At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of data into a structured, scalable platform for product development.
- Company: Dynamic data-led business in Bristol with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and the chance to shape future products.
- Other info: Join a growing team and influence the future of data-driven products.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building a core data capability that drives business success.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in data platforms, pipelines, and cloud technologies.
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.
- 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
- Introduce standards around testing, versioning, and deployment
- Work with external partners while shaping longer-term internal capability
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.
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.
Contract details: ~6-month contract, ~Hybrid working (Bristol)
Head of Data and BI (Interim) in Bristol employer: ISL Talent
Join a forward-thinking, data-driven company in Bristol as the Head of Data and BI, where you will play a pivotal role in transforming their data landscape into a structured, scalable platform. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and collaboration, this hybrid role offers the unique opportunity to influence the architecture of data systems that are central to the business's evolution. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values innovation and provides the flexibility to thrive in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data and BI (Interim) in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the data and BI space. Attend industry meetups or webinars, and don’t be shy about sharing your expertise. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect interim role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or case studies of your past projects, especially those involving data architecture and pipelines. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like Snowflake and Azure Data Factory. We want to see how you can turn a fragmented data landscape into a coherent platform!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can help shape the future of data in our business.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data and BI (Interim) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience with data platforms, pipelines, and any relevant tools like Snowflake or Azure Data Factory. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've transformed data landscapes in the past and how you can bring that expertise to us.
Showcase Your Hands-On Experience:Since this is a hands-on role, make sure to highlight your practical experience. Talk about projects where you've built or scaled data platforms, and how you've worked closely with engineering teams to ensure smooth data integration.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at ISL Talent
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of data architecture and pipelines. Brush up on your experience with tools like Snowflake, dbt, and Azure Data Factory. Be ready to discuss how you've previously transformed fragmented data landscapes into coherent platforms.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role is all about being hands-on, so prepare examples that highlight your practical experience. Talk about specific projects where you’ve designed data models or improved data pipelines. Use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work.
✨Understand the Business Context
Since this position is about making data central to the product, research the company’s current data practices and think about how you can contribute to their evolution. Be prepared to discuss how you would align data strategies with business goals.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions during the interview. Brush up on SQL and be ready to solve problems on the spot. Practising common data-related scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
