Data Lead

Scrumconnect Consulting; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Scrumconnect Consulting is seeking a seasoned Data Lead to define and deliver a comprehensive data strategy for large-scale, citizen-facing services used by millions. You will assess current data capabilities, define a future vision, and architect a roadmap while building the team to deliver.

You will lead end-to-end data strategy, governance, and secure data platforms across multiple systems, mentoring engineers, analysts, and data scientists.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in data engineering, data science, or analytics.
• Proven ability to define and deliver data strategies in large organisations.
• Strong cloud data platform experience (AWS preferred).
• Experience with modern ETL/ELT tools and pipelines.
• Knowledge of GDPR and public sector regulation.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end data strategy for citizen-facing services.
• Assess current and future data platforms and pipelines.
• Define a strategic data roadmap aligned with government data plans.
• Build and mentor a multidisciplinary data team.
• Ensure governance, security, and data quality across systems.

Tools

AWS

Google BigQuery

Looker Studio

Google Analytics

Job description

Scrumconnect Consulting is a multi-award-winning digital consultancy, recognised for delivering impactful technology solutions across UK government departments. Our work has positively influenced the lives of over 40 million UK citizens.

With a strong commitment to user-centred design and agile delivery, we continue to build innovative digital services that truly make a difference.

Overview:

We are seeking a seasoned Data Lead to define and deliver a comprehensive data strategy for large-scale, citizen-facing services used by millions. This role involves assessing current data capabilities, defining a future vision, and architecting a roadmap to achieve it—while building and leading the team required to deliver.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end data strategy across services
• Assess current (“as-is”) and future (“to-be”) states of data platforms and pipelines
• Develop a short- to medium-term strategic roadmap aligned with broader organisational and government data strategies
• Define and implement policies, standards, and governance frameworks for secure and scalable data services

Technical Leadership & Architecture

• Select and evolve data engineering tools, frameworks, and methodologies
• Ensure alignment with enterprise architecture and technical strategies
• Lead delivery of complex data engineering initiatives across multiple systems
• Design solutions balancing functional and non-functional requirements

Team Design & Delivery

• Define optimal team structure, including roles, skills, and capacity
• Build and lead multidisciplinary data teams (engineers, analysts, data scientists)
• Mentor and guide team members to ensure high-quality delivery
• Oversee implementation of data platforms, pipelines, and analytical models

Standards, Compliance & Quality

• Ensure adherence to data governance, security, and compliance standards
• Embed data quality, lineage, and protection practices across systems
• Contribute to enterprise-wide data policies and regulatory compliance

Required Experience & Skills:

• 10+ years of experience in data engineering, data science, or analytics
• Proven experience defining and executing data strategies in complex organisations
• Strong expertise in cloud-based data platforms (AWS preferred)
• Experience with modern ETL/ELT tools and data pipeline frameworks
• Solid understanding of data modelling, warehousing, and transformation best practices
• Experience across the data science/ML lifecycle from prototype to production
• Experience working in public sector or regulated environments, with knowledge of GDPR and related standards
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including engaging senior stakeholders
• Proven leadership, mentoring, and team-building capabilities
• Google Analytics
• Google BigQuery
• Looker Studio
• Experience in public sector or citizen services (e.g., benefits systems)
• Exposure to government frameworks or large-scale transformation programmes
• Security clearance (BPSS, SC, or DV) or willingness to obtain

Diversity & Inclusion

At Scrumconnect Consulting, we believe that diversity drives innovation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every individual is respected, valued, and supported.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences, and we actively encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, underrepresented communities, and those seeking flexible working arrangements.