At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a cutting-edge data platform and reporting function from scratch.
- Company: Dynamic SaaS technology business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and make a significant impact on business success.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data strategy and analytics in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Strong technical skills in Azure, SQL, and data governance required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to build an enterprise Data & Reporting function from the ground up within a growing SaaS technology business. Initially operating as a hands-on technical leader, you'll define the data strategy, design and implement a modern Azure-based data platform, deliver executive reporting, and establish the foundations for future AI and advanced analytics. As the function matures, you'll recruit and lead a dedicated Data Engineering & BI team.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement an enterprise Azure data platform and centralised data lake.
- Build scalable ETL/ELT pipelines integrating data across business systems and SaaS platforms.
- Develop an enterprise data model and deliver Power BI reporting for executive and board-level stakeholders.
- Automate manual reporting and establish self-service BI capabilities.
- Define data governance, ownership, quality and security standards across the organisation.
- Ensure data architecture supports future AI, machine learning and automation initiatives.
- Create a multi-year Data & Analytics roadmap aligned to business strategy.
- Build and lead the future Data & Reporting team.
Essential Skills
- Azure Data Factory
- Azure Data Lake / Microsoft Fabric
- Power BI
- SQL
- Data Modelling
- ETL / ELT Architecture
- API Integration
- Data Governance
- Python, PowerShell or similar scripting
- Strong understanding of data security, GDPR and enterprise reporting best practice
Desirable Experience
- Microsoft Fabric
- Azure Purview
- Databricks
- AI / Machine Learning
- AWS Data Services
- PostgreSQL / MySQL
- SaaS application integrations
About You
We're looking for a technical leader who enjoys building rather than simply managing. You'll be equally comfortable designing architecture, writing SQL, integrating data, creating dashboards and engaging senior stakeholders across the business. You'll combine the mindset of an architect, the technical capability of an engineer, the commercial awareness of a business analyst, and the leadership skills to build a high-performing Data function as the business continues to scale.
Head of Data in Bedford employer: S-SA Digital
Join a dynamic SaaS technology business in Bedford, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape and lead the Data & Reporting function from inception. With a hybrid work model that promotes flexibility, our culture fosters innovation and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. As part of our team, you'll not only drive impactful data strategies but also enjoy a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages your career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data in Bedford
✨Get Involved in Data Science Meetups
Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like S-SA Digital!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Start building a public portfolio showcasing your data science projects on platforms like GitHub or personal websites. Highlight unique analyses or models you've developed. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gets your name out there for roles like Head of Data at S-SA Digital.
✨Leverage Professional Networks
Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like S-SA Digital.
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When you find a suitable opening like Head of Data at S-SA Digital, make sure to apply directly through our website. It gives you an edge and shows you're keen to join our team. Plus, who doesn’t love a direct application? It’s easier than navigating through job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at S-SA Digital, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.
Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at S-SA Digital. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!
How to prepare for a job interview at S-SA Digital
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!
✨Get Comfortable with Python and R
Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at S-SA Digital!
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
