> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/350709-head-of-data-and-automation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/350709-head-of-data-and-automation). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Head of Data and Automation - **Company:** Leep Utilities - **Location:** Reading, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £70,000.0 - £80,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Spreadsheets, Data Architecture, Information Engineering, Data Governance, Data Infrastructure, Systems Integration, Microsoft Fabric, Data Analytics, Operational Systems, Data Management, Databricks - **Published:** June 22, 2026 - **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=b54430d0a8553c80 ## About the Role Do you have experience in AI?, * Proven experience defining and delivering data, automation and/or analytics strategies. * Strong hands-on technical background in data engineering, analytics, automation or AI. * Demonstrable experience building or evolving data platforms, reporting capability and automation frameworks. * Track record of identifying and delivering automation and process improvement opportunities. * Strong understanding of data governance, quality and architecture principles. * Practical experience building and applying advanced analytics and/or AI in a business context. * Commercially minded, with the ability to prioritise initiatives based on business value, cost and measurable outcomes. * Experience working in high-growth, complex, recurring-income or regulated environments would be advantageous. * Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage, influence and challenge senior leaders, translating between technical and non-technical audiences. * Ability to work cross-functionally to embed data ownership, automation capability and new ways of working. * Experience supporting system implementations, integrations or acquisitions from a data and process perspective is desirable. * Demonstrated ability to build, lead and develop high-performing teams. * Highly proactive and outcome-focused, with a strong bias toward action, delivery and tangible results. ## Description As Head of Data and Automation, you will play a critical role in enabling Leep's transition to a data-driven, highly automated organisation. Working closely with the Associate Director of IT and Change, senior leadership team, key business stakeholders and external partners, you will deliver a cohesive data and automation strategy aligned to Leep's Medium-Term Plan (MTP). This strategy is key to supporting the rapid business growth Leep is experiencing, while controlling operational cost and complexity. This is a hands-on role, focused on translating data and automation activities into tangible business value. Driving and establishing strong data foundations, you will build a scalable data platform with our partners, embedding data and automation - ultimately leading towards AI capabilities - across key functions. You will lead the evolution from fragmented, manual and spreadsheet-driven processes, towards integrated, automated and insight-led ways of working., * Own, evolve and deliver Leep's data and automation strategy, aligned to the Medium-Term Plan (MTP), enabling scalable growth and operational efficiency. * Lead the delivery of a scalable data platform, such as Databricks, Microsoft Fabric or equivalent platforms, establishing a single source of truth to support reporting, analytics and operational insight. * Drive the transition from manual, spreadsheet-driven processes to integrated, automated and system-led workflows across all core business functions. * Identify, prioritise and deliver automation opportunities across all business functions, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy and control. * Embed AI-supported capabilities where appropriate, ensuring practical, governed and value-driven adoption across the business. * Establish and maintain robust data architecture, governance, quality and ownership frameworks, ensuring data is trusted, accessible and compliant with regulatory requirements. * Enable the development of self-service reporting and advanced analytics capability, supporting faster, insight-led decision-making across the organisation. * Partner with business stakeholders ensuring each maintains and prioritises data and automation initiatives, delivering against operational priorities and regulatory obligations. * Lead the delivery of data and automation components within major transformation programmes, including ERP, CRM, metering, billing and operational systems. * Support acquisition integration activity through data alignment, migration and process standardisation, enabling efficient transition and scalable operations. * Track, measure and communicate efficiency gains, cost savings and performance improvements, demonstrating clear ROI from data and automation investment. * Lead and develop a high-performing data and automation team, while remaining hands-on, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and right-first-time delivery. * Act as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, translating business problems into data and automation solutions. * Drive cross-functional collaboration to embed data ownership, automation capability and consistent ways of working across the business. * Champion a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and pragmatic delivery, ensuring initiatives are outcome-driven and commercially grounded. Success Measures * A clear, cohesive data and automation strategy is delivered in line with Leep's Medium-Term Plan. * A scalable data platform and trusted single source of truth are established to improve reporting, analytics and operational insight. * Manual and spreadsheet-driven processes are reduced through practical automation and system-led workflows. * Data governance, ownership and quality standards are embedded across key business functions. * Efficiency gains, cost savings, risk reduction and performance improvements are tracked and communicated clearly. * Stakeholders have improved access to reliable insight that supports faster, evidence-led decision-making. ## Related Videos - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [From Messy Queries to Scalable Systems - How Data Engineering actually works](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100203-from-messy-queries-to-scalable-systems-how-data-engineering-actually-works) - [Cutting LLM Costs Without Cutting Quality: How to Beat Proprietary LLMs with Fine-Tuned Open Source](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100151-cutting-llm-costs-without-cutting-quality-how-to-beat-proprietary-llms-with-fine-tuned-open-source) - [Launching a marketplace on-time: A lesson in taking shortcuts using spreadsheets!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/477-launching-a-marketplace-on-time-a-lesson-in-taking-shortcuts-using-spreadsheets) - [From Global Capability Centers to AI-Powered Command Centers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100096-from-global-capability-centers-to-ai-powered-command-centers) - [The Innovation Formula: Fast Prototyping, Data Analysis, and Real User Insights](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1421-the-innovation-formula-fast-prototyping-data-analysis-and-real-user-insights) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [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) - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts) - [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk)