Head of Data

Thompsons Solicitors is one of Scotland’s leading law firms, known for championing the rights of workers, trade unions, and individuals seeking justice. As part of our commitment to modernising the way legal services are delivered, we are investing in our data capability and seeking a Head of Data to lead this function at a pivotal moment in the firm’s growth.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a data function from the ground up. You will join a small, talented team and have the autonomy to define how data is structured, managed, and used across the firm — building something that will genuinely improve how we serve our clients and run our business.

About the Role

The data team currently consists of two members: a Data Engineer and a Data Analyst. The team works hard and has delivered significant value, but has been operating reactively under high demand, leaving little time to develop the infrastructure and standards the firm needs for the long term. You will step in as a senior technical leader, provide stability and cover across the existing team, and begin building a scalable, enterprise-level data function.

This is a hands-on role. We are looking for someone who can operate at both a strategic and a technical level — comfortable making architectural decisions in the morning and reviewing a data pipeline in the afternoon. You will report to senior stakeholders and work closely with our IT, Operations, and Projects functions.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Taking ownership of the firm’s data infrastructure, assessing what exists, identifying gaps, and defining a clear roadmap for improvement.
• Designing and building scalable data architecture that supports the firm’s growth — structured to be extensible and reliable as volumes and complexity increase.
• Leading the move towards self-service reporting, so that fee earners and business functions can access data and insight without manual intervention every time.
• Establishing data quality standards, governance frameworks, and documentation practices that build confidence in the firm’s data.
• Providing hands-on technical cover across data engineering and data analysis when needed — stepping in during periods of high demand or absence.
• Mentoring and developing the existing team, distributing knowledge and building long-term resilience.
• Managing senior stakeholders — governing data decisions at leadership level, setting expectations, and directing the team to handle requirements gathering and solution delivery.

What We’re Looking For

We are open to candidates from a range of backgrounds and are not prescriptive about specific tools or vendors — proven experience in the discipline matters more than any particular technology stack. We need someone who has genuinely built and shaped data functions before, not just operated within them.

You should be able to demonstrate:

• A track record of leading or building a data function in a scaling organisation — taking ownership of infrastructure, standards, and capability, and leaving things materially better than you found them.
• Strong technical depth across data engineering and architecture — including data warehouse design, layered architecture patterns, and data quality frameworks. Hands-on experience with the Microsoft data stack, including Microsoft Fabric, is a strong advantage.
• Experience delivering end-to-end BI and MI solutions — from pipeline design through to reporting, with an understanding of how Power BI sits within a broader analytics platform.
• Direct accountability for data governance and data quality in a previous role — including data security, data contracts, and driving a culture where the business takes ownership of its data rather than relying on the data team.
• The ability to manage senior stakeholders effectively — setting direction, governing decisions at leadership level, and empowering your team to handle delivery.
• Experience developing others — mentoring a data team, distributing technical knowledge, and building long-term resilience.

Experience in a legal, professional services, or regulated environment is an advantage but not a requirement.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to build and lead a data function with genuine autonomy — this is not a role where the strategy is already decided.
• A firm that is serious about investing in its data capability, with senior buy-in and a clear mandate to drive change.
• A collaborative environment where your technical expertise will be valued and visible.
• Flexible and hybrid working, with offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• The chance to work on data that directly supports the delivery of justice for clients across Scotland.

Apply Today! If you are an experienced data professional looking for a role where you can make a real impact, we would like to hear from you. Closing date: 8th September 2026. We may close applications early depending on interest, so early application is encouraged. Please apply by completing the application form on the right and attaching your CV. Please note that this is the only method of application, as we no longer accept applications by email.