Head of Data
Location: Hybrid Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent Industry: Financial Services | Data Operations | Analytics | Tax Technology
WatersEdge Solutions is partnering with a global financial services business to recruit an experienced and commercially minded Head of Data. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who has successfully scaled a data, analytics, or operational function and is passionate about building strong teams, improving data quality, and using technology to drive measurable business value.
Reporting into senior leadership, this role will lead a strategically important department responsible for analysing complex financial and client data, identifying recovery opportunities, and ensuring the quality and integrity of the datasets that underpin the business’s service delivery.
About the Role
As Head of Data, you will take full ownership of the department’s strategy, operating model, people leadership, quality standards, governance, and use of technology. You will lead managers and team members across a high-volume, deadline-driven function, while partnering with Technology and AI teams to improve automation, scalability, and reporting capability.
This role is suited to a leader who combines strategic vision with strong operational judgement and who is comfortable working with complex data, senior stakeholders, and evolving business priorities.
Key ResponsibilitiesDepartment Leadership
Lead the Data department end to end, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of all outputs
Define and execute the department’s strategy, objectives, and operating model
Lead, mentor, and develop managers and team members
Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Establish scalable structures, workflows, and service standards
Ensure appropriate governance, controls, and processes are in place
Report clearly on delivery, quality, risk, and performance metrics to senior leadership
Data Quality & Governance
Drive high standards of data quality, accuracy, and consistency
Design and embed robust quality assurance and control frameworks
Implement effective preventative and corrective controls
Monitor operational risk and strengthen data integrity
Promote best practice in data governance and continuous improvement
Distinguish root-cause process fixes from downstream quality checks
Technology & Automation
Partner with Technology and AI teams to identify and prioritise automation opportunities
Champion adoption of new tools, technologies, and working methods
Support the development of data infrastructure, reporting, and analytical capability
Evaluate technology investments based on measurable business impact
Drive process redesign, technology adoption, and scalable ways of working
What You’ll Bring
Bachelor’s degree in a numerate, technical, or business discipline such as Data Science, Information Systems, Finance, Accounting, or Engineering
4+ years’ experience in data operations, analytics, or a similar function
At least 2 years in a senior leadership role managing managers within a sizeable team
Proven track record of scaling a data or operational function
Experience redesigning processes, restructuring teams, and introducing automation
Experience designing or implementing quality control frameworks
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
Strong leadership and people development capability
Strong understanding of data quality, operational risk, and controls
Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
Ability to report clearly and confidently at COO or Exco level
High levels of independence, accountability, and commercial awareness
Nice to Have
Relevant postgraduate qualification
Experience in financial services, professional services, tax, or another data-intensive environment
Power BI experience
SQL, scripting, or coding exposure
Excel automation skills, including VBA or Power Query
Experience in AI, technology build, or product management
Experience managing distributed or offshore teams
What’s On Offer
Senior leadership opportunity with ownership of a strategically important function
Direct exposure to executive leadership
Opportunity to build and scale a high-performing data team
Scope to drive automation, AI adoption, and operational transformation
Collaborative, performance-driven environment
Strong career progression and leadership growth potential
Company Culture
This is a high-performance, merit-led environment built around excellence, ownership, innovation, collaboration, and integrity. People are trusted to make decisions, challenge established ways of working, and take accountability for outcomes. The culture suits leaders who value measurable impact, honest communication, continuous improvement, and developing strong teams.
Please Note: If you have not been contacted within 10 working days, consider your application unsuccessful.