Job Description
We deliver progress. What you’ll do and how you will make an impact.
You will define the long-term vision for our data function, transforming it into a recognised centre of excellence and innovation across the industry - turning data into a critical capability UW is known for.
Your key responsibilities will include:
1. Defining and designing the UW Data strategy. You’ll drive a long-term vision for the Data function that inspires the entire company. This strategy will empower the wider business with self-serve analytics and reliable data, moving the organisation beyond static reporting to true data-informed decision-making.
2. Delivering transformative business outcomes that define the company's competitive advantage. You’ll ensure roadmaps align with business priorities, and commercial direction, balancing long-term R&D (Data Science) with immediate actionable insights (Data Analytics).
3. Identifying and integrating external innovations to accelerate growth, whilst monitoring the landscape to ensure we build and maintain best-in-class solutions for both predictive modelling and business intelligence.
4. Leading a diverse data function, focusing on leading our ‘Heads of’ across distinct disciplines (Analytics, Business Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Engineering). You will be responsible for creating an environment that enables people to be their best.
5. Actively managing resources according to budget and business needs. You’ll be responsible for CAPEX targets, optimising departmental budgets, and managing the cost of technical systems (., Cloud/GCP costs).
6. Setting the ethical and professional standard for data usage, AI governance, and data privacy across the organisation.
7. Creating a cross-functional working environment that ensures deep collaboration with Product, Design, and Engineering to deliver the right solutions with speed and quality.
8. Champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and measurable business impact. You will define the culture for the data function as well as data at UW - ensuring a seamless collaboration between the function and the wider business.
9. You will lead a culture shift across UW embedding a data first mindset to drive business value.
We work together. Your team and the people you will work with...
You will report directly to our Chief Product and Technology Officer and lead our senior data leadership team, including the 'Heads of' Analytics, Business Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Engineering.
Your mission is to create a cross-functional environment that fosters deep collaboration with Product, Design, and Engineering. You will be the driving force behind a culture of innovation and accountability, ensuring the data function acts as a seamless partner to the wider business to deliver high-quality solutions at speed.
Qualifications
What you’ll bring:
10. Proven experience operating at VP or equivalent level, having led large, multidisciplinary teams (Analytics, Data Science, Machine Learning Eng, Data Eng) in a scaling environment.
11. Proven ability to shape a company's overall direction by embedding a data-first mindset at the executive level, bridging the gap between technical complexity and business strategy.
12. Deep understanding of modern architectural patterns and cloud-native technologies (Data Engineering/MLE).
13. Proven track record in defining Analytics strategies that drive commercially viable insights (Data Analytics).
14. Thought leadership that influences the direction of the industry (., speaking at events, writing technical knowledge pieces).
15. Demonstrable ability to make "Buy vs. Build" decisions on complex systems and manage DCA/CAPEX resource allocation.
16. Exceptional skill in serving as a bridge, communicating technical concepts to business stakeholders and business objectives to technical teams.
Our Leadership Beliefs
At UW, we have a distinct approach to leadership. We expect our VP, Data to embody these beliefs:
17. We put people first: You really know your people. By understanding who they are and what motivates them, you support and challenge them effectively
18. We work together: You are adaptable and trust people to do the right thing. You set clear expectations, play to individual strengths, and trust your teams to make great decisions.
19. We deliver progress: You drive performance to achieve results. You champion giving and receiving honest feedback, recognise great performance, and energise the team along the way.
Additional Information
So why pick UW?
We’ve got big ambitions so there’s going to be plenty of challenges. There are also a lot of benefits:
20. An industry benchmarked salary. We’ll share it during your first conversation.
21. Flexible working
22. Work-from-anywhere policy for up to 2 weeks per year.
23. Discounts on our services and a free Cashback Card.
24. Matched-contribution pension scheme and life assurance up to 4x salary.
25. Family-friendly policies designed to help you and your family thrive.
26. Flexible benefit choices such as Private health insurance, a free Virtual GP, Gym discounts and Our wellbeing app. We'll give you an allowance to use for your choice
27. Belonging groups helping shape an inclusive future.
28. A commitment to learning and progression through our Career Development Framework with regular review and promotion cycles