Director of Data Research

Director of Data Research Remote (UK/EU) | £100,000 - £150,000 + BonusThis is a rare opportunity for a senior data leader to shape the future of a growing data research function within a fast-scaling technology business. Sitting at the intersection of data science, research, commercial strategy, and innovation, you will lead the discovery, validation, and evaluation of new datasets that directly influence the company's product offering and growth strategy. The Company They are a fast-growing data and technology business that helps clients make smarter decisions through proprietary datasets, advanced analytics, and market intelligence. Operating internationally, they work with complex real-world datasets to generate valuable commercial insights for customers. Following a period of strong growth, they are investing heavily in expanding their research capabilities and developing new data-driven products. The Role As Director of Data Research, you will lead the strategy and development of a specialist research function focused on discovering, evaluating, and validating new data sources.Your responsibilities will include:

• Defining and executing the data research strategy alongside senior leadership.
• Leading complex data discovery and evaluation projects from hypothesis through to recommendation.
• Assessing the commercial value, quality, and scalability of new datasets.
• Developing robust methodologies for data validation, statistical analysis, and research quality standards.
• Working closely with data acquisition and commercial teams to assess potential data investments.
• Applying techniques such as time series analysis, correlation analysis, hypothesis testing, and feature engineering.
• Identifying new opportunities to create valuable data products and customer insights.
• Managing and developing members of the Data Research team while raising technical standards across the function.
• Driving the use of AI and advanced analytical techniques to improve research efficiency and quality.
• Acting as a key stakeholder across Technology, Product, and Commercial functions.

Your Skills & Experience

• Strong experience within Data Research, Data Science, Analytics Research, Alternative Data, or related fields.
• Proven experience evaluating, validating, and extracting value from new and unstructured datasets.
• Strong Python skills and a solid statistical background.
• Experience with data discovery, feature engineering, and transforming messy datasets into scalable analytical assets.
• Demonstrable experience leading open-ended research projects from concept through to business recommendation.
• Experience managing or mentoring technical teams and setting research standards.
• Strong commercial judgement and the ability to assess the value and impact of potential data investments.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience within alternative data, financial data, investment research, consulting, SaaS, or data-focused technology environments would be advantageous.

What They Offer

• Salary between £100,000 and £150,000.
• Annual bonus opportunity of up to 25%.
• Fully remote working environment with optional access to a central London office.
• Private healthcare.
• Pension scheme.
• Remote working allowance for home office setup.
• Opportunity to build and shape a growing research function.
• Significant exposure to senior leadership and business-critical decision making.
• Strong long-term progression opportunities within an expanding technology business.

If you are interested please feel free to apply below.