Job Introduction
As part of a broader multi-year change initiative, we are looking to appoint an experienced Head of Data Platforms within our UK technology function.
Reporting to the Head of Engineering, you will be responsible for defining and executing the strategy to modernise the Bank’s data and analytics platforms, with a primary focus on transitioning from legacy Microsoft-centric data warehousing, business intelligence, and analytics technologies to a hybrid approach leveraging Microsoft Azure cloud equivalents.
You will balance the dual responsibility of continuing to develop and operate the existing on-premise capabilities in line with business demand, while also architecting and executing the longer-term migration to cloud-based platforms. You will ensure all platforms remain reliable and high-performing throughout the transition.
You will be a hands-on leader with expertise in both traditional and cloud-based data technologies. You will be a strong communicator, adept at working across business functions to identify and implement data solutions that respond to business needs and drive value.
On a day-to-day basis, you will provide leadership and mentoring to the existing data platform teams, evolving internal capabilities to meet new and emerging demand.
You will be the “data expert” within Technology. You will stay abreast of relevant technological, regulatory, and industry trends, ensuring these are reflected in the platform strategies, roadmaps and engineering practices.
Main Responsibilities
- Define and lead the data platforms strategy, balancing the immediate need to develop existing technologies whilst providing a clear roadmap for migration to cloud
- Secure buy-in from senior stakeholders by developing and communicating a clear data platform roadmap that aligns with business, regulatory and technology priorities.
- Maintain and continue to build out the existing / legacy on-premise data warehousing (Microsoft SQL Server, SSRS/SSIS) and analytics (Qlik, PowerBI) technologies to support priority business and regulatory demands
- Lead the design of the target hybrid data platform. Work with technology colleagues on a Group-wide basis to implement and migrate to Microsoft Azure Services which for the UK is expected to include Azure Data Lake Services, Data Factory, Databricks and DevOps
- Champion the use of modern data engineering across all teams. Embed a culture of change and innovation, underpinned by agile design and delivery practices which constructively challenges the status quo
- Manage the sourcing and integration of data from on-premise and cloud sources, ensuring adherence to internal data quality, data governance and information security standards
- Provide technical direction, mentorship and leadership to the existing team of data and platform engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, whilst developing the skills needed for the target state
- Operate an effective risk and control environment. Implement effective monitoring and be proactive in managing data platform risks
- Oversee strategic relationships with technology vendors, ensuring contracts, service level agreements and delivery commitments align with business and regulatory requirements
- Drive organisational adoption of new data tools and practices
- Be the expert and focal point for the use of data technologies across the Bank. Stay abreast of data , industry and regulatory trends. Champion the use of advanced data technologies including the use of artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and data science
- Actively promotes and ensures adherence to the Bank's Risk Management framework (including sub-frameworks) and relevant risk and compliance policies and procedures, ensuring timely and appropriate escalation of concerns to relevant senior stakeholders.
Ideal Candidate
Research (by Harvard University) shows that women are particularly likely to second guess themselves and not apply - so if you are worried you don't meet all the criteria, get in touch anyhow and let us do the worrying…
- Extensive experience in:
- leading and design and scaling of enterprise-wide data platform transformations in financial services or similarly regulated environments
- implementing and managing hybrid data lake / warehousing architectures involving concurrent management of on-premise & cloud environments and real-time streaming pipelines
- Hands-on production—grade experience with Azure data services (Azure Synapse Analytics, Data Factory, Data Lake, Databricks, Power BI)
- Knowledge of micro-services, API’s and how to integrate data across systems
- Expertise in Microsoft SQL Server, SSIS, SSRS, and Power BI
- Understanding of regulatory data requirements (e.g. GDPR) and experience embedding controls in data platforms
Company Information
Handelsbanken is a relationship bank with a decentralised way of working, a strong local presence thanks to a nationwide network of branches, and a long-term approach to customer relations. Each Handelsbanken branch operates as a local business enabling it to make decisions at a local level and provide a bespoke service. The focus is always on the need of the individual customer and not on the sale of specific products.
We are embarking on an exciting Business Transformation journey. This transformation will significantly enhance our technology system systems, processes and services, bringing evolution to our ways of working. Join us in this transformative journey, where your dedication, adaptability and commitment will play a crucial role in shaping the future of banking for our valued customers.
The Bank is deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all of our activities. This is so that we are an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work that encourages everyone to apply, regardless of socio-economic background, age, disability, pregnancy and/or parental status, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), veteran status, marital and civil partnership status, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment or sexual orientation.
Check our Handelsbanken website for further information
At Handelsbanken, we deeply value our unique culture and values including trust in and respect for each individual. We take pride in nurturing a work environment where people flourish, and where they are empowered to take decisions in their areas of expertise. We take a long term perspective in everything we do and want each employee who joins us to build a long terms successful career with the Bank.
What is in it for you?
- We have a wide range of learning and development available, empowering and enabling our colleagues to take ownership of their own development.
- Competitive Salary and an extensive range of benefits is provided, including private medical insurance, income protection and life assurance
- A market-leading pension contribution of 15% paid by the bank, which can be invested in a wide range of funds (including ESG and Shariah funds)
Application next steps
Your journey with us begins once you have submitted your application. One of our Handelsbanken recruiters will be reviewing your details and will later organise a phone conversation if you match the role requirements. If there is a mutual fit, we will extend an invitation for you to participate in an interview.
How can we support you to be your best self? Our Talent Acquisition team will be happy to provide support e.g. if you need additional time to prepare for an interview or you have any requirements for any part of the interview/hiring process – just let us know by email uk_talent@careers.handelsbanken.co.uk.
This advert will be live for a minimum of two weeks. However, please note that after the two weeks, the closing date could change at any time depending on the number of responses received.