Director of Data
Hybrid – Leeds (UK-wide travel as required)
Salary: £100,000 per annum
Employment Type: Full-time
Overview
Our client is seeking an accomplished Director of Data to lead, shape and elevate their data capabilities across the organisation. This senior leadership position requires a blend of deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and strong consulting and communication skills.
Reporting to the Chief Digital Officer, you will sit within a team of domain specialists and work closely with Service Line Directors across Cyber, AI, Identity and sector-focused Technology & Delivery Directors. You will drive the organisation’s data strategy, strengthen internal capability, and represent the data function externally to clients, industry partners and the wider market.
This is a high-impact role with influence across both internal operations and business development, combining hands-on expertise with thought leadership and outward-facing engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Internal Capability Development
* Develop and deliver a strategic roadmap for data capability across the organisation.
* Identify and implement operational improvements leveraging modern data practices.
* Design and facilitate internal learning programmes, training, workshops and professional development pathways.
* Establish and advocate for best practice in data architecture, governance, quality, security and delivery.
* Create high-quality internal resources, documentation and playbooks to support consistent delivery.
* Mentor and cultivate emerging talent, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
External Engagement & Business Development
* Lead the development of data propositions aligned to market needs and emerging trends.
* Own and drive the revenue growth model for the data service line in collaboration with sector leaders.
* Act as a public-facing thought leader, representing the organisation in events, conferences, panels and webinars.
* Produce impactful thought leadership content such as blogs, whitepapers and case studies.
* Build and strengthen partnerships with key technology providers, including co-development of solutions and joint go-to-market activities.
* Provide strategic leadership and subject-matter expertise in pre-sales, solution design, proposal development and client engagements.
* Maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging technologies and competitive landscape to shape future direction.
About You – Skills & Experience
* Proven director-level experience within consulting, technology services, or similarly complex environments.
* Strong technical expertise across modern data ecosystems:
* Data Warehousing, Data Lakes
* ETL/ELT pipelines
* Cloud data platforms (e.g. Azure, AWS, GCP)
* Big Data technologies
* Data Governance, cataloguing and quality frameworks
* Demonstrated experience designing and delivering technical training and mentoring programmes.
* Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with comfort engaging senior stakeholders and large audiences.
* Commercially astute, with a strong understanding of how data and technology drive outcomes.
* Experience building and nurturing technology partnerships.
* Confident, collaborative leadership style with a passion for capability growth and service excellence.
Benefits
A highly competitive benefits package is available, including:
* Contributory pension scheme
* 25 days’ annual leave plus public holidays
* Critical illness cover, life assurance & death in service cover
* Access to employee perks and discounts
* Volunteer days
* Cycle-to-work scheme and electric vehicle salary sacrifice
* Season ticket loan
* Health and wellbeing support
* Flexible benefits including:
* Private health and dental cover
* Additional pension contributions
* Extra holiday allowance
* Wellbeing allowances
* Charity contributions
* Environmental options (e.g. tree planting)
* Relocation support up to £8,000 (T&Cs apply)
Inclusion & Accessibility
The organisation actively welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Adjustments and accommodations are available throughout.