Head of Data

Head of Data - Public Sector

Type: Fixed Term Contract - 12 months

Location: Onsite 2 days a week - London

Salary: Up to £110,000

A growing organisation in the public sector is seeking a Head of Data to set the vision and strategy for all data, analytics, and insight activities, ensuring the organisation maximises the value of its data assets. This is an opportunity to shape a data-driven culture from the ground up embedding quality, governance, and innovation to transform decision-making and service delivery. As Head of Data, you will lead the modernisation of data architecture, implement robust governance frameworks, and drive forward the adoption of advanced analytics and AI.

Responsibilities:

• Define & deliver the organisation-wide data and insight strategy embedding a culture where data is central to decision-making, performance management, and strategic planning.
• Oversee the development of scalable data platforms, ensuring security, compliance, and accessibility.
• Lead the adoption of AI and advanced analytics, identifying opportunities to deliver innovative, impactful solutions.
• Establish and enforce robust data governance including quality assurance, ownership, and stewardship practices across the organisation.
• Champion the use of external data sources to enrich internal insight and improve service delivery.
• Drive data mining and pattern discovery to identify risks, opportunities, and trends that inform strategic decisions.
• Build, develop, and inspire a high-impact data and analytics team, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Partner with executives, operational leaders, and external stakeholders to ensure data insights lead to tangible, sustained improvements.

Qualifications:

• Proven track record in senior data leadership roles, ideally within the public sector or other regulated environments.
• Significant experience delivering enterprise-wide BI and analytics strategies, with demonstrable business impact.
• Deep knowledge of the data landscape including data governance, architecture, analytics toolkits, and reporting methodologies.
• Strong understanding of GDPR, data ethics, and information security best practices.
• Exceptional communication skills able to engage and influence at Board, Executive, and operational levels.
• Skilled in modern BI and analytics tools, cloud environments, SQL and data warehouse design.
• Experience leading teams and embedding a proactive, data-centric culture.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a Head of Data to make a lasting impact in the public sector, transforming how data is used to deliver better outcomes for citizens.

**Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications, not all applicants will receive feedback.