At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of data into a structured, scalable platform for internal and customer use.
- Company: A growing, 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 dynamic team and influence the future of data-driven products.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building a core data capability that drives the business forward.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in data platforms, pipelines, and cloud technologies like Snowflake and Azure.
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 (Temporary) in Bristol employer: ISL Talent
Join a forward-thinking, data-driven company in Bristol that values innovation and collaboration. As the Head of Data, you'll be at the forefront of transforming the data landscape into a structured, scalable platform, with ample opportunities for professional growth and influence over key architectural decisions. Enjoy a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while contributing to a pivotal phase in the company's evolution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data (Temporary) in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the data field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with some practical projects. Whether it's building a small data pipeline or contributing to open-source projects, showcasing your skills through real-world applications can make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding the latest trends in data architecture. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities that could be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data (Temporary) 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 Head of Data role. Share specific examples of how you've transformed data landscapes in the past and how you can do it for 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
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of data architecture and pipelines. Brush up on your experience with tools like Snowflake and Azure Data Factory, and be ready to discuss how you've previously structured and scaled data platforms.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role is all about being hands-on, so prepare examples that highlight your practical experience. Think of specific projects where you’ve transformed fragmented data landscapes into coherent platforms, and be ready to explain your approach and the impact it had.
✨Understand Their Business Needs
Research the company’s current data challenges and their shift towards a product-focused model. Be prepared to discuss how you can help them accelerate this transition and what strategies you would implement to ensure data is usable across the business.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions around data modelling, validation, and integration. Brush up on your SQL skills and be ready to solve problems on the spot. Practising common data scenarios can help you feel more confident during these discussions.
