Head of Data

Head of Data

Location: Cardiff / Hybrid | Contract: Permanent

Help us shape the future of data at Target.

We’re looking for a visionary, collaborative and strategically minded Head of Data to lead our Data function and drive our journey towards becoming a truly data‑driven organisation. If you’re passionate about transforming how businesses leverage data, and you enjoy leading talented teams to deliver innovative, secure and high‑quality data services, this could be an exceptional next step in your career.

In this role, you’ll sit as a key member of the IT leadership team, setting the direction of our data strategy and ensuring the quality, integrity and value of the data services that underpin Target’s success and that of our clients.

What you’ll be leading

You’ll oversee five specialist data functions, ensuring they work together to deliver robust, future‑focused data services:

• Data Architecture – shaping and evolving our future-state data architecture, scanning the horizon for opportunities to innovate.
• Data Management – ensuring data accuracy, high‑quality CAIS reporting and effective data housekeeping.
• Data Warehouse – managing secure, scalable data warehouse capabilities for Target and our clients.
• Data Migration – onboarding new client data with accuracy, integrity and full lineage into Target platforms.
• Analytics & Reporting – delivering timely operational and regulatory reporting, while developing next‑generation analytics capabilities.

A major focus of the role will be to build AI and ML capability into the organisation, positioning data as a powerful enabler of both insight and revenue growth.

What it’s like to be part of the team

The Data Team is at the heart of Target. You’ll collaborate closely with colleagues across Technology, IT Services & Operations, Change, Security and our Solutions Teams — as well as directly with our clients — to shape services that truly make an impact.

Our team brings deep expertise and a passion for partnership. You’ll find an environment where collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement are celebrated. You’ll receive regular feedback in 1:1s, recognition through our My Recognition platform, and space to grow your skills and career.

We care about wellbeing, we embrace technology, and we love creating a positive, fun and supportive place to work.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead and develop the Data Team, building capability for new technologies.
• Manage stakeholders effectively whilst embedding AI/ML across all data services.
• Shape the blueprint for future data services and align data architecture with business and tech needs.
• Define data requirements, monitor industry trends and deliver insights and recommendations to clients.
• Manage projects, budgets and resources whilst ensuring security‑ and privacy‑by‑design.
• Influence reporting and analytics for change whilst driving standardisation and optimisation.
• Support commercial modelling and vendor management whilst setting and enforcing standards and governance.
• Centralise and streamline reporting whilst driving automation and efficiency.
• Act as technical authority for data solutions.

Requirements

What you’ll bring

Skills & Personal Qualities

You’re someone who is:

• An experienced leader capable of managing teams across BAU and change.
• A clear, confident communicator skilled at translating technical and business concepts.
• Logical, methodical and inquisitive — always seeking improvement.
• Commercially minded and committed to continuous learning.
• Skilled at building strong, trusting relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

Experience & Qualifications

You have:

• Strong experience in Data Management, Data Governance and Business Intelligence.
• A track record of delivering solutions that improve data integrity and accuracy.
• Advanced capability in tools such as SSRS, Power BI (including DAX), Fabric and related technologies.
• Experience using data to drive business performance improvement.
• The ability to work with SMEs to gather and refine complex data requirements.

Benefits

Why join us?

• A varied, interesting workload across multiple clients and products
• A supportive team culture that values individuality and wellbeing
• A chance to contribute directly to risk management and customer protection
• Opportunities to grow your knowledge and progress your career
• Regular feedback, recognition and development support

We also offer industry leading benefits including:

• Competitive Salary of up to £80,000 per annum
• 30 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays
• Defined Pension Contribution Scheme (Employer matched up to 6%). Plus, option to contribute via Salary Exchange (alternatively known as Salary Sacrifice)
• Employee Discount Scheme, access to discounts and offers across 100s of leading retailers. Plus, cashback on purchases
• Company Paid Private Medical Insurance (benefit in kind)
• Group Life Assurance
• Group Income Protection
• Discretionary Annual Pay Review
• Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme
• Loyal Service Scheme
• Help@Hand – Confidential access to health and wellbeing support to include Employee Assistance Program
• Free Flu Vaccinations, Eye Tests and employer contribution towards glasses
• Recognition Scheme
• Free Mortgage Advice and Support
• Wisdom Wellbeing, your go to for wellbeing resources and solutions
• Everest Funeral Concierge
• Free Bereavement and Probate Advice and Support
• Access to a GP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through GP24
• Paid eye tests and employer contribution towards spectacles specifically for VDU use.
  

 You can also select other benefits, we cover the upfront cost and make monthly deductions from your pay, interest free!

• Technology Buying Scheme
• Discounted Gym Memberships
• Taste Card / Coffee Club Membership
• Charitable Payroll Giving
• Cycle to work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)

Ready to lead the future of data at Target?

We’d love to hear from you. Apply today!