Data Lead

JR United Kingdom; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a seasoned Data Lead for a 3-month contract to own and deliver the data strategy for a government client impacting over 18 million citizens. The role involves leading data capabilities, architecting a roadmap, and designing a team to execute the plan effectively.

Qualifications

• ≥ 10 years in data engineering, science, or analytics.
• Experience with cloud-based data platforms.
• Familiarity with GDS standards and GDPR.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end Data Strategy for Bereavement & Care services.
• Define the optimal data team structure and oversee implementation of new data platforms.
• Monitor application of data standards, governance, and security controls.

Skills

Data Leadership

Technical Breadth

Communication & Stakeholder Management

Performance Analytics

Tools

AWS

Azure

Google Analytics

BigQuery

Looker Studio

Tag Manager

Job description

Data Lead (Contract – 3 Months initial)

Location:

London, Newcastle (Hybrid)

Contract Duration:

3 months initial

Overview

We’re seeking a seasoned Data Lead to own and deliver the data strategy for a government client that uses services utilized by over 18 million citizens, encompassing three newly rebuilt benefits systems. You will assess current data capabilities, set future vision, and architect a roadmap to achieve it—then design the data team to execute this plan.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead the end-to-end Data Strategy for Bereavement & Care services.
2. Map the current ('as-is') and future ('to-be') states of data platforms and pipelines.
3. Develop a 3-month strategic roadmap aligned with the wider Government Data Strategy.
4. Define and embed organisational policies, standards, and guidelines for secure, scalable data services.
5. Technical Leadership & Architecture
6. Select and evolve data engineering methods, tools, and techniques.
7. Ensure adherence to technical strategies and architectures.
8. Plan and drive delivery of complex data engineering programs across multiple systems.
9. Balance functional and non-functional requirements in data solution design.
10. Team Design & Delivery
11. Define the optimal data team structure (roles, skills, capacity).
12. Design and lead multi-functional delivery teams, mentoring engineers, scientists, and analysts.
13. Partner with the delivery provider to onboard specialist roles as recommended.
14. Oversee implementation of new data platforms, ETL pipelines, and analytical models.
15. Standards, Compliance & Quality
16. Monitor application of data standards, governance, and security controls.
17. Embed strong data quality, lineage, and protection practices.
18. Contribute to and enforce enterprise-wide data policies and compliance.

Required Experience & Skills

1. Data Leadership: ≥ 10 years in data engineering, science, or analytics; proven track record in setting/executing data strategies in complex organizations.
2. Technical Breadth:
3. Experience with cloud-based data platforms (AWS, Azure, or equivalent).
4. Proficiency with modern ETL/ELT tools and data pipeline frameworks.
5. Knowledge of data modeling, warehousing, and transformation best practices.
6. Experience with data science/ML lifecycle from prototype to production.
7. Government/Public Sector: Familiarity with GDS standards; understanding of GDPR, FOI, and public procurement.
8. Communication & Stakeholder Management: Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders; strong leadership and mentoring skills.
9. Performance Analytics: Experience with Google Analytics, BigQuery, Looker Studio, Tag Manager.
10. Domain expertise in benefits or civic services; familiarity with public-sector frameworks like SIFA.
11. Security clearance (BPSS, SC, or DV) or willingness to obtain.

How to Apply

Send your CV and a brief cover note highlighting relevant experience to [e-mail]