Head of Data

Company Description

This is a hybrid position, with 2 - 3 days per week based from our Windsor office.

At Neilson, we help families put financial protection in place for their loved ones. We are a Life insurance provider who offers a wide range of first class Life insurance products via multiple direct brands and corporate partnerships. We believe in offering our customers straightforward life insurance.

We’ve evolved from our origins in the UK to become an international operation with offices in the USA, Canada, Ireland, the UK and Australia, with our head office based in Windsor and an in-house digital marketing agency, Thinkbait, based in Dublin, Ireland.  Having multiple locations worldwide enables Neilson to attract the absolute best people, allowing us to achieve our aim of being a leading global provider of life insurance.

We aim to provide a comprehensive range of innovative products and deliver exemplary service levels to our customers and corporate partners, providing a consistently high quality, fully integrated customer experience. We’ve been awarded Feefo’s top rating, the Trusted Merchant Gold Award, for our outstanding customer service.

About the Role

At Neilson, we’re reimagining the future of data-driven insights with our pioneering division, DataWorks. As a cutting-edge division within the Neilson Group, DataWorks harnesses the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics to empower growth across diverse markets and deliver next-generation solutions in Business Intelligence, Analytics, Data Science, and Actuarial science. Our team, based in the UK and Australia, is at the forefront of digital transformation, using data to unlock powerful insights and drive competitive advantage on a global scale.

As part of a vibrant and forward-thinking environment, DataWorks combines the agility and innovation of a high-tech AI startup with the backing of a trusted, established provider. We develop sophisticated solutions with the latest in time-series forecasting, large language models (LLMs), and advanced machine learning, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in analytics. Recognized for excellence in customer service, we’re committed to delivering a high-quality, fully integrated experience for our clients and partners worldwide.

We are seeking an experienced Head of Data to lead our growing data function across two key locations. This is a pivotal leadership role where you'll oversee both our London-based reporting team and Sydney-based data engineering team, driving our data strategy and ensuring the delivery of high-quality data solutions across the organization. You'll work closely with the Chief Analytics and Actuarial Officer to align data initiatives with broader analytics and actuarial objectives.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

· Lead and mentor a distributed team of 8 data professionals across London and Sydney

· Develop and execute the company's data strategy in alignment with analytics and actuarial priorities

· Foster collaboration between the reporting and data engineering teams despite geographical separation

· Build a culture of data-driven decision making across the organization

· Partner with actuarial teams to ensure data infrastructure supports complex analytical requirements

Technical Leadership

· Oversee the design, development, and maintenance of data pipelines and infrastructure

· Ensure best practices in database management, data governance, and data quality

· Guide architectural decisions for our Azure-based data platform

· Champion SQL excellence and database optimization across both teams

· Support actuarial and analytics teams with robust, reliable data foundations

Project Management

· Manage multiple concurrent data projects from inception to delivery

· Coordinate resources across time zones to ensure efficient project execution

· Establish and maintain project governance frameworks and delivery methodologies

· Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to quality standards

· Collaborate with actuarial project leads on data-intensive initiatives

Stakeholder Management

· Partner with business leaders to understand data needs and translate them into technical solutions

· Present data insights and recommendations to senior leadership

· Manage relationships with key stakeholders across the business, including actuarial and analytics teams

· Act as the primary point of contact for all data-related initiatives

· Work closely with the Chief Analytics and Actuarial Officer on strategic data initiatives

Team Development

· Recruit, develop, and retain top data talent

· Conduct regular performance reviews and career development discussions

· Identify skills gaps and implement training programs

· Manage team capacity and workload distribution across locations

Qualifications

Essential Requirements

Technical Skills

· Strong SQL expertise with demonstrable experience in complex query optimization

· Database Administration background with hands-on experience in database design, performance tuning, and maintenance

· Experience with Microsoft Azure Data Factory for ETL/ELT processes

· Proficiency in Power BI development and administration

· Understanding of data warehousing concepts and dimensional modeling

· Familiarity with actuarial data requirements and analytical workflows (advantageous)

Leadership Experience

· Minimum 5 years' experience ideally leading data teams

· Proven track record of managing distributed/remote teams

· Experience managing teams of 5+ people

· Demonstrated ability to lead both technical and strategic initiatives

· Experience working with analytics and/or actuarial teams

Project Management

· Strong project management experience with ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously

· Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies

· Excellent organizational and prioritization skills

· Track record of delivering complex data projects on time and within budget

Other Requirements

· Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or related field preferred

· Excellent communication skills with ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

· Experience working in a fast-paced, analytical environment

· Willingness to travel occasionally to Sydney (1-2 times per year)

Desirable Skills

· Master's degree in relevant field

· Professional certifications (Microsoft Azure, Power BI, PMP, etc.)

· Experience with Python or R for data analysis

· Knowledge of machine learning and advanced analytics

· Experience in insurance, financial services, or similar data-intensive industries

· Understanding of actuarial processes and data requirements

· Experience with regulatory reporting and compliance data requirements

What We Offer

· Competitive salary commensurate with experience

· Performance-based bonus

· Comprehensive benefits package

· Flexible working arrangements

· Professional development opportunities

· Opportunity to shape the data strategy of a growing organization

How to Apply

Please submit your CV along with a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you're interested in leading our data function.

3 stage interview process:

Interview with Head of Talent Acquisition (competency based)

Interview with current Head of Data

Final stage with Chief Commercial Officer

Ideal start date mid August, if not sooner.