Director of Data

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.