At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data delivery and drive Wella's data-driven transformation with innovative solutions.
- Company: Join Wella, a global leader in beauty with iconic brands like OPI and ghd.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, remote work options, and generous staff discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values innovation and accountability.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the beauty industry by enabling AI-ready data solutions.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in data engineering with strong Databricks and MLflow expertise.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Location: London
Reports to: Senior Director, Corporate Functions and Head of Data & Analytics
Department: IT/Technology
ABOUT THE WELLA COMPANY
Together, WE enable individuals to look, feel, and be their true selves. Wella Company is one of the world's leading beauty companies, comprised of a family of iconic brands such as Wella Professionals, Clairol, OPI, Nioxin and ghd. With 6,000 employees globally, presence in over 100 countries, Wella Company and its brands enable consumers to look, feel, and be their true selves. As innovators in the hair and nail industry, Wella Company empowers its people to delight consumers, inspire beauty professionals, engage communities, and deliver sustainable growth to its stakeholders.
THE ROLE
The Director, Data Delivery is a strategic and execution-focused leader responsible for enabling Wella's data-driven transformation through scalable, high-quality, and AI-ready data platforms. This role leads the delivery and operationalization of modern data solutions, ensuring that enterprise data is accessible, governed, and optimized for advanced analytics and AI use cases. Working in close partnership with the Data architecture and Enterprise Architecture teams, this position translates architectural designs into high-quality, production-ready data products. The role is accountable for executing against defined architectures, ensuring adherence to standards while delivering reliable and scalable solutions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Data Platform Architecture, Delivery & Engineering Execution & Operations
- Vendor Delivery Management & Governance
- Solution Delivery, Operations & Lifecycle Management
- Data Governance, Quality & AI Readiness
- Business Engagement & Value Delivery
- Vendor & Partner Ecosystem Management
- Leadership & Organizational Development
ESSENTIAL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- Very strong technical & management expertise in modern data architecture, engineering and operational efficiencies.
- Proven experience architecting and developing of AI enabled accelerators for various data management use cases (ingestion, DQ, data mapping, ETL/ELTs etc.)
- Databricks Platform Expertise - Deep experience with Databricks, including environment setup, architecture, tooling, engineering, optimization, and operational delivery.
- Data Engineering Delivery - Strong expertise in implementing ingestion pipelines, transformations, and scalable data products.
- ML Lifecycle Enablement - Hands-on experience with MLflow and operationalizing machine learning workflows.
- Vendor & Delivery Management - Proven ability to manage third-party vendors, enforce accountability, and deliver through external squads.
- Governance & Accountability - Strong experience establishing delivery governance, KPIs, and performance management frameworks.
- Data Governance & Quality - Experience implementing data classification, quality controls, and governance processes.
- AI Data Enablement - Proven ability to prepare and deliver AI-ready datasets for advanced analytics.
- Technical Depth & Coding - Strong programming skills (Python, SQL, Spark) with focus on quality and maintainability.
- Stakeholder Management - Ability to translate business needs into actionable data delivery outcomes.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, data engineering, information systems, or a related field.
- Advanced certifications in data platforms, cloud technologies, or AI/ML are a plus.
- 10-15 years of experience in data engineering, data platforms, or analytics delivery roles.
- Proven hands-on experience with Databricks, including environment setup, ingestion frameworks, and optimization.
- Strong experience implementing MLflow and supporting machine learning lifecycle management.
- Demonstrated experience managing delivery through third-party vendors or system integrators.
- Proven leadership in overseeing multiple delivery squads (vendor or hybrid models).
- Strong experience in data governance, data classification, and data quality implementation.
- Proven ability to deliver AI-ready data solutions at scale.
- Strong coding experience in Python, SQL, and Spark-based processing.
- Experience with SAP data ecosystems, including SAP BDC, Datasphere, and SAP data integration.
- Familiarity with enterprise ERP data models and business process data domains.
WHAT WE OFFER
- 25 days holiday + additional day off for your birthday (not including bank holidays)
- 3 days' personal leave for your own significant life events
- 2 paid days off for volunteering/charity work
- Optional Wella Pension Scheme (8% employer contribution, 3% employee contribution)
- Optional Family Private Medical Insurance Cover
- Income Protection
- Life Insurance (8x base salary up to 2 million payable in the event of your death in service of Wella)
- Staff Discount (80% of all hair products, 40% OPI, 1 x 50% ghd)
- EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
- Gym Benefits
- Eye Tests
- WOW Program (Bonus following exit from KKR, eligible after successful probation. For permanent employees only)
- Workplace/Nursery Benefits
- 4 weeks working remotely abroad
- Early Friday Finish during Summer
EEO OPPORTUNITIES
The Wella Company wants to meet the aims and commitments set out in its equality policy. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010 and building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce in encouraging equality and diversity. We offer equal employment opportunity to qualified individuals without regard to race, religion or belief, color, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Director, Data Delivery employer: Wella International Operations Switzerland Sàrl
Wella Company is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of innovation and inclusivity, offering employees the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic environment in London. With a strong commitment to personal and professional growth, Wella provides extensive benefits including generous holiday allowances, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive atmosphere that encourages community engagement and volunteerism. Employees are empowered to contribute to meaningful projects while enjoying competitive compensation and a vibrant workplace culture that celebrates diversity and creativity.
Contact Details:
Wella International Operations Switzerland Sàrl Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Data Delivery
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people know you’re looking for a role, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you tailor your responses and show them you’re the perfect fit for the Director, Data Delivery role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the job. Highlight your expertise in data engineering and your ability to lead teams effectively. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Data Delivery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director, Data Delivery role. Highlight your experience with data platforms like Databricks and any relevant leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about data delivery and how you can contribute to Wella's mission. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise in your application. Mention your programming skills in Python, SQL, and Spark, as well as your experience with MLflow. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wella International Operations Switzerland Sàrl
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As a Director of Data Delivery, you need to demonstrate a deep understanding of data architecture and engineering. Brush up on your knowledge of Databricks, MLflow, and the latest data governance practices. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership across multiple vendor squads. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects, ensuring high-quality delivery. Highlight your experience in establishing governance frameworks and driving accountability among vendors.
✨Align with Business Needs
Wella Company values partnerships with business stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you've translated business requirements into actionable data solutions. Think about specific instances where your data initiatives have directly contributed to business outcomes.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to data pipelines, ingestion processes, and coding standards. Brush up on your programming skills in Python, SQL, and Spark. You might be asked to solve a problem or explain your approach to a data challenge, so practice articulating your thought process clearly.
