Head of Data Services

Head of Data Services

London - Hybrid (3x days per week in the office)

£85,000-£95,000

Are you a senior data & analytics leader who can bring together multiple disciplines, drive commercial growth and lead an agency through its next stage of AI transformation? This is an opportunity to take ownership of a broad Data Services function, leading teams across Business Intelligence, Data Science, Analytics & AI

The Company

This is an independent, founder-led media agency with a global team of more than 1,000 people; the business combines media, technology, data and AI to help some of the world's biggest brands maximise revenue through a scientific approach to marketing. Data sits at the heart of the organisation, and the business is now looking for a senior leader to bring its data capabilities together, establish a clear strategic direction and accelerate the use of AI across the function.

The Role

As the Head of Data Services, you will report directly into the UK Managing Director and take ownership of the strategic, technical, commercial and people leadership of the Data Services practice. You will lead a team of around 8-9 people across multiple disciplines, including Analytics, BI, Data Science, Econometrics, Marketing Mix Modelling & Google Marketing Platform.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Setting the strategic direction, vision and roadmap for Data Services across multiple disciplines.
• Bringing together teams across Digital Analytics, BI, Data Science / MMM and Google Marketing Platform under a consistent strategic and quality framework.
• Leading the AI transformation of Data Services, identifying where AI can improve delivery, efficiency and quality across the practice.
• Owning the commercial performance of the function, including revenue growth, new business, client expansion and pipeline development.
• Supporting major pitches and working with senior clients to identify opportunities to expand data services.
• Providing technical leadership across analytics, tagging, measurement, MMM, BI and GMP, with enough technical depth to challenge senior practitioners and make sound decisions.
• Building and developing the leadership team, creating strong development pathways and succession plans.
• Raising the quality bar across the practice and ensuring teams are working towards consistent standards.
• Representing the Data Services function at C-suite and senior marketing leadership level.
• Contributing to the agency's external reputation through client work, thought leadership and industry presence.

This isn't a role where you will be building models or delivering analytics day-to-day; instead, you will need enough technical credibility across multiple disciplines to have meaningful conversations with specialists, understand what is possible and challenge teams to deliver better solutions. You will also have significant commercial responsibility, with success measured through revenue growth, new business wins, client expansion, team development and the successful adoption of AI across the practice.

Your Skills & Experience

My client is looking for a senior data leader with extensive experience who has successfully led teams across more than one data or marketing analytics discipline.

You'll ideally have:

• Experience leading data or analytics teams across multiple disciplines such as Analytics, BI, Data Science, MMM / Econometrics, or GMP
• Strong experience managing and developing high-performing teams and senior practitioners.
• A background in an agency environment would be highly relevant, although strong in-house candidates with a genuine connection to the media / marketing industry will also be considered.
• Enough technical understanding across the data stack to engage credibly with specialists and senior clients.
• A strong commercial track record, with clear evidence of revenue growth, new business, client expansion or ownership of commercial targets.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to operate confidently with C-suite stakeholders and senior clients.
• Experience leading through change and bringing multiple teams or disciplines together around a common strategy.
• A clear and practical understanding of how AI can be embedded into data and analytics delivery.
• A track record of developing leaders and creating high-performing teams.
• Evidence of commercial impact and measurable achievements on your CV.

Most importantly, you'll need to be someone who can operate beyond a single data discipline: you will bring technical credibility, commercial thinking and strong leadership together!

The Benefits

• £85,000-£95,000

How to Apply

Please register your interest by sending your CV to Adam Osborne at Harnham via the Apply link on this page.