Head of Data
Location: Cardiff / Hybrid | Contract: Permanent
Help us shape the future of data at Target.
We’re looking for a visionary, collaborative and strategically minded Head of Data to lead our Data function and drive our journey towards becoming a truly data‑driven organisation. If you’re passionate about transforming how businesses leverage data, and you enjoy leading talented teams to deliver innovative, secure and high‑quality data services, this could be an exceptional next step in your career.
In this role, you’ll sit as a key member of the IT leadership team, setting the direction of our data strategy and ensuring the quality, integrity and value of the data services that underpin Target’s success and that of our clients.
What you’ll be leading
You’ll oversee five specialist data functions, ensuring they work together to deliver robust, future‑focused data services:
1. Data Architecture – shaping and evolving our future-state data architecture, scanning the horizon for opportunities to innovate.
2. Data Management – ensuring data accuracy, high‑quality CAIS reporting and effective data housekeeping.
3. Data Warehouse – managing secure, scalable data warehouse capabilities for Target and our clients.
4. Data Migration – onboarding new client data with accuracy, integrity and full lineage into Target platforms.
5. Analytics & Reporting – delivering timely operational and regulatory reporting, while developing next‑generation analytics capabilities.
A major focus of the role will be to build AI and ML capability into the organisation, positioning data as a powerful enabler of both insight and revenue growth.
What it’s like to be part of the team
The Data Team is at the heart of Target. You’ll collaborate closely with colleagues across Technology, IT Services & Operations, Change, Security and our Solutions Teams — as well as directly with our clients — to shape services that truly make an impact.
Our team brings deep expertise and a passion for partnership. You’ll find an environment where collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement are celebrated. You’ll receive regular feedback in 1:1s, recognition through our My Recognition platform, and space to grow your skills and career.
We care about wellbeing, we embrace technology, and we love creating a positive, fun and supportive place to work.
What you’ll be doing
6. Lead and develop the Data Team, building capability for new technologies.
7. Manage stakeholders effectively whilst embedding AI/ML across all data services.
8. Shape the blueprint for future data services and align data architecture with business and tech needs.
9. Define data requirements, monitor industry trends and deliver insights and recommendations to clients.
10. Manage projects, budgets and resources whilst ensuring security‑ and privacy‑by‑design.
11. Influence reporting and analytics for change whilst driving standardisation and optimisation.
12. Support commercial modelling and vendor management whilst setting and enforcing standards and governance.
13. Centralise and streamline reporting whilst driving automation and efficiency.
14. Act as technical authority for data solutions.
Requirements
What you’ll bring
Skills & Personal Qualities
You’re someone who is:
15. An experienced leader capable of managing teams across BAU and change.
16. A clear, confident communicator skilled at translating technical and business concepts.
17. Logical, methodical and inquisitive — always seeking improvement.
18. Commercially minded and committed to continuous learning.
19. Skilled at building strong, trusting relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
Experience & Qualifications
You have:
20. Strong experience in Data Management, Data Governance and Business Intelligence.
21. A track record of delivering solutions that improve data integrity and accuracy.
22. Advanced capability in tools such as SSRS, Power BI (including DAX), Fabric and related technologies.
23. Experience using data to drive business performance improvement.
24. The ability to work with SMEs to gather and refine complex data requirements.
Benefits
Why join us?
25. A varied, interesting workload across multiple clients and products
26. A supportive team culture that values individuality and wellbeing
27. A chance to contribute directly to risk management and customer protection
28. Opportunities to grow your knowledge and progress your career
29. Regular feedback, recognition and development support
We also offer industry leading benefits including:
30. Competitive Salary of up to £80,000 per annum
31. 30 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays
32. Defined Pension Contribution Scheme (Employer matched up to 6%). Plus, option to contribute via Salary Exchange (alternatively known as Salary Sacrifice)
33. Employee Discount Scheme, access to discounts and offers across 100s of leading retailers. Plus, cashback on purchases
34. Company Paid Private Medical Insurance (benefit in kind)
35. Group Life Assurance
36. Group Income Protection
37. Discretionary Annual Pay Review
38. Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme
39. Loyal Service Scheme
40. Help@Hand – Confidential access to health and wellbeing support to include Employee Assistance Program
41. Free Flu Vaccinations, Eye Tests and employer contribution towards glasses
42. Recognition Scheme
43. Free Mortgage Advice and Support
44. Wisdom Wellbeing, your go to for wellbeing resources and solutions
45. Everest Funeral Concierge
46. Free Bereavement and Probate Advice and Support
47. Access to a GP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through GP24
48. Paid eye tests and employer contribution towards spectacles specifically for VDU use.
You can also select other benefits, we cover the upfront cost and make monthly deductions from your pay, interest free!
49. Technology Buying Scheme
50. Discounted Gym Memberships
51. Taste Card / Coffee Club Membership
52. Charitable Payroll Giving
53. Cycle to work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
Ready to lead the future of data at Target?
We’d love to hear from you. Apply today!