Head of Cloud Data

What does the average day look like?

The role drives data architecture, governance and engineering excellence, ensuring data is accessible, trusted and optimised to support analytics, reporting and innovation. Working closely with technology and business stakeholders, the Head of Cloud Data enables data-driven decision-making, promotes best practices in data management, and ensures cloud data capabilities deliver maximum value in support of operational performance and strategic transformation.

The railway has seen nearly 200 years of technology and innovation that has transformed how we provide services to passengers and freight customers.

Technology is continuing to transform the railway industry. Imagine an exciting environment where Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) are not just buzzwords but the driving force behind every operation, every decision, and every solution.

As part of the DDaT directorate, you have a unique opportunity to enable our customers and industry partner with modern and transformative technology. From the day-to-day IT operations that keeps a national railway running, to the extensive delivery programmes that our helping to reshape the railway - we are at the forefront of all of it. We operate with a talented and passionate workforce, fostering empowered individuals and teams who understand that technology is not just a tool - it’s the catalyst for progress, especially in an ever-demanding industry where change is a constant.

Who are we looking for?

• Deliver the cloud data strategy, aligning with Network Rail’s wider data objectives to maximise the value of data across the organisation.

• Design and implement scalable, secure cloud data solutions, ensuring they meet business needs while adhering to enterprise standards.

• Optimise cloud data platforms (e.g. Azure/AWS Data Factory, Data Lakes, analytics services), driving high performance, reliability and efficiency.

• Build and lead a high-performing data team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Embed security and compliance by design, ensuring robust controls across encryption, access management and audit logging.

• Partner with business teams, project delivery and suppliers to identify and deliver data-driven opportunities that support strategic goals.

• Evaluate and adopt emerging technologies, continuously enhancing Network Rail’s cloud data capabilities and driving innovation.

• Provide technical leadership and direction, championing best practice in cloud data engineering and enabling consistent, high-quality delivery across teams.

• Proven experience in leading data management or analytics teams, with a strong background in multiple cloud data services (e.g., Azure/AWS Data Factory, Azure/AWS Data Lake, Azure/AWS Analytics).
• Deep understanding of data architecture principles, data modeling, and ETL processes.
• Experience with data governance, data quality management, and data security practices.
• Significant experience operating at senior levels in information technology with solid background in data architecture, planning, design, and development.
• Significant experience of operating at a senior level, building effective relationships, and dealing with executive colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) to explain technical concepts to non-technical people including front line staff and senior business and technology leadership.
• Ability to take a strategic view and see the ‘big picture’ allied to the ability to adopt an analytical approachto complex change programmes with the awareness of operational implications.
• Experience of developing strategy and architecture based on emerging digital technologies (e.g. IOT, API, AI, Social, Mobile, Cloud, Apps Modernisation).
• Experience of leading and developing teams including performance management coaching and professional development.

Desirable

• Certifications in one or more cloud data services (e.g., Azure/AWS Data Engineer Associate, Azure/AWS Data Scientist Associate).
• Experience in implementing machine learning and advanced analytics projects using multiple cloud services.
• Familiarity with data visualisation tools and techniques.
• Broad experience of the use of modelling, data management, simulation, workflow and end-user analysis tools.
• Knowledge of data compliance and privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
• Leadership experience in other parts of the IT lifecycle - including build, service, operations, supplier management.
• Proven experience in strategic risk identification, assessment, and management.

Pulled from the full job description

• Annual leave
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Company pension
• Paid volunteer time, * We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered
• Generous annual leave up to 28 days plus statutory days (role dependant), with the option to buy/sell days
• Discounts at selected stations with your Network Rail pass
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• 75% off leisure train tickets for you and your dependents (subject to T&Cs)
• Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact

Plus more….

About Network Rail…