Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic data team, driving innovative projects in Azure and AI.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking financial services firm in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, pension, and flexible hybrid working.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data in finance while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in data architecture and team management.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for rapid career growth.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Job Description for Head of Data required by our financial client in London.
You MUST have the following:
- Good experience as a Data Engineering Manager/Lead Data Architect/Head of Data
- Management experience
- Experience aligning the strategy with the needs of the business
- Excellent design and architecture ability
- MS SQL Server
- Azure AI - even if outside work
- Agile Experience in a financial environment
The following are DESIRABLE, not essential:
- Microsoft Fabric, Synapse, Databricks or Snowflake
You will inherit a team of 3, comprising two permanent staff and one contractor. The contractor is senior, the two permanent are more junior, making this a very hands-on role. It will be all-encompassing, involving data architecture, engineering for technical delivery and management to cover line-management of the team and alignment of the company's strategy with the roadmap for the data environment. In addition to this are data governance and regulatory compliance requirements that you will also have ownership of.
On the engineering and architecture side, you will have good experience of leading companies from on-premise virtual machines to Azure. You will be seasoned in taking data projects from inception to design, architecture and technical delivery, contributing to the engineering yourself. In addition to taking environments to the cloud, you will also have some exposure to AI and ML and be comfortable in assessing what tools and products are most appropriate for the business' goals and evolution.
On the managerial side, you will have led teams and have experience with line-management. If you have inherited teams previously, that would also be ideal. You will have worked in an FCA regulated environment and be familiar with the necessary requirements to be compliant from a data perspective.
The journey you will take with this team will be to implement better monitoring, automation, migration to the cloud and then the adoption of AI and ML. As the business is c.200 people and the management team is strong and Agile, this could happen very quickly.
The technology department has a hybrid working setup. You will be given the flexibility to come into the office as you wish although, in the initial months, it will probably be appropriate to go to the office 2-3 times/week.
Salary: £100k - 125k + Bonus + Pension
Head of Data SQL Azure AI Finance Financial Services London employer: Joseph Harry Ltd
Contact Detail:
Joseph Harry Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data SQL Azure AI Finance Financial Services London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and data sectors. Attend industry meetups or webinars, and don’t be shy about mentioning 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
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience with Azure, AI, and data architecture. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've led teams and delivered successful projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you’re keen on, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly through our website, express your interest, and ask if they have any upcoming roles that fit your background. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of compliance and governance in the financial sector. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated these challenges in past roles. This will demonstrate your understanding of the industry and your readiness for the Head of Data position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data SQL Azure AI Finance Financial Services London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience with data architecture, Azure, and any relevant financial services background. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Data role. Share specific examples of your leadership in data projects and how you've driven teams towards success.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t hold back on your technical expertise! Mention your experience with MS SQL Server, Azure, AI, and any other tools like Databricks or Snowflake. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running with our tech stack.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Joseph Harry Ltd
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of data architecture and engineering, especially within Azure. Brush up on your experience with MS SQL Server and any AI/ML projects you've been involved in. Being able to discuss your hands-on contributions will show that you’re not just a manager but also a technical leader.
✨Align with Business Strategy
Understand how data strategy aligns with business goals in financial services. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously aligned data initiatives with company objectives. This will demonstrate your ability to think strategically and ensure that your team’s work supports the broader business vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since you’ll be inheriting a team, it’s crucial to articulate your leadership approach. Share examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams, especially in FCA regulated environments. Highlight your experience in mentoring junior staff and how you foster collaboration and growth within your team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions about cloud migration, data governance, and compliance. Brush up on tools like Microsoft Fabric, Synapse, Databricks, and Snowflake, even if they’re not your primary expertise. Showing familiarity with these technologies can set you apart as a well-rounded candidate.