Interim Head of Data - Temporary (up to 12 months) - Internal only
Salary HOD Contract type Temporary: Fixed Term Contract or Secondment Hours Full Time Location Poole, Dorset, England Location description Hybrid between home and Poole with an average of 2 days per week working in the office Interview location Poole Interview date w/c 9th Feb 2026 Closing Date 05-02-2026 Reference 21183 Documents (please view all documents)
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Internal vacancy
The RNLI actively promotes continuous development within the organisation and is only seeking applications from current RNLI employees and volunteers at this time. If this position is not filled internally it may be re-advertised openly. #LI-DNI
About us
Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. For 200 years, our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have shown selfless courage to rescue those in peril on the water. Behind them is a dedicated, talented team making it all possible. This is your chance to join that team and use your skills to help save lives every day.
About the Role
As Interim Head of Data, you will ensure our crews and lifesavers are backed by the best possible information. Covering a 12-month secondment, you will be a credible leader within the Senior Leadership Team, shaping our data strategy alongside the CDIO and Executive Team.
You will champion a data-led culture, iterative delivery, and DataOps, ensuring our resources and tools provide the evidence needed to drive the RNLI forward.
What You’ll Lead
3. Strategy & Delivery: Execute the RNLI-wide data strategy and enhance our platforms to increase operational efficiency.
4. Culture & Governance: Foster an environment that treats data as a strategic asset and establishes ethical innovation including AI and Machine Learning.
5. Portfolio Management: Oversee the data requirements within a multidisciplinary change portfolio spanning insight, reporting, and data management.
6. Team Leadership: Direct leadership of c.8 direct reports and a wider community of c.42 FTE (plus 30 change FTC), managing a budget of up to £4m.
About You
We are looking for a practical, outcomes-focused internal leader who can hit the ground running. You bring:
7. Strategic Experience: A track record in data strategy execution and leading change across diverse stakeholder groups.
8. Technical Credibility: Strong analytical skills and an understanding of how to introduce effective DataOps processes.
9. Collaborative Leadership: Experience managing large, multi-disciplinary teams and a commitment to "One Crew" behaviours.
Ways of Working & Eligibility
10. Location: Hybrid between home and Poole with an average of 2 days per week working in the office.
11. Contract: Temporary: Fixed Term Contract or Secondment (up to 12 months)
12. Requirement: Please confirm your line manager’s support for this secondment prior to applying.
How to Apply
Please click 'Apply' and submit your CV and a statement (maximum 500 words) outlining your vision for leading the RNLI’s data culture and the specific outcomes you aim to deliver during this 12-month period.
13. Closing Date: 05th Feb 2026 (midnight)
14. Interviews: w/c 9th Feb 2026 (Face-to-face in Poole. Includes a panel interview and a presentation on a topic TBC).
15. Handover: 16th – 27th Feb 2026
16. Expected Start: 3rd March 2026
We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives in our teams. We welcome applications from everyone.