Overview
As Group Head of Data, you will set and drive SSE’s group-wide data strategy and enterprise data capabilities. You’ll lead data governance, management, architecture, and platforms while shaping information management interfaces with other accountable functions. Your work will enable trusted, accessible data to support reporting, analytics, AI, and business growth. This is a strategic, cross‑functional leadership role that partners with CIOs and senior data leaders to elevate data as a core asset and empower enterprise decisions.
Pay / Benefits
- discounts on private healthcare
- gym membership discounts
- online GP
- 24/7 counselling
- Cycle to Work scheme
- maternity and adoption pay; paternity leave
Responsibilities
- Define and execute SSE’s group-wide data strategy, operating model, and investment direction across the enterprise and business units
- Establish and manage enterprise data governance and data management as connected capabilities (ownership, stewardship, metadata, lineage, quality, master/reference data, access and sharing)
- Set direction for secure, resilient data technologies and services, including lifecycle, performance, and supplier decisions
- Define and implement enterprise data architecture, modelling, engineering, integration and API standards with reusable patterns and DataOps practices
- Provide trusted data foundations and guardrails to enable reporting, analytics, data products and AI solutions
- Lead and develop SSE’s data profession, building leadership, skills, and data fluency across teams
- Collaborate with CIOs, BU Data/AI leaders and control functions to address cross-SSE dependencies and improve data trust, reuse and value
- Advise senior leaders on data/t technology and risk choices, balancing commercial and regulatory considerations
- Work with business units to ensure governance and standards support their delivery while maintaining enterprise cohesion
- Represent data strategy in cross-functional forums and influence investment and priority setting for data initiatives
Key requirements
- Extensive senior leadership experience in data within a large, complex organisation with a track record of translating strategy into operating capability and measurable outcomes
- Proven experience in data strategy, governance and management with clear ownership, stewardship, metadata, lineage, quality, master/reference data, access and assurance
- Strong knowledge of enterprise data architecture, cloud platforms, integration, APIs, DataOps, observability, automation, analytics, data products and AI foundations
- Experience building or reshaping enterprise data functions and enabling BU delivery through common standards and governance
- Ability to build trusted relationships with CIOs and senior leaders and to clearly communicate complex data, tech and risk decisions
- Sound commercial, financial and regulatory judgement with experience in investment prioritisation, supplier management, licensing, and cross-functional collaboration (Cyber, Privacy, Legal, Risk)
- Strategic thinking
- Collaborative leadership
- Stakeholder management
- Enterprise data architecture
- Cloud data platforms
- Data governance and data management
Group Head of Data in Hampshire employer: Scottish and Southern Energy
SSE Thermal is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Perth where you can thrive as a Risk Manager. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working options, and a culture that promotes inclusivity and continuous improvement, SSE provides ample opportunities for professional growth while contributing to the energy transition. Enjoy competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial and personal needs.
Contact Details:
Scottish and Southern Energy Recruitment Team
