Head of Data Platforms

Who you are

• Experience leading Data Engineering, Platform Engineering or Data Platform teams
• We'd love to hear from experienced Senior Data Engineering Managers, Heads of Data Engineering, Heads of Platform Engineering or similar technology leaders looking for their next challenge
• Proven experience leading managers and building high-performing engineering teams
• Strong programme delivery experience, with a track record of delivering strategic roadmaps across multiple teams
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence technical and non-technical leaders
• Experience managing technology vendors, supplier relationships and commercial governance
• Comfortable balancing operational delivery with long-term planning and organisational priorities
• Strong understanding of engineering operations, governance and platform reliability
• A background in Data Engineering, Platform Engineering or Data Platforms, with the ability to work effectively alongside technical specialists. Deep technical architecture expertise isn't essential
• Confident leading through ambiguity, bringing clarity and direction in evolving environments
• Experience with cloud data platforms such as Snowflake, dbt and AWS would be beneficial
• Experience working within a high-growth technology business or exposure to AI and Machine Learning platforms would be an advantage

What the job involves

• Candidates need to be genuinely based in the location the role is posted — if that's not where you are today, we're happy to support relocation for the right person
• Lead multiple engineering teams across the Data Platform organisation, supporting managers and building an inclusive, high-performing culture
• Deliver the Data Platform roadmap, balancing strategic objectives with changing business priorities
• Lead complex cross-functional programmes across Data and Technology, managing risks, dependencies and successful delivery
• Drive quarterly planning, governance and operational oversight across the Data Platform portfolio
• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across Engineering, Product, Commercial and Data teams
• Own strategic vendor relationships, supplier performance, commercial governance and contract oversight
• Partner with Procurement and Finance to maximise value from technology investments
• Ensure the reliability, scalability and operational health of the Data Platform
• Maintain Technology Risk ownership and support operational readiness during peak trading periods
• Champion engineering excellence through continuous improvement, governance and sustainable platform operations
• Translate organisational strategy into clear delivery priorities and operational roadmaps
• Improve engineering processes, ways of working and organisational effectiveness
• Support organisational design, hiring, succession planning and leadership development
• Coach Engineering Managers and help develop high-performing teams

Benefits

• Annual reviews
• Attractive annual bonus scheme - with increased earning potential based on business and individual performance
• Pension scheme where we match up to 5%
• Referral scheme with cash bonus available
• Interest-free travel loan
• Sharesave Plan - Save as you earn
• Generous staff Moonpig, Red Letter Days and Buyagift products
• Private medical insurance
• Private dental plan
• Life assurance paying 4x your salary
• Eye care vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free access to 24h mental health and wellbeing resource as well as one to one therapy sessions via Spill
• Dog-friendly offices
• Access to a broad range of training workshops and courses
• Technical and professional qualifications policy, allowing individuals to apply for a more formal professional qualification, using allocated individual allowance
• Career Conversations with your manager to create your Career Development Plan
• 25 days’ holiday plus 1 day per year of service (up to 30 days)
• Growing Your Family - 8 weeks paid supporting caregiver leave and 24 weeks full pay primary caregiver leave (based on qualifying criteria)
• Flexible working opportunities based on our Ways of Working - inclusive of Hybrid and Remote
• Summer Hours - We finish at 4pm on Friday's during the months of June, July and August
• Volunteering - 1 day - the equivalent of 8 hrs of time to give back - through a chosen charity or our MP Group Foundation
• Matched Funding Scheme - This scheme provides colleagues with a fundraising allowance to support causes close to their hearts