Head of Data, Analytics & Digital Transformation

Arriva Group; Crewe; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Arriva Rail Services is seeking a senior leader to head Data, Analytics & Digital Transformation in Crewe. You will shape and execute the data strategy, build a central Data & Digital function, and drive enterprise-wide transformation leveraging data, BI, automation, and AI to boost performance and growth.

The role requires establishing governance, delivering dashboards, and partnering with executive stakeholders to realise measurable business outcomes.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in data, analytics, or digital transformation.
• Proven delivery of large-scale transformation programmes.
• Degree-level qualification in data or related discipline.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and financial management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the Rail Services Data & Digital Transformation Strategy.
• Build a single source of truth for critical data and reporting.
• Lead digital transformation programmes from business case to benefits.
• Drive adoption of data analytics, BI, automation and AI solutions.
• Establish enterprise-wide data governance, quality and compliance frameworks.
• Deliver enhanced reporting, dashboards and actionable insights.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and commercial performance.
• Oversee technology investment portfolios, budgets and supplier relationships.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing Data & Digital team.
• Partner with executives to deliver strategic business outcomes.

Skills

Data strategy

Governance

Business intelligence

Digital transformation

AI/Automation

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Commercial mindset

Education

Degree in Data Science or related field

Tools

BI tools

AI platforms

Job description

Head of Data, Analytics & Digital Transformation - Rail Services

Location: Crewe (Hybrid)

Contract: Permanent

We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Head of Data, Analytics & Digital Transformation to lead the development and execution of our data and digital strategy across Arriva Rail Services.

Reporting to the Finance Director, this senior leadership position will be responsible for building a modern, data-driven organisation by leveraging data, business intelligence, automation, artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve operational performance, customer experience and business growth.

The successful candidate will establish and lead a central Data & Digital function, driving enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, developing robust governance frameworks, and embedding a culture of data-led decision making across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the Rail Services Data & Digital Transformation Strategy.
• Build a single source of truth for business-critical data and reporting.
• Lead digital transformation programmes from business case through to implementation and benefits realisation.
• Drive adoption of data analytics, business intelligence, automation and AI solutions.
• Establish enterprise-wide data governance, quality and compliance frameworks.
• Deliver enhanced reporting, dashboards and actionable management insights.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, customer experience and commercial performance.
• Manage technology investment portfolios, budgets and supplier relationships.
• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing Data & Digital team.
• Partner with executive stakeholders, Group IT and functional leaders to deliver strategic business outcomes.

About You

You will bring significant leadership experience in data, analytics, digital transformation or technology functions, with a proven track record of delivering large-scale transformation programmes.

You will have:

• Strong experience in data strategy, governance and business intelligence.
• Expertise in digital transformation, automation and AI-enabled solutions.
• Experience influencing executive stakeholders and leading organisational change.
• Strong commercial and financial management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills.
• Degree-level qualification in Data Science, Technology, Digital Transformation, Business or a related discipline.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future digital capability of a major Rail Services organisation and deliver measurable business impact through data, technology and innovation.