Head of Data Strategy & Governance in London

Head of Data Strategy & Governance in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Y TREE

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead data strategy and governance to transform our data estate into a scalable asset.
  • Company: Join Y TREE, a WealthTech innovator redefining personal finance management.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private medical care, gym membership, 25 days leave, and equity opportunities.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture that values diversity and supports your unique journey.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of finance with cutting-edge technology and AI-driven insights.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in data-intensive environments and expertise in AWS and Databricks.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.

About Y TREE

We are a rapidly growing WealthTech business redefining how individuals and families connect with their money. We provide our clients with total control over their personal finances, empowering them to achieve their financial and life aspirations. Harnessing sophisticated portfolio analytics, innovative behavioural psychology, and cutting-edge UX/UI, we create revolutionary experiences and transformational outcomes. Founded in 2017 by three successful entrepreneurs with deep expertise in Technology, Corporate Advice, and Investment Management, Y TREE is backed by some of Europe's leading investors.

About the Data Team

The Data Team is the engine room of Y TREE. We don't just "store" data; we engineer it to drive sophisticated portfolio analytics, financial advice, behavioural insights, and seamless client/back-office experiences. Operating at the intersection of Finance and Technology, the team manages a modern AWS-based stack (including Databricks) to ensure every byte of information – from investment performance to client profiles – is accurate, secure, and instantly available. We are evolving toward a federated model where data is a shared asset, supported by a central hub of excellence in governance and engineering.

About the Role

As Head of Data Strategy & Platform Integrity, you will own the end-to-end data lifecycle. Your mission is to transform our data estate into a scalable, high-quality asset that fuels rapid growth. You will bridge the gap between technical execution and business strategy, ensuring that our "Single Source of Truth," data completeness, and freshness are ironclad.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Strategy & Operating Model: Design and execute a multi-year data strategy. Define and implement a scalable data operating model that clarifies data ownership, balances domain autonomy with rigorous enterprise governance, and embeds data excellence across all functions (Talent, Finance, Marketing, BizDev, Financial Modelling, and Client teams).
  • Data Quality & Master Data Management (MDM): Own the "Golden Record." Implement automated quality engines, AI-driven triaging, and "Human in the Loop" workflows to eliminate operational variance across data providers.
  • Governance & Privacy: Partner closely with the DPO to operationalise Data Privacy policies (UK/EU GDPR & PECR). Champion and embed 'Privacy by Design' into data architecture and new products, and implement robust technical frameworks for RBAC, data lifecycle management, and risk mitigation.
  • Technical Leadership: Partner with Engineering and Product to embed metadata and quality rules early in the development lifecycle.
  • Team & Delivery: Lead a high-performing team using Agile practices (OKRs, Sprints). Manage external vendors and data providers to ensure the data estate remains cost-effective and cutting-edge.
  • BI and Analytics: Act as a partner to internal stakeholders by developing robust BI frameworks and KPIs. You will empower teams to move beyond 'reporting' and into 'actionable insight,' to identify trends that drive service enhancements and operational efficiency.

About You

You are a pragmatic leader who thrives in the "grey area" between deep technical architecture and high-level business influence. You don't just set policies; you build the systems that make them stick.

Experience: Proven track record in a senior leadership role within a data-intensive environment (WealthTech, Fintech, or Asset Management preferred).

Technical Depth: Expert-level understanding of Databricks/Lakehouse architectures, AWS environments, and visualisation via Tableau.

AI & Agentic Systems: A forward-thinking practitioner with a natural curiosity for Agentic AI. You have experience automating decision-making and eliminating manual overhead using AI agents and LLMs via automation platforms (e.g., n8n, Antigravity).

Regulatory Sharpness: Deep knowledge of GDPR and PECR, with the ability to translate complex regulations into practical technical controls.

Execution Focus: An Agile champion with a relentless focus on scalability, timeliness, and reducing operational variance.

Stakeholder Mastery: Capable of explaining data lineage to a developer and data ROI to a Founder with equal clarity.

What's in it for you?

  • Influence: You aren’t just managing a database; you are architecting the foundation of a business, redefining an industry.
  • Equity: The opportunity to share in the success of a high-growth, venture-backed business.
  • Innovation: Work with a sophisticated tech stack and lead the implementation of AI-driven data quality and linkage processes.
  • Culture: A collaborative, "no-BS" environment where accountability and delivery are celebrated.
  • Benefits: Private medical care, including gym membership and mental health/wellbeing services. 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays. Enhanced family friendly policies, electric car schemes, and professional qualification support.

Our mission at Y TREE is to build diversity in our teams; diversity of thought, culture, backgrounds and perspectives. Please come as you are and let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you in your application process. Additionally, if you don't feel you meet 100% of the requirements, please apply anyway if you feel you can demonstrate your suitability for the role. Please note that sponsorship is not available for this role.

Department: Data, Locations: London, Remote status: Hybrid

Head of Data Strategy & Governance in London employer: Y TREE

Y TREE is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering employees to redefine the WealthTech landscape. With a commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from a sophisticated tech stack, equity opportunities, and a supportive environment that prioritises mental health and well-being. Located in London, Y TREE offers a hybrid work model, ensuring flexibility while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to transforming financial experiences.

Y TREE

Contact Detail:

Y TREE Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Data Strategy & Governance in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their data strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they relate to the role. We want to hear your story and how you can contribute to Y TREE’s mission of redefining WealthTech.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Y TREE.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Strategy & Governance in London

Data Strategy Development
Data Governance
Master Data Management (MDM)
Data Quality Assurance
AWS
Databricks
Business Intelligence (BI)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Data Strategy & Governance. Highlight your experience in data strategy, governance, and any relevant tech stacks like AWS or Databricks. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Y TREE!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about transforming data into a high-quality asset. Share specific examples of how you've bridged technical execution and business strategy in the past. Let us know why you’re the perfect fit for our team!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a leader, we want to see how you've built and managed high-performing teams. Share your experiences with Agile practices and how you've empowered teams to move from reporting to actionable insights. This is key for the role, so don’t hold back!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!

How to prepare for a job interview at Y TREE

Know Your Data Inside Out

As the Head of Data Strategy & Governance, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of data management principles. Brush up on your knowledge of Databricks, AWS environments, and data governance frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented data strategies in previous roles.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

This role requires a pragmatic leader who can bridge technical execution with business strategy. Prepare examples of how you've led high-performing teams using Agile practices. Highlight your experience in managing external vendors and ensuring data quality across various functions.

Understand Regulatory Requirements

Familiarise yourself with GDPR and PECR regulations, as well as how they apply to data architecture. Be prepared to explain how you've operationalised data privacy policies in past roles and how you would approach embedding 'Privacy by Design' into new products at Y TREE.

Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement

You'll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Think of examples where you've explained complex data concepts to diverse audiences. Practice articulating the value of data initiatives in terms that resonate with business leaders and developers alike.