Head of Data

WSETs purpose is to empower people through inspiring learning experiences all over the world. We offer a comprehensive suite of globally recognised qualifications covering wines spirits beer and sake.

We are the worlds leading provider of qualifications in wines spirits beer and sake delivering over 140000 exams each year to candidates in over 70 countries via our network of Approved Programme Providers (APPs).

The successful applicant will contribute to a culture of integrity empowerment dynamism and inclusivity within WSET.

Any offer of employment or your ongoing employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a thorough background check by an independent third party. NB If you currently work for one of WSETs APPs you may not be eligible to apply for this role subject to your future career plans and the nature of that role. If you work for an APP either in a selfemployed or employed capacity and would like to discuss your eligibility please contact the hiring manager.

WSET is in the developmental and implementation stages of an exciting organisationwide digital transformation Programme. The newly created role of Head of Data will be a leader in Data Transformation playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the WSET through strategic use of data.

Overall Responsibility

Working crossfunctionally you will:

• Develop and own a comprehensive Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategic plan to transform data into actionable business insights and tooptimise our core data infrastructure.
• Ensure alignment with the strategic goals of our transformational programme and organisation strategic plans.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify and implement AI innovative technologies and methodologies which will elevate our data capabilities andenhance overall business intelligence.
• Shape how we grow and evolve the use of our data to improve outcomes and drive innovation.
• Embed a datadriven organisational culture.
• Enable selfservice analytics to ensure that data is accessible and understandable and to enable real time decisionmaking and improved outcomes.
• Lead on data governance working closely with key business areas to build a new crossorganisational board to oversee how data and insight is developed and utilised.
• Move the organisation away from a fullycentralised approach to business intelligence and analytics by building new data skills capabilities and communities whilstfostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

• Work closely with the Data Protection Officer (DPO) to ensure adherence to both data protection regulation and agreed principles (and evidence this).

• Contribute to the Trust by undertaking other various tasks as required.

Person Specification:

A degree in computer science data engineering or a related industry experience.

A strong background in data analytics data modelling and data visualisation likely from a background in data architecture and /or data engineering.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to bring data facts alive for nondata centric stakeholders engage and motivate team members and stakeholders.

Curious with an insatiable drive to adapt the use of data and AI showcasing a trajectory of continuous learning looking for more value in our data and embracing innovation.

Ability to demonstrate not just data acumen but strategic foresight andto understand and demonstrate how data supports and enhances an organisations objective.

Understanding of data protection regulation (GDPR)

Essential/Desirable criteria:

Experience of building/growing an analytical function. Awareness of the challenge in launching a new function and embedding it into organisational ways of working.

Experience of establishing and enforcing data governance principles to ensure data quality accuracy and consistency.

Ability to identify and capitalise on business intelligence and datadriven opportunities which can lead to creating new revenue streams and enhancing business growth.

Working knowledge of technologies such as Dynamics 365 PowerBi Snowflake or equivalent Database design SQL Server PowerApps dataflows and solution management.

Demonstrable experience and understanding of existing and emerging and deployment use and governance of analytical machine learning and AI technologies.

Definitions:

Fully remote Can be performed entirely remotely from any location.

Hybrid remote Performed as a mixture of inoffice and remote work.

Temporarily remote Performed in a single location such as an office or at a job site but which is temporarily remote during special circumstances).

UK Benefits

Annual Leave 27 days pa public holidays increases with service; ability to buy/sell 5 days

Pension (options availableafter three months):

5% Employee (EE) 3% Employer (ER) contributions.

Option 1: 3% EE 5% ER

Option 2: 5% EE 8% ER

Option 3: 7.5% EE 12.5% ER

Option 4: 9% EE 15% ER

Health insurance (after three months):

Vitality scheme post probation Access to virtual GP appointments Rewards include Caffe Nero drinks Cinema Tickets Apple Watch Cash Back on Waitrose shopping 75% off at Champneys 6 month subscription with HeadSpace Discounted Weight Watchers membership and gyms Smoking Cessation day worth 300 and half price health screens

Eye voucher scheme

Food and drink in the office

Nespresso coffee makers and a range of other drinks fruit cereals soups

Season ticket & gym membership loan scheme

Group income protection scheme

EAP

24/7 confidential help and support from trained counsellors and advisors

Death in service

4x annual salary paid to nominees with associated bereavement support for family

Enhanced family friendly leave and pay

Celebration vouchers

Cycle2Work scheme

Discretionary bonus

Development WSETs inhouse training and qualifications in Wines Spirits Sake and Beer as well as other professional development opportunities