Interim Head of Data in Shrewsbury

Interim Head of Data in Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Temporary Home office (partial)
ISL Talent

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.
  • 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.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with senior stakeholders invested in technology improvements.

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 Shrewsbury 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.
ISL Talent

Contact Detail:

ISL Talent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Data in Shrewsbury

✨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 a personal project or contributing to open-source, showcasing your skills in real-world scenarios can make you stand out to potential employers.

✨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 the past.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Data in Shrewsbury

Data Architecture
Data Engineering
Data Modelling
Data Pipelines
Cloud-based Data Platforms
Snowflake
dbt
Azure Data Factory
SQL
Complex Datasets
Data Validation
Monitoring and Traceability
Collaboration with Engineering Teams
Agility in Ambiguous Environments
Outcome-focused Approach

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Head of Data. 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 brought structure to data environments in the past. We love a good story that showcases your hands-on experience!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t just list your skills—show us how you’ve used them to tackle challenges. Talk about times when you’ve had to make decisions in ambiguous situations and how you prioritised outcomes over technical correctness. We’re all about practical solutions!

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 get the best chance to showcase your talents. Plus, it’s super easy—just a few clicks and you’re done!

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, as well as your SQL skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in past roles.

✨Showcase Your Hands-On Approach

This role is all about being hands-on, so prepare examples that highlight your practical experience. Talk about times when you’ve taken ownership of a fragmented data landscape and successfully turned it into a coherent platform. Demonstrating your ability to drive delivery will set you apart.

✨Embrace Ambiguity

The company is looking for someone who can thrive in an undefined environment. Share stories where you’ve navigated uncertainty and made progress without having all the answers. This will show your adaptability and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for this role.

✨Collaborate and Communicate

Since you'll be working closely with engineering and product teams, emphasise your collaborative skills. Prepare to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated complex data concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Highlighting your ability to keep everyone aligned will demonstrate your fit for the role.

Interim Head of Data in Shrewsbury
ISL Talent
Location: Shrewsbury

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