Head of Data Platforms and Capabilities Architecture

About us

At National Grid, we are at the forefront of the energy transition, leveraging data to drive innovation and enhance our services. As we embark on a data revolution, we are committed to creating a dynamic and ambitious strategy that embraces opportunities in Data Mesh, Cloud technologies, and Data Science (ML/AI). Join us as the Head of Data Platforms and Capabilities Architecture and help shape the future of data at National Grid.

National Grid is hiring a Head of Data Platforms and Capabilities Architecture - This position is based from our Warwick office; however, we offer flexible hybrid working options & locations.

Job Purpose

As the Head of Platforms & Capabilities Architecture, reporting to the Data Director, you will be accountable for defining designs, policies, procedures, models, and technologies that will be used to collect, organize, store, and retrieve information for the organization. You will participate in the evolution of the NGET data strategy, ensuring effective data enablement, flow, and security. This role will empower product teams with enterprise-class capabilities for Data Science, Data Modelling, Product Development, and Data Visualization, converting business requirements into technical solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a fully self-service data environment that maximizes the value of the data we hold. 

What you'll do

Data Platform Architecture:

• Direct the development of enterprise-wide architecture and processes to embed strategic change management.
• Create and review an enterprise capability strategy to support business requirements and identify benefits of alternative strategies.
• Ensure compliance between business strategies, enterprise transformation activities, and technology directions.

Innovation & Emerging Technology:

• Foster a culture of innovation, risk-taking, and collaboration across the organization.
• Lead the identification and assessment of emerging technologies, creating technology roadmaps that align with organizational plans.
• Develop guidelines for monitoring emerging technologies and collaborate with stakeholders for intelligence gathering.

System Development & Design:

• Define and improve the organization’s systems development management framework.
• Champion system design principles and lead design activities for strategic, large, and complex systems development programs.
• Oversee the adoption of organizational policies and standards for system design.

Data Science & Machine Learning:

• Direct the creation of a cross-functional approach for generating value from data science and analytics.
• Lead the development of capabilities for machine learning systems, setting standards for their application and traceability.

Stakeholder Relationship Management:

• Establish effective relationships with stakeholders, understanding their objectives and requirements.
• Manage relationships with senior stakeholders and serve as the escalation point for issue resolution.

Data Visualization & Tools:

• Explore new approaches for data visualization and establish parameters for its use.
• Develop organizational policies and standards for methods and tools, ensuring consistent adoption.

About you

• Proven ability to operate at ‘C’ and Board level, forming strong relationships across all business units.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a track record of successful delivery in complex environments.
• Excellent relationship, communication, and presentation skills, capable of influencing stakeholders, customers, and partners effectively.
• Experience in making decisions that impact project success, including results, deadlines, and budget management.
• Extensive experience in strategic, investment, and product planning, ensuring alignment with business strategy and priorities.
• Strong understanding of the business area and current trends in data architecture, agile methodologies, and emerging technologies.
• Proven experience working within a heavily matrixed organization, with the ability to drive results and facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
• Good understanding of financial management principles and benefits realization, linking data initiatives to business outcomes effectively.
• Works under broad direction, often self-initiated, and fully responsible for meeting technical and project objectives.
• Establishes milestones and plays a significant role in task assignment and resource management.
• Capable of performing a wide range of complex technical and professional activities, applying fundamental principles in unpredictable contexts.
• Understands the relationship between data architecture and broader organizational requirements.
• Analyzes requirements and advises on scope and options for continuous operational improvement.
• Demonstrates creativity, innovation, and ethical thinking in applying solutions for stakeholders.
• Actively seeks out new knowledge for personal development and mentors colleagues to enhance their skills.
• Maintains awareness of industry developments and contributes to the security culture of the organization.
• Assesses and evaluates risks proactively, ensuring security is appropriately addressed within the data architecture domain.

What you'll get

A competitive salary – dependent on capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a company car or allowance, a bonus of up to 40% of your salary for stretch performance, and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, a salary sacrifice technology scheme, support via the employee assistance line, and matched charity giving to name a few.

More Information

The closing date for this vacancy is 29th August. However, we encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible and not to wait until the published closing date. National Grid’s recruitment periods can and may vary. We reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process.

 
DE & I statement 
 

At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.
Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need. We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.
 
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