your interest by sending your resume/CV to Joana Alves via the Apply link on this page.
Head of Data Platform employer: Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Platform
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and BigQuery, as these are crucial for the role. Consider taking online courses or certifications to demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experience managing teams or projects. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully led data migrations or implemented best practices in data governance.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the data engineering field, especially those who have experience with cloud migrations. Attend industry events or join relevant online communities to make connections that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with tools like SQL, Python, dbt, and Airflow. Be ready to explain how you've used these technologies in past projects to drive insights and improve data architecture.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Platform
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in data engineering and cloud migrations, particularly with GCP and BigQuery. Use specific examples to demonstrate your hands-on skills and leadership experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for data transformation and your understanding of the company's mission. Mention how your background aligns with their goals, especially in terms of AI-driven insights and data governance.
Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly list your proficiency in SQL, Python, dbt, Airflow, and Terraform in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've used these tools in past projects to drive results.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Emphasise any previous leadership roles or team management experience you have. Discuss how you've successfully led teams in a fast-paced environment and contributed to strategic decisions in data architecture and governance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As the Head of Data Platform, you'll need to demonstrate a strong hands-on background in data engineering. Be prepared to discuss your experience with GCP, BigQuery, SQL, Python, and other relevant tools. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully led cloud migrations or implemented modern data platforms.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
This role requires proven leadership experience. Share examples of how you've managed teams, particularly in a regulated or tech-driven environment. Discuss your approach to building and upskilling a team, and how you foster collaboration across different functions.
✨Discuss Strategic Vision
The company is looking for someone who can shape the long-term strategy for their data platform. Be ready to articulate your vision for data governance, architecture, and future capabilities like AI and self-serve analytics. Show that you can think both strategically and operationally.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges in a fast-moving environment. Think about past experiences where you've had to adapt quickly or overcome obstacles during a data migration or platform evolution.
