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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Data Director - **Company:** Royal Mail - **Location:** London, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £94,795.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Data Architecture, Information Engineering, Data Governance, Data Infrastructure, Data Transformation, Machine Learning, Metadata, Meta-Data Management, Google Cloud, Data Ingestion, Technical Debt, Data Strategy, Data Management - **Published:** September 10, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5879000780 ## About the Role Essential experience * Senior leadership experience delivering large-scale enterprise data transformation programmes * A proven track record of modernising complex legacy data environments * Experience leading major cloud data platform programmes, ideally on GCP * Strong expertise in data governance, quality, metadata and operating models * Experience enabling AI, machine learning and advanced analytics adoption * Demonstrable success delivering measurable business value through data and technology investment Essential skills * Exceptional stakeholder management and executive influencing capability * Strong commercial and strategic thinking * Deep understanding of modern data architectures and data product operating models * Experience leading large, complex transformation portfolios * Ability to lead through matrix structures and diverse delivery teams * Strong focus on outcomes, value realisation and execution Desirable * Experience in highly regulated or complex operational environments * Experience creating customer-facing data products or services * Knowledge of data monetisation strategies and commercial data opportunities ## Description Reporting to: Chief Technology Officer Shape the future of data, AI and digital intelligence at scale We're looking for an exceptional data leader to transform how one of the UK's largest organisations uses data to drive better decisions, innovation and growth. As Director of Data & Digital Intelligence, you will lead the modernisation of a complex enterprise data landscape, creating a trusted, AI-ready data platform that enables better decision-making across the organisation. You'll be responsible for turning data into a strategic business asset, accelerating the adoption of AI and advanced analytics, and unlocking new value through data products and services. This is a high-impact leadership role operating at the intersection of technology, business strategy and transformation. You'll work closely with senior executives to shape the future of the organisation's data capabilities and deliver measurable commercial and operational outcomes. What you'll be doing Lead enterprise-wide data transformation * Define and deliver the enterprise data strategy and roadmap * Drive the transition from fragmented legacy platforms to a modern cloud-based data ecosystem * Build a product-led approach to data, enabling reuse, standardisation and scalable delivery * Create a clear vision for how data supports business growth and strategic decision-making Build a modern data platform * Lead the migration to a secure, scalable Google Cloud Platform (GCP) environment * Establish modern platform capabilities including data ingestion, transformation, observability, security and FinOps * Ensure cloud transformation delivers long-term value and avoids unnecessary technical debt * Create an AI-ready foundation that enables future innovation Establish trusted data governance * Embed enterprise-wide data governance and ownership * Improve data quality, standards, metadata management and accessibility * Create a culture where data is treated as a strategic asset * Champion data literacy and accountability across the organisation Accelerate AI and advanced analytics * Enable the successful adoption of AI, machine learning and automation at scale * Ensure responsible AI principles are embedded into delivery * Support experimentation and innovation through repeatable frameworks and governance * Increase adoption of self-service analytics and insight capabilities Drive business value from data * Partner with business leaders to identify and prioritise opportunities * Create a single source of truth across key business domains * Establish clear benefits tracking and value measurement * Demonstrate measurable outcomes from data investments Build and lead a world-class function * Lead teams spanning data engineering, analytics, governance and platform capabilities * Build organisational capability and talent * Shape supplier and partner strategy * Influence a wide network of technology, data and business stakeholders ## Related Videos - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [A Data Mesh needs Open Metadata](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/505-a-data-mesh-needs-open-metadata) - [The Cloud is Calling: Answer with In-Demand Skills](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/945-the-cloud-is-calling-answer-with-in-demand-skills) - [Data Governance in the Era of AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1622-data-governance-in-the-era-of-ai) - [Crafting Custom Frameworks with Rust: A Deep Dive into Procedural Macros](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/849-crafting-custom-frameworks-with-rust-a-deep-dive-into-procedural-macros) - [Modern Data Architectures need Software Engineering](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1030-modern-data-architectures-need-software-engineering) ## Related Articles - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk) - [Best Companies to work for in London: Top 25 Companies in 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/187-best-companies-to-work-for-in-london-top-25-companies-in-2023) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [IT Salaries in UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/288-it-salaries-in-uk) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market)