Head of Data Products, Engineering & Architecture

British Red Cross incorporated; Inverness; Hybrid; GBP 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent charity organization is looking for a Head of Data Products, Engineering & Architecture to guide the strategic direction of data technology. You will lead the development of data products and ensure alignment with organizational strategy while providing strategic oversight of technology investments. This role offers flexibility in working arrangements, extensive annual leave, and opportunities for learning and development, valuing diversity and inclusion throughout the organization.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

36 days annual leave

Up to 6% contributory pension

Learning & Development opportunities

Employee benefits platform

Wellbeing Support

Cycle2Work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven track record of galvanizing change.
• Strong ability to manage upwards and influence within the organization.
• Experience in building effective business partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Establish and deliver data and insight technology strategy aligned to organizational goals.
• Provide strategic oversight of data technology investments.
• Accountable for the development and management of data products.

Skills

Influencing and managing upwards

Strategic thinking

Communicating technical concepts

Data platform technology expertise

Experience with insight tools like Power BI

Leading change in a senior role

Managing high-performing data teams

Tools

Databricks

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Head of Data Products, Engineering & Architecture

Location: UK Flexible location (Hybrid home and office)

Salary: £76,760 to £90,000 per annum (plus ILW, if applicable)

Hours: 35 per week

Contract: Permanent

Could you be responsible for setting and guiding the strategic direction of the data technology landscape, and ultimately accountable for the data technology landscape, data products, and data architecture?

Could you enable data and insight products to be created, shared, and managed effectively and efficiently, ensuring alignment to our strategy and objectives?

Could you lead and deliver the data and insight technology and data product strategy, driving continuous improvement and the adoption of new capabilities across British Red Cross?

A day in the life of a Head of Data Products, Engineering & Architecture will involve:

• Establish and deliver the data and insight technology and data product strategy and roadmap, aligned to the British Red Cross (BRC) strategic goals, data strategy, and technology strategy.
• Represent data and insight technology at the senior level across BRC, serving as the lead advisor into senior leadership, directorate spokes, and Technology to advise on the art of the possible and translate commercial requirements into technical delivery.
• Provide strategic oversight of the BRC data and insight technology ecosystem, ensuring scalable, sustainable and value‑driven technology investments.
• Accountable for the development and management of the BRC data products.
• Set and manage the budget for the function, including planning and forecasting, in collaboration with finance.
• Build on the talent strategy for the function, including the leadership pipeline, succession planning, and the balance of in‑house, internships, apprenticeships, volunteers, consultants, and outsourced resources.

To be a successful Head of Data Products, Engineering & Architecture, you will need:

• Strong ability to influence and manage upwards within the organisation.
• A key strategic thinker who can galvanise change with a proven track record.
• Strong ability to communicate data and technical concepts to non‑technical audiences.
• Strong knowledge and experience of data platform technology, especially Databricks.
• Strong knowledge and experience of insight tools, such as Power BI and Tableau.
• Proven experience of leading change in a senior data leadership role.Experience of building effective business partnerships across an organisation.
• Extensive experience in leading and managing high‑performing data teams, especially engineering, architecture, and product management.

In return for your commitment and expertise, you’ll get:

• Flexible working: Remote and hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours, and job sharing.
• Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days.
• Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
• Learning & Development: A range of career & learning opportunities.
• Discounts: Blue Light Discount Card, Tickets For Good & employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support: Peer Supporters, C.I.C. (EAP) & Headspace App.
• Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.

We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme for UK‑based roles. During your application, you'll have the option to apply under the scheme.

At the British Red Cross, we value diversity and maintain an inclusive environment for all staff and volunteers. We champion our teams in bringing their true selves to work, free from discrimination. This is achieved through reporting and assistance from our internal networks: Race and Ethnic Equality (REEN), LGBT+, Disability and Wellness (DAWN), Gender, Carers, and Young Staff Network.

Together, we are the world's emergency responders.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 hrs on Sunday the 11th of January 2026.