Director of Data
Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
We see data as an asset that is critical for informing our business, and driving performance.
The Director of Data is a senior leadership position that includes responsibility for setting the strategy in support of our overall data and insight strategy. It is also a hands-on role in the context of a lean operation, and you'll be responsible for growing the value and usefulness to all users of this data asset.
About the Role
- Develop and maintain our data platform; liaising closely with Engineering to ensure compatibility and integration with our digital estate throughout.
- Accountable for developing and managing our data technology platform, centered around Google Cloud, including being accountable for architecture and technology choices.
- Lead effective data management, so that we have rich, high quality and trusted data
- Accountable for how GNM collates, curates, structures, manages and deletes our data assets so that they are rich, high quality and trusted
- Ensure high standards of privacy are built in by design, consistent with our reader data ethics principles.; and adhering to any relevant infosec and data protection policies.
- Ensure that all users of data have easy and reliable access,
- Manage access to data so that we both maximise the business value that can be created, at an acceptable risk (in accordance with policies)
- Talent development:
- Establish and mentor the Data Design team so that they have the capability required. Support, educate and inspire the adjacent teams around the discipline of data design and management and so create the capabilities and behaviours that are necessary for data to be approached as a strategic asset.
About You
- A deep understanding of the data domain, including data governance, data architecture, data modelling, data engineering, data delivery, and the role of data to enable analytics, reporting and business intelligence. Able to engage actively within data design and delivery forums to ensure that the stated business requirements will be met
- Delivery experience within a digitally oriented, consumer organisation. Capable of leading and influencing, and engaging across GNM to deliver data products / data assets in a distributed environment
- Product management experience, capable of defining the “data as an asset” vision, and to execute effectively alongside a team of engineers and analysts
- Excellent people management and development skills
- Experience in having managed a data technology platform
- Experience with rapid development methodologies, e.g., Agile, SCRUM, Kanban
We operate in a hybrid working model with a mix of office based and remote based work. You'll be expected to come into our London office 2 - 3 days a week.
We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future. We actively encourage applications from BAME candidates and those from other groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media.
You can find the job description here.
How to Apply
To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why you'd love to take on this role, and why you're a great match for what we're looking for.
The closing date for applications is Thursday 12th September.
All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Please contact Sean on sean.brinkley@theguardian.com to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.
Benefits & Policies
We offer 30 days annual leave per annum, plus an additional 5 day holiday purchase scheme. Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. Season ticket loans are also available.
You are entitled to life cover, income protection, healthcare, sick pay and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.
We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.
Culture & Wellbeing
We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace.
We offer great tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including free yoga and pilates. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.
Learning & Development
We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.
Our Working Environment
We take pride in our surroundings and are pleased to offer versatile meeting rooms and colourful communal areas. We have a brilliant canteen that caters to breakfast, lunch and dinner, with views overlooking Regent's Canal.
We are proud supporters of Women in Data®. Connect, engage and belong to the largest free female data community in the UK – visit: www.womenindata.co.uk to join our community.