Data Director

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We are seeking an experienced Data Director to join our Group Technology team in Milton Keynes. The Data Director will play a pivotal role in delivering data for use by the business and shaping future data technology direction. You will collaborate with senior stakeholders across Connells Group to develop and implement the Connells Group data vision, manage data risks, leverage insights, and embed a 'data-first' culture within the business. This role requires a mix of data expertise, stakeholder influence, and transformational thinking.

Key Responsibilities:

• Data Strategy: Develop and lead Connells Group data strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals including data insights, value growth and commercialisation.

• Leadership and Line Management: Recruit, mentor, and manage data resources as needed, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.

• Collaboration and Strategic Alignment: Work closely with the Chief Information Officer to develop a unified work plan, ensuring alignment between business objectives and data initiatives.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Engage with key stakeholders (internal and external) to understand data needs, articulate the value of data initiatives, and communicate the team's progress on key projects.

• AI & Machine Learning: Embed scalable ML/AI capabilities into the data infrastructure to enhance applications and business processes. Promote adoption and support high-value initiatives such as predictive modelling, advanced analytics, and intelligent automation.

• Data Governance & Compliance: Chair the Group-wide Data Governance Committee to enforce standards, mitigate risks, and ensure ethical data use.

• Supplier Management: Liaise with 3 rd party providers, mentor and develop the internal teams core skills and expertise whilst maturing the overall processes and procedures in relation to the service.

Experience and Skills Required:

• Extensive experience in delivering data-based projects at a senior level.
• Proven experience in Board Reporting.
• Experience of implementing Data Governance, system integration and process optimisation.
• Experience of delivering Data Architecture and Data Engineering within a cloud environment.
• Experience of delivering AI & ML initiatives
• Exposure to Microsoft Fabric, cloud development, SQL, Python, PowerBI or
  similar.

Desirable:

• Experience managing technical teams of up to 20 people in a complex, challenging environment setting and managing against SLA's and business objectives.
• Exposure to event driven architectures.
• Experience in Estate Agency, Financial Services or related sector.

Connells Group UK is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Connells Group we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't fit perfectly with every aspect of the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other opportunities.

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