Head of Data

Head of Data

Location: London – hybrid 50%

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours

Purpose

The Head of Data is responsible for shaping and delivering the organisation’s data strategy. This includes leading data analytics, engineering, governance, and data science functions to ensure data is effectively used to support business goals. The role involves building and managing cross-functional teams, establishing scalable data infrastructure, and promoting a data-driven culture. A key focus is enabling high-quality, cost-effective data and analytics, while reducing manual processes and ensuring compliance through robust governance and AI-enabled capabilities.

About Just

We help people achieve a better later life. That’s our purpose and it’s the reason we exist. We are a fast-growing company helping customers enjoy the retirement they deserve. We do this through a variety of market leading, award-winning products and services, delivered by a diverse team of over 1,400 purpose-led colleagues who genuinely put the customer at the heart of everything we do.

This is a brilliant time to join our business. We are on an exciting growth journey to become the UK’s most loved retirement expert.

Key Accountabilities

• Define and lead the enterprise data strategy aligned with business objectives and compliance requirements.

• Develop and scale AI-driven data platforms to enhance data accessibility and usability.

• Oversee data architecture and infrastructure, ensuring scalability, security, and integration across systems.

• Implement real-time data processing to replace legacy batch-based systems.

• Establish and enforce data governance frameworks to ensure regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR).

• Lead data quality initiatives to improve accuracy, consistency, and trust in enterprise data.

• Build and manage high-performing data teams, fostering collaboration and continuous learning.

• Promote a data-driven culture across the organization, treating data as a strategic asset.

• Drive innovation in advanced analytics to support business insights and decision-making.

• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to align data initiatives with organizational goals.

What we're looking for:

• Extensive leadership and team management experience (typically 8-10 years) in a similar role within data area, including mentoring, hiring, and cross-functional coordination.

• Deep knowledge of data governance, MDM, data lineage, and GDPR compliance.

• Strong expertise in Azure ecosystem, including Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, and Microsoft Purview.

• Proficiency in advanced analytics and data science, including statistical modelling and predictive techniques.

• Deep knowledge of data governance, MDM, data lineage, and GDPR compliance.

• Proven experience designing and scaling enterprise data platforms, including real-time and cloud-based architectures.

• Track record of leading large-scale data or AI transformation initiatives in complex organizations.

• Experience managing vendor relationships and driving adoption of data-driven decision-making across the business.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., data, technology, or analytics).

Our behaviours

At Just you’ll have the opportunity to develop your career, whilst making a difference to the lives of those around you. You’ll be part of a company with a strong and distinctive culture - we’re ambitious, curious and collaborative – and every decision we make centres around being Just and delivering the best outcomes for our customers.

What’s in it for you

• A competitive salary, pension scheme and life assurance

• 25 days annual leave plus an additional day on us for your birthday

• Private medical cover and income protection, just in case

• A generous and highly achievable bonus scheme

• Opportunities to progress your career in-role and within the company

• Free access to the Headspace app, 24/7 employee assistance helpline and trained physical and mental health first aiders

• A variety of employee funded benefits available via our online benefits portal

• Plus, several additional purchase options available for you and your loved ones

Explore our full range of benefits on our dedicated benefits page.  

Belonging at Just 

Valuing diversity of thought and fostering a sense of belonging is critical to our business success, driving innovation and balanced decision making. Our work on DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) aims to deliver a brilliant employee experience underpinned by a sense of belonging, where our people feel proud to work at Just.  

We remain committed to our publicly disclosed HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter and Race at Work Charter targets and support a wide range of employee network and events, championing issues including intergenerational working, social mobility and neurodiversity. 

Application details 

Please submit your CV using the 'apply now’ button. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding next steps which may include an initial phone interview and in-person assessment.   

Be Bold. Be Brilliant. Be Just