Head of Business Data (12-month FTC)

DFL; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports club in London is seeking a Head of Business Data for a 12-month contract to oversee its commercial data strategy. You will lead a multidisciplinary team and manage a centralized data platform, optimizing the Customer Data Platform for better fan personalization. The role requires strong expertise in data architecture, analytics, and stakeholder management, offering an annual leave of 25 days and private health insurance.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Pension Contribution

Private Health Insurance

Life Assurance

Qualifications

• Strong experience in data platform architecture and engineering, preferably in GCP.
• Deep understanding of data governance and PII handling.
• Exceptional communication skills to convey data topics to business.

Responsibilities

• Lead the club’s commercial data strategy and manage a multidisciplinary team.
• Develop a centralized data platform and enhance customer data management.
• Champion reporting and insights delivery through Power BI.

Skills

Data platform architecture

Cloud-based environments

Reporting and integration projects

SQL

Python

Power BI

Stakeholder management

Tools

Google Cloud Platform

Twilio Segment

Docker

Google Tag Manager

Google Analytics

Job description

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date. To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a Head of Business Data on a 12-month fixed-term contract to lead the club’s commercial data strategy. This pivotal role involves managing a multidisciplinary data team spanning engineering and analytics. You'll be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end fan data lifecycle — from data acquisition through third-party sources to activation within our digital and physical environments.

You’ll drive the development of a centralised data platform, optimize our Customer Data Platform (Twilio Segment), implement advanced data models, and collaborate closely with executive and senior leadership to embed data-driven thinking across all commercial departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement the existing comprehensive fan data strategy aligned with the club’s commercial objectives.
• Lead and evolve our centralised data platform in Google Cloud Platform (GCP), integrating data from merchandise, ticketing, digital channels, and more — both batch and real-time.
• Manage and expand our Customer Data Platform (Twilio Segment), ensuring seamless integrations with internal systems to enable enhanced fan personalisation.
• Oversee data governance and compliance frameworks, including consent management and vendor data handling.
• Champion reporting and insights delivery, standardising KPIs across the club via Power BI and Omni, and driving an internal data education programme.
• Partner with the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams to define and align data roadmaps with broader commercial goals.
• Deploy predictive analytics and machine learning models, such as Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) and propensity scoring, and operationalise them across club systems.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of data scientists, engineers, and analysts, fostering a culture of innovation, learning, and accountability.

What you will bring to the role

• Strong experience in data platform architecture and engineering, with hands-on expertise in cloud-based environments (preferably GCP).
• Proven track record of leading large-scale dashboarding, reporting, and integration projects.
• Deep understanding of data governance, consent management, and PII handling.
• Experience with:
• SQL, Python
• Power BI (or equivalent BI tools such as Looker, Tableau, Omni)
• dbt, Airflow, Docker (preferred)
• Twilio Segment (or other CDPs such as mParticle, Salesforce Data Cloud)
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills — able to translate complex data topics into business impact.
• Experience with web and app event tracking and testing through Google Tag Manager and Google Analytics

What we can offer you

• 25 days annual leave
• Pension Contribution (Perm & FT Employees 5%)
• Private Health Insurance through Vitality
• Life Assurance (4 x base salary)

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.

Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club