Head of Data Products, Engineering & Architecture

British Red Cross; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 76,760 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

36 days annual leave

Up to 6% contributory pension

Career and learning opportunities

Employee discounts

Cycle2Work scheme

Job summary

A well-known non-profit organization in the UK seeks a Head of Data Products, Engineering & Architecture to set strategic direction and oversee data technology landscapes. The role involves collaborating with senior leadership and driving improvements in data products and technologies. Applicants should possess strong skills in data platforms like DataBricks and insight tools such as Power BI and Tableau. Flexibility and a commitment to diversity are central to the organization's goals.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to influence and manage upwards.
• A strategic thinker capable of galvanising change.
• Strong communication skills for non-technical audiences.
• Extensive knowledge of data platform technologies.
• Proven record in leading senior data roles.

Responsibilities

• Establish the data and insight technology strategy.
• Represent data technology at senior levels.
• Provide oversight of the data technology ecosystem.
• Accountable for managing the budget and talent strategy.

Skills

Influencing and managing upwards

Strategic thinking

Communicating technical concepts to non-technical audiences

Data platform technology expertise

Experience with insight tools

Leading change in data leadership

Building business partnerships

Managing high-performing teams

Tools

DataBricks

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Head of Data Products, Engineering & Architecture

Join to apply for the Head of Data Products, Engineering & Architecture role at British Red Cross.

Base pay range

Location: UK Flexible location (Hybrid home and office)

Salary: £76,760 to £90,000 per annum (plus ILW, if applicable)

Contract: Permanent

Could you be responsible for setting and guiding the strategic direction of the data technology landscape, and ultimately accountable for the data technology landscape, data products, and data architecture?

Could you enable data and insight products to be created, shared, and managed effectively and efficiently, ensuring alignment to our strategy and objectives?

Could you lead and deliver the data and insight technology and data product strategy, driving continuous improvement and the adoption of new capabilities across British Red Cross?

What will a day in the life of a Head of Data Products, Engineering & Architecture involve?

• Establish and delivers the data and insight technology and data product strategy and roadmap, aligned to the British Red Cross (BRC) strategic goals, data strategy, and technology strategy.
• Represent data and insight technology at the senior level across BRC, serving as the lead advisor into senior leadership, directorate spokes, and Technology to advise on the art of the possible and translate commercial requirements into technical delivery
• Provide strategic oversight of the BRC data and insight technology ecosystem, ensuring scalable, sustainable and value driven technology investments.
• Accountable for the development and management of the BRC data products.
• Set and manage the budget for the function, including planning and forecasting, in collaboration with finance.
• Build on the talent strategy for the function, including the leadership pipeline, succession planning, and the balance of in-house, internships, apprenticeships, volunteers, consultant and outsourced resources.

To be a successful Head of Data Products, Engineering & Architecture, what will you need?

• Strong ability to influence and manage upwards within the organisation.
• A key strategic thinker who can galvanise change with a proven track record.
• Strong ability to communicate data and technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong knowledge & experience of data platform technology, especially DataBricks.
• Strong knowledge and experience of insight tools, such as Power BI and Tableau.
• Proven experience of leading change in a senior data leadership role.
• Experience of building effective business partnerships across an organisation.
• Extensive experience in leading and managing high-performing data teams, especially engineering, architecture, and product management.

Interested?

The closing date for applications is 23.59hrs on Sunday the 11th of January 2026.

In return for your commitment and expertise, you’ll get:

• Flexible working: Remote and hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours, and job sharing.
• Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days.
• Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
• Learning & Development: A range of career & learning opportunities.
• Discounts: Blue Light Discount Card, Tickets For Good & employee benefits platform.
• Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.

We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme for UK-based roles. During your application, you'll have the option to apply under the scheme.

At the British Red Cross, we value diversity and maintain an inclusive environment for all staff and volunteers. We champion our teams in bringing their true selves to work, free from discrimination. This is achieved through reporting and assistance from our internal networks: Race and Ethnic Equality (REEN), LGBT+, Disability and Wellness (DAWN), Gender, Carers, and Young Staff Network.

Together, we are the world's emergency responders.

Seniority level

• Not Applicable

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology
• Non-profit Organizations