Data Director - Europe

Smollan; Winnersh; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days annual leave rising to 29 + BH

Medicash

Contributory Pension (4%)

Electric car buying scheme

Life assurance

Perkbox

Taste Card

Job summary

Smollan in Winnersh (Hybrid) seeks a Data Director to own end-to-end data flows across European Sales & Merchandising. Lead a team spanning MDM, Data Engineering, Governance and BI, building a governed data foundation as core platforms migrate and expand across 10 EU markets.

The role requires strategic leadership, hands-on data stack expertise (SQL Server/Azure, GCP/Databricks), and a track record delivering data-driven transformation. Hybrid work from London area with substantial impact.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary data teams.
• Hands-on with SQL Server/Azure and cloud-native environments (GCP/Databricks).
• Experience delivering Master Data Management rollouts and data quality frameworks.
• Experience across multiple EU markets with stakeholder management.
• Knowledge of data pipelines (ETL/ELT, dbt, ADF) and data modeling (Medallion/Star Schema).

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end data flow from source systems to Power BI reporting.
• Lead platform migration to modern cloud architecture (GCP/Databricks).
• Roll out MDM across 10 EU territories.
• Establish data governance and regulatory/privacy compliance.
• Lead and scale a 5-person multi-disciplinary team.
• Collaborate with Enterprise Systems and market leaders to align data strategy.

Skills

Data leadership

Team leadership

Cloud platforms

Power BI

ETL/ELT

MDM

Data governance

SQL/Azure

Education

Degree in Computer Science/Information Systems/Business

Tools

SQL Server

Azure

GCP

Databricks

Power BI

Job description

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Location: Winnersh, Wokingham, RG41 5TP (Hybrid)

Reports To: Data & Technology Director, Europe

Are you a strategic data leader who thrives at the intersection of enterprise architecture, modern cloud platforms, and business transformation? We are looking for an experienced Data Director to own end-to-end data flows across our European Sales & Merchandising operations. Managing a dedicated team across Data Governance, Master Data Management (MDM), Data Engineering, and Power BI, you will be responsible for building a dependable, well-governed data foundation as we migrate our core platforms and expand across 10 EU markets.

What You'll Be Doing:

• End-to-End Data Ownership: Drive the reliability, accuracy, and flow of data from source systems through to business-critical Power BI reporting.
• Platform Migration: Lead the data workstream transitioning legacy on-premise/Azure environments into a modern cloud architecture (GCP / Databricks).
• Multi-Market MDM Rollout: Build and execute a market-by-market data maturity roadmap to standardize Master Data Management across 10 EU territories.
• Governance & Compliance: Establish robust data governance, stewardship, quality frameworks, and strict regulatory/privacy compliance across all operational markets.
• Team Leadership: Direct, mentor, and scale a multi-disciplinary team of 5, including MDM, Data Engineering, Governance, and BI specialists.
• Cross-Functional Partnering: Collaborate closely with Enterprise Systems, Architecture, Data Operations, and local market leaders to align data strategy with commercial performance.

What You'll Bring To The Role:

• Leadership Experience: Proven track record leading multi-disciplinary data teams (Engineering, Governance, MDM, Analytics).
• Technical Breadth: Hands-on expertise with both traditional platforms (SQL Server/Azure) and cloud-native environments (GCP and/or Databricks).
• MDM & Governance Track Record: Direct experience delivering Master Data Management rollouts, data quality frameworks, and match/merge rules across multi-entity environments.
• International Scope: Demonstrated capability managing stakeholders and deploying data solutions across diverse EU markets with varying maturity levels.
• Data Stack Knowledge: Proficient in data pipeline concepts (ETL/ELT, dbt, ADF), data modeling (Medallion/Star Schema), and reporting tools like Power BI.
• Education: Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or equivalent practical experience.

What We'll Offer In Return:

• Competitive Package: Base salary to be discussed + 20% annual company bonus
• Hybrid Working: Flexible office/home balance based out of our London office.
• Impact & Scale: Direct executive support to lead a fundamental data transformation across 10 European operating regions.
• Benefits: We offer 24 days annual leave rising to 29 (+ bank holidays) as well as many other benefits including Medicash, Contributatory Pension (4%), enhanced sick pay, paternity, maternity & adoption leave, electric car buying scheme, life assurance, Perkbox & Taste Card!

Note:

We move fast. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may close this vacancy early.

Only those with eligibility to work in the UK without any VISA sponsorship will be considered at application stage.

More About Us...

Smollan is a full-service retail solutions partner with over 90 years of heritage, helping brands win at the point of purchase. Operating across 61 countries, we are trusted by over 500 global and local brands and employ more than 90,000 people. Our purpose is to create growth and transform lives by connecting people to products and possibilities.

We deliver intelligent, end-to-end retail execution and experiences across the physical and digital landscape, directed by data and powered by technology and people. Our capabilities include Sales & Merchandising, Activations & Experiences, and Data & Technology. Smollan grows brands by growing people, creating value for clients and impact for consumers every day.