Head of Data in Harrogate

The Head of Data will be accountable for leading our Data Department, including Data Engineering and Analytics, and for delivering the data strategy, architecture, governance, reporting and modernisation agenda. This is a senior leadership role requiring a balance of strategic direction, technical credibility, delivery oversight and strong stakeholder influence across the business.

We are the UK's Cash Access and ATM Network that connects virtually all the UK's ATMs and provides communities with access to cash through services such as cashback at retailers' tills, enhanced Post Offices and Banking Hubs. Our network of around 45,000 ATMs connects the country's payment infrastructure and enables the public to access their money easily, conveniently and safely.

The successful Head of Data will be involved with but not limited to:

• Refine and implement our existing Data Strategy.
• Have a deep understanding of our current technologies, including existing SQL Server environments, and incorporate this knowledge to drive the decommissioning and migration strategy as part of the Database Optimisation programme, including the transition to modern data platforms such as Databricks or Microsoft Fabric and the adoption of modern data engineering practices.
• Select and lead on the delivery of techniques and technologies to deliver resilient, scalable and future-proofed analytics solutions.
• Lead the development and oversee data quality standards, assurance frameworks and compliance practices.
• Ensure robust governance of data models and data cataloguing for internal and external requirements.
• Ensure secure, efficient and scalable data pipelines and integrations between systems using modern best practice.
• Lead, manage and develop an expanding team of circa 10 data specialists, including Data Engineers and Analysts, through regular coaching and mentoring, driving technical excellence by supporting the team in their respective roles to further develop their skills, technical and industry knowledge.

The Successful Head of Data candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Strategic data leadership, including the ability to define, refine and deliver an enterprise data strategy aligned to organisational objectives.
• Proven experience leading data engineering and analytics teams, including coaching, mentoring, capability building and performance management.
• Strong knowledge of data architecture, data platforms, data modelling, data warehousing, integration patterns and scalable analytics solutions.
• Hands-on credibility with SQL Server environments and experience supporting migration to modern platforms such as Databricks, Microsoft Fabric or comparable technologies.
• Strong understanding of data governance, data ownership, data stewardship, metadata management, data quality standards and assurance frameworks.

We are a not-for-profit and operate in the public interest. We are based in Harrogate and have a remote working policy (circa 1 day in the office). Our offices are easy to get to by either public transport or car.

In addition to some excellent benefits which can be discussed you can also expect:

• Salary circa £75,000 - £90,000
• Bonus Scheme
• Car allowance
• 1 Day a week in the office
• 35 hour week

For more information on the exciting opportunity and to answer any further questions, apply today.