Overview

We are transforming our use of data and are seeking a driven data leader to shape AJ Bell’s data function through this transformation. Data at AJ Bell should reflect our strategic market positioning of “ease of use,” “trust” and “low-cost.” We are hiring a Data Director to lead and collaborate with our data functions, encompassing data analytics, data science, data governance, and data engineering. You will deliver our vision using data to provide a market-leading platform service, driving value from data. You will drive a data-first culture, empowering self-service approaches across the business, underpinned by technology, governance, and data science capabilities. The data team will provide insights that drive improved strategic outcomes for our business; using data as the foundation for all we do.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in data strategy and execution, delivering data initiatives aligned to business goals.
• Build, lead, and develop high-performing teams across data analytics, data science, governance, and engineering.
• Lead data-driven transformation to unlock measurable business impact, enable data-led decisions, inform product development, and enhance customer insight; ensure scalable, secure, and reliable data infrastructure that enables lifecycle analytics and supports revenue and growth objectives.
• Advocate and enable a data-first culture by improving data understanding, accessibility, and confidence across the organisation; champion the strategic value of data in achieving business goals.
• Demonstrate commitment to continuous learning and keeping ahead of evolving data technologies and industry trends.
• Maintain a strategic vision while attending to detail and delivery excellence.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulation, and maintain a customer-focused approach.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and manage cross-functional relationships to drive data initiatives.
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and big data technologies (e.g., Snowflake, Spark).
• Promote data understanding and self-service analytics to support business decisions.

Qualifications

• Strong technical grounding with a track record of solving problems in senior data leadership roles.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams across data analytics, data science, governance, and engineering.
• Proven track record of leading data-driven transformation, enabling data-led decisions and measurable business impact.
• Expertise in analytical and querying tools such as Python, SAS, or SQL.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to distill complex data concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience in financial services or other highly regulated sectors is advantageous.

About Us

AJ Bell is one of the fastest-growing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an award-winning range of solutions for professionals and DIY investors. We serve over 593,000 customers with assets totaling more than £90.4 billion. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange Main Market and are a FTSE 250 company. Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol, we employ over 1,500 people and have been named one of the UK’s Best 100 Companies to Work For for six consecutive years and in 2024 named a Great Place to Work.

Perks And Benefits

• Starting holiday entitlement of 28 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service
• Pension schemes with matched contributions up to 8%
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
• Health Cash Plan – provided by SimplyHealth
• Discounted private healthcare and dental plan
• Free gym membership
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Loans for travel season tickets
• Death in service scheme
• Calendar of social events and ongoing technical training
• Professional qualification support and talent development programmes
• Peer recognition and other benefit options
• Casual dress code

Working Model

We offer a hybrid working model. You’ll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the Manchester office. New team members may begin with full-time in the office to immerse themselves in the business and build relationships. AJ Bell is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees.