Head of Data Technology & Operations

4,000 professionals, 0 days wasted, 1 incredible purpose. Together we will beat cancer. 

Head of Data Technology & Operations

Salary: £83,000 - £93,000 per annum

Department: Chief Operating Office

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford, London Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)

Closing date: 1st July 11.59pm

This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications are received or once a suitable candidate is found

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, someone determined, someone like you.

We’re looking for a Head of Data Technology & Operations to join our Technology leadership team. In this crucial role, you will be accountable for the design, implementation, roll out and continuous improvement of fit-for-purpose data and data technology services and solutions. You’ll provide leadership, direction, coaching and functional support to our data teams, and you’ll work closely with senior data directors across CRUK to ensure that our data initiatives can support and enable the direction and execution of CRUK’s data strategies and ultimately maximise the value of our contribution to Cancer Research UK’s mission to beat cancer. 

• Prioritise and guide day to day activities of the data engineering, data management, data governance and analytics and insight enablement teams, including setting direction and objectives, focus, and managing progress. 

• Ensure all data needs are accurately captured, prioritised and incorporated into data platforms and products, and that service delivery meets required levels throughout. 

• Collaborate across Technology teams, other CRUK directorate stakeholders and external partners, to design, implement and optimise a coherent data and analytics architecture, artefacts, platforms, solutions and infrastructure that will underpin and support CRUK’s move to more data-driven decision-making, and enable the organisation to meet its strategic objectives. 

• Accountable for design, delivery and support of CRUK’s data foundations and platforms, including Technology-led initiatives underpinning / enabling key programmes. 

• Work closely with the Chief Technology Officer and senior data directors across CRUK to support the evolution and realisation of CRUK’s data strategies. 

• Organisational advocate and owner of the Data Governance framework, including responsibility for delivery of Organisation-Wide adoption of the framework.

• Shape and own the delivery roadmap and pipeline for data-related work, including delivery governance, and influence and drive direction on current and future approach to data within deliveries across CRUK teams and partners. 

• Proven track record of building, leading and developing cross-functional teams to drive value from data in large complex organisations. 

• Strong understanding of data management principles and practices, data engineering and modelling, and analytics and insight delivery and their ability to enable organisational value. 

• Significant experience in creating and embedding new systems and processes which support improved fact-based decision making, digital marketing and operational engagement 

• Proven full-lifecycle experience across full-suite data landscapes which may include data warehouse and data lakehouse solutions (e.g. Snowflake,) associated data ingestion, migration and management components, data visualisation tools, machine learning and AI applications in data management, and MDM, CRM and enterprise applications such as Salesforce.  

• Strong understanding of cloud-based and on-premise system architectures, incorporating modern cloud-based as well as legacy components.   

• Demonstrates strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills 

• Highly developed people skills, with extensive experience of building inclusive environments, ability to coach and support development of data skills in various capabilities, including working with and delivering outcomes through third parties.

• Able to build networks and relationships internally and externally, acting as a trusted technical support to key stakeholders across the charity, with ability to create momentum, balance short & long-term focus, and provide challenge whilst maintaining trusted relationship

• Excellent communication skills, with an ability to convey complex information and concepts to technical and non-technical audiences, valuing challenge and ideas and learning from experimentation.

Each and every one of our employees contributes to our progress and is supporting our work to beat cancer. We think that’s impressive.

In return, we make sure you are supported by a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools, policies and processes to enable you to do your job well.

Our benefits package includes a substantial retirement plan, a generous and flexible leave allowance, discounts on anything from travel to technology, gym membership, and much more.

We don’t forget people have lives outside of work too and so we actively encourage a flexible working culture.

Our work – from funding cutting-edge research to developing public policy – will change the world. It’s exciting to be part of our team.

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.

For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at [email protected].  

For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

There’s a place for everyone at Cancer Research UK. Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. 

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented, and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to beat cancer sooner. 

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you. We don’t expect everyone to meet all of the criteria listed.

We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen by emailing us at [email protected]. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.