Head of Data Platform Hands-on GCP

  • Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment
  • Sep 15, 2025
Full time Telecommunications

Job Description

Head of Data Platform

Hybrid - South London

Up to £110,000 + Bonus + Benefits

Are you a data leader ready to shape the future of a modern cloud data platform? We're seeking a Head of Data Platform to spearhead a major migration project and lead a talented data engineering team at a fast-growing, tech-driven business.

Why this role?

  • Lead the migration of an existing Azure data warehouse to Google BigQuery, creating a scalable, modern platform to power analytics, BI, and data science.

  • Join a collaborative, people-first culture that's been recognised as a Great Place to Work for 5+ years running.

  • Take ownership of strategy, architecture, and delivery - with the freedom to innovate and drive change.

  • Hybrid working model: South London office 1-3 days per week, balanced with flexibility to work from home.

? What you'll be doing:

  • Own the end-to-end migration to BigQuery, working with both internal teams and implementation partners.

  • Define and evolve the data platform strategy, governance, and roadmap.

  • Manage and mentor a team of data engineers, fostering excellence and collaboration.

  • Drive adoption of modern data engineering practices: CI/CD for data pipelines, DevOps/DataOps, Infrastructure-as-Code.

  • Partner with stakeholders across pricing, analytics, operations, finance, and product to deliver real business value.

  • Stay ahead of industry trends, ensuring the platform remains innovative, secure, and robust.

? What we're looking for:

  • 5+ years' experience in data engineering, warehousing, or platform leadership.

  • Proven track record of delivering large-scale data warehouse migrations (BigQuery experience strongly preferred).

  • Hands-on expertise with SQL, Python, Airflow, DBT/Dataform, Terraform, and modern data architecture.

  • Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

  • Experience driving complex data projects in agile, cross-functional teams.

? Nice-to-haves:

  • Background in insurance or other regulated industries.

  • Knowledge of GDPR, data privacy, and security practices.

  • Familiarity with BI tools (e.g. Looker, Power BI) or ML/AI platforms.

Package & Perks:

  • Salary up to £110,000 + annual bonus.

  • Hybrid working (South London office 1-3 days per week).

  • 25 days holiday + bank holidays (with ability to buy/sell).

  • Private medical cover, life insurance, pension scheme.

  • Wellbeing programme, retail discounts, charitable giving scheme.

  • Ongoing learning & development opportunities.