At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of data architecture and build scalable platforms for a growing business.
- Company: Dynamic data-led company in Bristol with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunity to shape future products.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with senior stakeholders invested in technology improvements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by structuring data at the heart of a thriving business.
- Qualifications: Experience in building data platforms and strong SQL skills required.
We’re working with a growing, data-led business entering a key phase in its evolution. They’re moving from a largely manual, compliance-driven environment to a more structured, product-focused model, with data at the center of how the business operates and scales. This contract is about accelerating that shift.
You’ll step into an environment where data exists, but isn’t yet fully structured, connected, or operating as a true platform. The goal is to bring clarity, shape the architecture, and build something reliable enough to support both internal use and customer-facing products.
This is a hands-on Head of Data contract, sitting at the intersection of data engineering, architecture, and product enablement. You’ll take ownership of a fragmented data landscape and turn it into a more coherent, scalable platform - one that supports reporting, workflows, and product features. You’ll be working closely with engineering and product leadership to ensure data flows cleanly into applications and is usable across the business. This is not a pure strategy role; you’ll need to stay close to the detail and drive delivery.
What you’ll be doing:
- Define and shape the overall data architecture (ingestion → transformation → consumption)
- Design and improve data pipelines across multiple sources (APIs, files, third-party systems)
- Bring structure to data modelling to support reporting, workflows, and product use
- Introduce data validation, monitoring, and traceability
- Make data usable across the business — not just technically correct
- Work closely with engineering to ensure data integrates cleanly into applications
- Make decisions on tooling, orchestration, and platform design
- Introduce standards around testing, versioning, and deployment
- Work with external partners while shaping longer-term internal capability
What we’re looking for:
This role suits someone who’s comfortable stepping into an environment that isn’t fully defined and bringing structure to it quickly. You’ll likely bring:
- Strong experience building and scaling data platforms in SaaS or data-led environments
- Deep experience with data pipelines, modelling, and cloud-based data platforms
- Hands-on experience with tools such as Snowflake, dbt, Azure Data Factory (or similar)
- Strong SQL skills and experience working with complex datasets
- Experience working in environments where data is central to the product
- Confidence operating across both delivery and architectural decisions
Equally important is how you work:
- You’re comfortable with ambiguity and can make progress without perfect information
- You focus on outcomes and usability, not just technical correctness
- You can quickly assess what matters and prioritise accordingly
- You work well with engineering and product teams and keep things joined up
- You’re hands-on and pragmatic - not overly theoretical
This is a chance to step into a business where data is becoming a core capability, not just a support function. You’ll be shaping the foundations of a platform that will underpin future products and services - with real influence over how it’s designed and delivered. There’s strong backing for improving technology, and you’ll be working closely with senior stakeholders who are invested in getting this right.
Contract details:
- 6-month contract
- Outside IR35
- £600–£700 per day
- Hybrid working (Bristol)
If this sounds aligned with your experience, apply or get in touch for more detail.
Interim Head of Data in Birmingham employer: ISL Talent
Join a dynamic, data-driven company in Bristol that prioritises innovation and employee growth. With a hybrid working model and a strong focus on developing a structured data platform, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact while collaborating closely with engineering and product teams. The supportive work culture encourages hands-on involvement and values your contributions, making it an excellent place for professionals looking to advance their careers in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Data in Birmingham
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Public Portfolio
As a freelancer in data science, having a killer portfolio is essential. Showcase your projects on platforms like GitHub or create a personal website that details your work and techniques. This gives potential clients a clear picture of what you can do and helps you stand out from the competition.
✨Get Involved in Data Science Communities
Tap into online forums like Kaggle or Stack Overflow. Not only can you showcase your expertise, but you can also connect with other data scientists and potential clients. Plus, participating in competitions and discussions can elevate your profile in the field.
✨Leverage Local Networking Opportunities
Keep an eye out for local data science meetups or tech events in your area. These are golden opportunities to meet potential clients and collaborators face-to-face. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of networking over pizza and drinks?
✨Pitch Your Services Directly to Companies
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We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Data in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Projects:When applying for a freelance data science role like Interim Head of Data at ISL Talent, it’s crucial to highlight your projects. Include a portfolio that features at least two or three projects involving data analysis, machine learning, or visualisation. Make sure to describe the tools and methodologies you used, so we can see your skills in action!
Quantify Your Achievements:Freelance gigs, especially in data science, often ask for proven results. In your CV, include any relevant metrics or outcomes from your previous work. Did your analysis help reduce costs by a certain percentage? Or did your predictive model improve performance? Numbers speak volumes!
Introduce Your Style:Since freelancing is all about your individual style and approach, use your cover letter to share how you tackle data problems. This is your chance to let us know how you think, your creative problem-solving methods, and how you would approach a project at ISL Talent.
Be Real About Your Rates:When you send in your application, don’t forget to mention your freelance rates and availability. We appreciate clarity up front, and it helps us gauge if you fit within our budget and timeline. Being transparent in this aspect shows professionalism and readiness!
How to prepare for a job interview at ISL Talent
✨Show Off Your Data Wizardry
As a freelancer in data science, you'll want to present a portfolio that showcases your best projects. We should pull together examples where you tackled real problems with data analytics, machine learning models, or visualisations. It's all about demonstrating your skills in action!
✨Be Ready to Dive Deep into Technical Questions
Expect to encounter some technical grilling during the interview. Prepare to discuss statistical methods, algorithms, or maybe even tackle a live coding challenge. We should brush up on tools like Python, R, or SQL—those are key players in the data science field. Don't just know them; be ready to explain your thought process!
✨Help Them Understand Your Work Style
Freelance gigs often mean you'll be working independently, so we need to convey our self-motivation and time management skills. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve handled multiple projects or met tight deadlines before. Sharing your approach to client communication can also give them confidence in your ability to deliver remotely.
✨Pitch Your Value Proposition
When freelancing, it’s crucial to clearly articulate what makes you unique. We should highlight not just technical skills but also the business impact of our projects. Think of a couple of stories where your data insights drove decision-making—this can be a game changer in showing why they should choose you for their freelance needs!
