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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help shape our data strategy and create a practical roadmap for success.
- Company: Join a £300m turnover group with ambitious growth plans across the UK & Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work environment and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative project that enhances data value across multiple sectors.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in data strategy, stakeholder management, and modern data platforms required.
- Other info: Immediate start available; local candidates preferred for on-site collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Executive Summary
We are a £300m turnover group operating across the UK & Ireland in a mature, competitive market. With ambitious growth plans through M&A and an urgent need to implement a CRM and BI platform, we are seeking an Interim Data Strategy Consultant to deliver clarity, direction, and a practical data roadmap. This short-term engagement will assess our current data landscape, identify opportunities, and produce a budget-aligned 12-18-month plan covering priorities, governance, and resourcing – enabling us to lay the right foundations for value creation across finance, sales, supply chain, logistics, and customer data.
Current Position
– We are a £300m turnover group of companies operating across the UK & Ireland in a mature and competitive market. Our business is acquisitive, with a plan to expand via M&A.
– Our main ERP system is the AS400 (IBM), which is developed by our in-house JBA Developers. There is no scope to change this system, and we are currently running a project to convert the language from RGB to C#. One of our subsidiaries is on a legacy NetSuite operating system and will be migrated to the AS400 early 2026.
– We operate many 3rd party systems and software packages, which are fed by CSV extracts from the AS400 system. Many of these systems report similar information; however manual intervention is required to achieve a single source of truth. In addition, the AS400 sends many manual CSV extracts to departments each day to use in siloed excel reporting.
– Selection of 3rd party software is not formalised and largely left to the department to source and approve.
– We have been attempting to clean and improve our data over the last 18 months, and have recently set up a Data Committee to ensure we have more control over group data; however this is in its infancy, and no formal framework is in place.
Short-term Needs
– We have a pressing need to introduce both a CRM system and Business Intelligence platform before the end of the year. Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM has been identified by a member of the Board as a preferred option. PowerBI has been identified by the FP&A team as a preferred option following a period of testing.
Requirement
– We want to get more value from finance, sales, supply chain, logistics, and customer data, but the right foundations need to be in place first.
– The initial requirement is for an independent data strategy consultant to come in to
- Assess the current data landscape.
- Identify gaps and opportunities.
- Advise on the right architecture and approach.
- Produce a 12-18-month budget-aligned roadmap covering priorities, governance, and resourcing.
This is not a build project at this stage, the focus is clarity, direction, and a practical plan we can commit to.
Consultant Profile
- Title: Interim Data Strategy Consultant
- Core skills:
- Proven experience delivering short-term discovery and roadmap engagements.
- Strong stakeholder management, ability to engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, advising at Board/Executive level.
- Experience in legacy-modern integration.
- Understanding of modern data platforms (Microsoft stack preferred) and governance best practise.
- Current state assessment and system/data flow map.
- Recommendations for architecture, tooling, governance, and people. To be independent and product agnostic.
- Assessment of current internal capability (finance, IT, data governance, analytics) against future needs, with recommendations on where to build in-house skills vs. where to outsource or hire.
- Clear, costed, budget-conscious roadmap with priorities and quick wins.
Contract
- Short-term – length to be determined by Scope
- On-site (hybrid) expected, therefore local candidates preferred.
- Start date – immediate
Data Strategy Consultant employer: SF Recruitment
Contact Detail:
SF Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Strategy Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the AS400 system and its integration capabilities. Understanding how this legacy system interacts with modern platforms like Microsoft Dynamics 365 and PowerBI will give you an edge in discussions with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals who have experience in data strategy consulting, particularly those who have worked with CRM and BI implementations. They can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities within similar organisations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your stakeholder management skills. Be ready to discuss examples where you've successfully engaged both technical and non-technical stakeholders, especially at the executive level, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on best practices in data governance and modern data platforms. Being knowledgeable about current trends will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're proactive and committed to delivering value.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Strategy Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in data strategy, stakeholder management, and legacy-modern integration. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver short-term discovery and roadmap engagements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your understanding of the company's current data landscape and articulate how your skills can help them achieve their goals. Mention your familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM and PowerBI, as these are preferred options for the company.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with both technical and non-technical stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight any experience advising at Board or Executive level, as this is crucial for the role.
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Data Governance: Include insights into your knowledge of data governance best practices and modern data platforms. This will show that you are well-equipped to advise on architecture, tooling, and governance, which are key deliverables for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Recruitment
✨Understand the Current Data Landscape
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the company's current data systems and challenges. Familiarise yourself with the AS400 system and the issues surrounding manual CSV extracts. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of their needs and how you can provide clarity and direction.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Given the need for strong stakeholder engagement, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Highlight how you communicated complex data strategies to executive-level audiences, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Questions on Legacy-Modern Integration
Be ready to discuss your experience with integrating legacy systems with modern platforms. The company is looking for someone who understands the challenges and can provide practical solutions. Think of specific examples where you've navigated similar situations in the past.
✨Outline Your Approach to Governance Best Practices
Since the role involves advising on governance best practices, come prepared to discuss your approach to data governance. Be ready to share insights on how you would establish a formal framework for the Data Committee and ensure effective data management across the organisation.
