Head of Data Capability

We are seeking a visionary Head of Data Capability to lead our organisation's business-wide decision science and analytics strategy. In this pivotal role, you will ensure the alignment of data standards and methodologies across the business, driving consistency and empowering strategic decisions. Your leadership will directly enhance our ability to deliver actionable insights and data-driven outcomes that shape the future of our organisation.

Who Are We?

Not just another building society. Not just another job.

We're the fourth biggest building society in the UK and what makes us a bit different is that we're a mutual organisation. We don't have shareholders; we're owned by our members.

Our colleagues say Skipton's a great place to work, and you could be one of them, bringing with you new ideas on how we can keep customers at the heart of what we do.

Whatever your background, and whatever your goals, we'll help you take the next step towards a better future.

Reporting to the Group Chief Information Officer you will oversee our data eco system. Leading on research and development of external data that can further support the Skipton Group purpose, whilst advocating a data culture and sound data governance.

What's In It For You?

Skipton values work/life balance and we are proud to support hybrid and flexible working, where possible. We have a newly refurbished head office which offers a vibrant and collaborative working space.

We have a range of other benefits available to you including;

• Annual discretionary bonus scheme


• 25 days standard annual leave + bank holidays + rising 1 day per year of service to a maximum of 30 days


• Holiday trading scheme allowing the ability to buy and sell additional annual leave days


• Matching employer pension contribution (up to 10% per annum)


• Colleague mortgage (conditions apply)


• Salary sacrifice scheme for hybrid & electric car


• A commitment to training and development


• Private medical insurance for all our colleagues


• 3 paid volunteering days per annum


• Diverse and inclusive colleague networks available for you to join including our Carers and Pride Alliance groups


• We care about your health and wellbeing - we provide a range of benefits that support this including cycle to work initiative and discounted gym membership


What Will You Be Doing?

• Oversees the broad data eco-system.


• Accountable for tracking of all data use - governed and ungoverned at the macro-level.


• Oversees where external data is used in the organization.


• Leads on research and development of what other external data sources could add value to the Skipton Group.


• Leads on education of data - data culture, data opportunity across senior leadership teams.


• Accountable for the organisational capabilities for data science and analytics.


• Develops organisational policies, standards, and guidelines for data science and analytics.


• Oversees the use of data science and analytics techniques, standards, methodologies and tools.


• Plans and leads strategic, large and complex data experimentation initiatives to generate insights, create value and drive decision-making.


• Has extensive business knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of current and emerging information, scientific modelling methods, computing and communications technologies. Understands how these support and enhance the goals and objectives of the organisation. Has a practical understanding of business analysis and architectural methods and approaches.


• Directs the creation and review of a cross-functional, enterprise-wide approach and culture for generating value from data.


• At a senior management level, advocates and promotes the use of data science and analytics to drive innovation and business value.


• Drives out emerging opportunities for experimentation and leads on early R&D in the data space e.g. AI, potential data use cases.
  
  A data generalist with knowledge of business strategy, customer, technology, and change.


• Significant experience in a professional data role e.g. senior decision science role/data analytics.


• Experience of building, successfully leading, motivating, performance managing teams


• Proven track record of developing and maturing the Data capabilities in a similar role.


• Strong people leadership experience, including successfully leading, motivating, performance managing and developing large complex teams.


• Extensive experience in a professional senior technical role & track record of developing and maturing team capabilities, while working in a cross functional, cross value stream and intra-group environment.


• Experience of leading on complex business or technology transformation initiatives.


• Extensive experience of mentoring a multi-domain matrix team


• Complex, deep strategic thinking.


• Instrinic, natural learning mindset.


• Proven data expertise with the ability to translate complex concepts into easily understandable material.


• Analytical mind with problem solving aptitude.


• Strong relationship skills - creating trust and credibility alongside giving challenge and influence.


• Broad & adaptable communication skills and ability to strategically influence key stakeholders and broader audiences.


• Immersive and impactful presentation skills.


• Self-motivated, driven, and open to new challenges.