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- Tasks: Lead the data strategy for government services impacting over 18 million citizens.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on enhancing public sector data capabilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options and competitive pay rates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the public sector while shaping the future of data governance.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in data leadership with expertise in cloud platforms and public sector standards.
- Other info: Contract role with potential for extension; security clearance required.
We’re seeking a seasoned Data Lead to own and deliver the data strategy for a government client that uses services used by over 18 million citizens encompassing three newly rebuilt benefits systems. You will define where our data capabilities are today, set the future vision, and architect the roadmap to get us there—then design the data team to execute it.
Key Responsibilities
- Data Strategy & Governance
- Lead the end-to-end Data Strategy for Bereavement & Care services.
- Map the “as-is” and “to-be” state of our data platforms and pipelines.
- Develop a 3-month strategic roadmap aligned with the wider Government Data Strategy.
- Define and embed organisational policies, standards and guidelines for secure, scalable data services.
- Technical Leadership & Architecture
- Select and evolve data engineering methods, tools and techniques.
- Ensure adherence to agreed technical strategies and architectures.
- Plan and drive delivery of complex data engineering programmes across multiple systems.
- Balance functional and non-functional requirements when designing data solutions.
- Team Design & Delivery
- Define the optimal data team structure (roles, skills, capacity) to deliver the strategy.
- Design and chair multi-functional delivery teams, mentoring engineers, scientists and analysts.
- Partner with our delivery provider to onboard specialist roles per your recommendations.
- Oversee implementation of new data platforms, ETL pipelines, and analytical models.
- Standards, Compliance & Quality
- Monitor application of data standards, governance frameworks and security controls.
- Embed strong data quality, lineage and protection practices across all systems.
- Contribute to and enforce enterprise-wide data engineering policies and compliance.
Required Experience & Skills
- Data Leadership: ≥ 10 years across data engineering, data science or analytics; proven track record setting/executing data strategies in complex organisations.
- Technical Breadth:
- Cloud-based data platforms AWS must (Azure, AWS or equivalent)
- Modern ETL/ELT tools and data pipeline frameworks
- Data modelling, warehousing and transformation best practices
- Data science/ML lifecycle from prototype to production
- Government/Public Sector: Experience to GDS-equivalent standards; strong grasp of GDPR, FOI and public-sector procurement.
- Communication & Stakeholder Management: Able to translate technical concepts for non-tech executives; excellent leadership, mentoring and team-building skills.
Tech Stack
- Performance Analytics: Google Analytics, Google BigQuery, Google Looker Studio, Google Tag Manager
Desirable
- Domain experience in benefits or civic services (e.g. public sector).
- Previous contracting under SIFA or similar public-sector frameworks.
- Security clearance (BPSS, SC or DV) or willingness to obtain.
Contract Details
- Rate: 600-650 inside IR35
- Duration: 3 months (potential extension)
- Security Clearance: BPSS minimum; higher clearance if required
How to Apply
Send your CV and a brief cover note highlighting relevant experience to recruitment@scrumconnect.com
Data Lead employer: Scrumconnect Consulting
Contact Detail:
Scrumconnect Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the data field, especially those who have experience in public sector projects. Attend industry meetups or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences, which can give you insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in data engineering and governance, particularly those relevant to government standards. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led data strategies in complex organisations. Be ready to articulate your approach to team design and delivery, as well as how you've ensured compliance with data standards in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific government client and their data needs. Understanding their challenges and objectives will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your expertise aligns with their goals, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in data leadership, particularly in complex organisations. Emphasise your track record in setting and executing data strategies, as well as your technical skills with cloud-based platforms like AWS.
Craft a Compelling Cover Note: In your cover note, succinctly summarise your relevant experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities of the Data Lead role. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead data strategy and governance.
Showcase Technical Expertise: Detail your familiarity with modern ETL/ELT tools and data pipeline frameworks. Highlight any experience you have with data modelling, warehousing, and transformation best practices, as well as your understanding of the data science lifecycle.
Demonstrate Communication Skills: Since the role requires translating technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders, include examples in your application that showcase your communication and stakeholder management skills. This could be through previous roles where you led teams or mentored others.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scrumconnect Consulting
✨Understand the Data Landscape
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the current data landscape, especially in relation to government services. Familiarise yourself with the specific data platforms and pipelines mentioned in the job description, as well as the broader Government Data Strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in leading data teams and executing data strategies. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully defined and implemented data governance policies or managed complex data engineering programmes.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role requires translating technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders, practice explaining your past projects in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, which is crucial for this position.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about your technical expertise, particularly regarding cloud-based data platforms and modern ETL/ELT tools. Brush up on your knowledge of data modelling, warehousing, and transformation best practices to confidently answer any technical queries.
