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- 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 Stockport employer: ISL Talent
Contact Detail:
ISL Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Data in Stockport
✨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 contributing to open-source data initiatives or building your own data models, 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 the past and how you can bring that experience to the table.
✨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 Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with data platforms and pipelines. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Hands-On Experience: Since this role is all about being hands-on, share specific examples of how you've built or improved data architectures in the past. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, especially with tools like Snowflake or Azure Data Factory.
Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
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 be prepared to share examples of how you've directly influenced data structures and platforms. Highlight instances where you’ve worked closely with engineering teams to ensure data flows seamlessly into applications.
✨Embrace Ambiguity
The company is looking for someone who can thrive in an undefined environment. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to make progress without having all the answers. Discuss how you prioritise tasks and focus on outcomes rather than getting bogged down in details.
✨Connect with Stakeholders
Since you'll be working with senior stakeholders, it’s crucial to show your ability to communicate effectively. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with product leadership in the past and how you ensure alignment across teams. This will highlight your capability to drive delivery while keeping everyone on the same page.