Head of Data

Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving transformational change within our clients.  We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data, and business applications.  We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals. 

This is a pivotal leadership role at a time of significant evolution for Sword. As the organisation continues its journey to evolve and strengthen its Data, Analytics, AI & automation offerings, this role will play a critical part in shaping how we position, sell, and scale our AI & Data transformation services within a key business unit.

The Head of Data is a senior leadership role responsible for defining, scaling and commercialising the Data & Analytics capability, focusing on supporting strategic customers on their transformation journeys.

This role is pivotal in positioning Sword as a trusted partner for data-led transformation across regulated industries.

We are seeking a highly motivated, growth‑oriented individual who wants to be part of an exciting and forward‑looking journey. The successful candidate will thrive in an environment of change, be energised by building and expanding customer relationships, and be passionate about helping organisations realise value through data‑led and AI‑enabled transformation.

About the role:

Building on the strong engineering foundations this role expands accountability beyond technical leadership into business growth, client impact, and strategic direction.

The Head of Data will:

• Shape the Data & AI vision and go-to-market
• Drive revenue growth and pipeline development
• Build a scaled, high-performing capability
• Ensure high-quality, outcome-led delivery across key clients

The role offers the chance to work with the very latest Microsoft technologies, such as Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Purview, and Microsoft Foundry, while influencing solution design, architectural decisions, and delivery excellence. You will work closely with clients across a range of industries, supporting discovery, design, and delivery, and you will also contribute to pre‑sales activity by joining client calls, shaping proposals, and advising on solution approaches

Key Accountabilities

1. Strategy & Market Positioning

• Define and evolve the Data, Analytics strategy
• Translate capability into clear market propositions and offerings
• Identify priority sectors, use cases, and growth opportunities
• Ensure alignment between client demand, solutions, and delivery capability
• Shape innovation across Microsoft ecosystem (Fabric, AI, automation)

2. Sales & Growth

• Own pipeline contribution and support revenue growth targets
• Partner with sales to shape, qualify, and close opportunities
• Act as senior SME in client conversations, bids, and proposals
• Develop repeatable offerings and accelerators to scale growth
• Build strategic relationships with key accounts

3. Capability Leadership

• Lead, develop and mentor a multi-disciplinary Data capability (engineering, BI, governance, AI)
• Define capability structure, career pathways, and skills strategy
• Build a high-performing leadership layer (Leads/Principals)
• Drive a culture of engineering excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Ensure scalability through standards, tooling, and reusable assets

4. Delivery Excellence & Assurance

• Accountable for quality and consistency across all data engagements
• Provide senior oversight on solution architecture and delivery approach
• Ensure adherence to best practices, governance, security, and scalability standards
• Manage delivery risk and ensure predictable client outcomes
• Embed strong engineering disciplines (CI/CD, automation, testing)

5. Client Leadership & Value Delivery

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders

• Lead strategic engagements across discovery, design, and transformation programmes
• Focus on delivering measurable business outcomes and value
• Strengthen long-term client relationships and account growth

Key Measures of Success

• Revenue growth and pipeline contribution

• Client satisfaction and account expansion
• Capability utilisation and margin performance
• Quality of delivery (risk, rework, standards adherence)
• Capability maturity and staff retention/engagement
• Development of reusable assets, propositions, and accelerators

Experience & Capability

Leadership & Commercial

• Proven experience leading data or digital practices at scale

• Strong commercial acumen with experience contributing to sales and revenue growth
• Ability to engage at C-suite and senior stakeholder level
• Experience in regulated sectors (energy, public sector, financial services)

Technical & Delivery Depth

• Deep expertise in Azure Data Platform, Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Purview
• Strong understanding of end-to-end data architecture and modern data platforms
• Experience leading complex transformation programmes
• Ability to provide technical oversight without being hands-on day-to-day

At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success. We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life. In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package:

• Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.
• Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.
• A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes.

At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us.