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# Head of Data

- **Company:** Nigel Wright Group
- **Location:** Darlington, United Kingdom
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** £75,000 - £80,000
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Microsoft Azure, Data Infrastructure, Dataspaces, Data Systems, DevOps, SQL Databases, Data Layers, Azure Synapse Analytics, Databricks
- **Published:** November 6, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.reed.co.uk/jobs/head-of-data/57537613

## About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to join an established North East based business where you will have genuine influence over the direction, architecture and delivery of its future data environment. You will be expected to bring real enthusiasm, dynamism and a self-starting attitude. Key requirements include:

 * Proven experience leading data functions, driving change and bringing stakeholders and the wider team with you on the journey.
 * Technical expertise across the Microsoft Azure data ecosystem, including ADF, Databricks, Synapse, SQL and DevOps CI/CD.
 * Understanding of Microsoft Purview governance, lineage, classification and policy controls.
 * The ability to translate business problems into effective, sustainable data solutions.
 * A background within financial services or another regulated environment would be desirable but isn't essential.
 * Line management experience.

## Description

Reporting into the CFO and working closely with the IT team, initially your focus will be understanding the existing landscape, defining the architecture and setting clear principles for the future data platform. Main responsibilities include:

 * Shape the architecture and roadmap for the Society's future data environment.
 * Lead the development of a modern Azure based data platform.
 * Establish robust data models, semantic layers and governance to create greater consistency and a single source of truth.
 * Improve reporting, accessibility and self-service capability across the organisation.
 * Champion data literacy.
 * Develop and lead the data team and strengthen relationships with colleagues across the Society.
 * Create the data foundations required to support future AI enablement.