Data Platform Lead

Data plays an increasingly important role in how we operate, supporting commercial performance, audience growth, subscriptions, operational efficiency and decision-making across Newsquest. We're looking for an experienced Data Platform Lead to drive a critical phase of transformation across our data ecosystem. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a business-wide data modernisation programme and lead the evolution of our platforms, infrastructure, and governance to create a scalable foundation for future growth. Newsquest is one of the UK's largest local media organisations, reaching millions of readers every week through our trusted news brands and digital platforms. As we continue our digital evolution, data is playing an increasingly important role in shaping commercial performance, audience growth and business decision-making, making this a particularly exciting time to join the organisation. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping how data is collected, managed, and utilised across a complex, multi-site organisation, improving data quality, accessibility, and trust whilst enabling better reporting, analytics, and decision-making across the business. Working closely with business stakeholders, IT teams, data engineers and third-party partners, you'll lead the delivery of a modern data platform that supports current business needs whilst creating the foundations for future innovation and growth. Following the successful delivery of the programme, you will continue to own the platform's development, driving optimisation, governance, adoption and continuous improvement, ensuring the platform delivers long-term value across the organisation. Reporting to the Director of Ad Tech, Monetisation & Insights, you'll join an established team and collaborate across the business. You'll have access to the tools, technology and support needed to deliver meaningful change, alongside the opportunity to influence data strategy at a business-wide level. This is a permanent, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week. The role is remote within the UK, although candidates are welcome to work from any of our office locations should they prefer a hybrid environment. We offer a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package. Key Responsibilities Lead the modernisation and transformation of Newsquest's data platform and supporting architecture, creating a scalable, secure and sustainable foundation for future growth. Define and deliver a roadmap for data migration, integration, governance, reporting and analytics capabilities. Lead the implementation of a modern data platform, including the development of a data warehouse, data lake, lakehouse or equivalent cloud-based solution. Work with stakeholders across the business to understand requirements and translate them into practical data solutions that deliver measurable business value. Collaborate closely with IT teams, data engineers, system owners and third-party suppliers to ensure successful project delivery. Manage programme plans, budgets, risks, dependencies and resources across multiple workstreams. Establish and embed robust data governance, ownership and quality standards across the organisation, increasing confidence and trust in business data. Lead and support internal data engineering resources, ensuring successful delivery of platform objectives. Drive platform adoption across the business, improving accessibility to trusted data and reducing reliance on manual processes. Oversee post-implementation stabilisation, optimisation and continuous improvement activities, ensuring the platform continues to evolve alongside business requirements. Identify future opportunities to enhance reporting, analytics, automation and data-driven decision-making. Skills, Knowledge & Expertise Essential Proven experience leading the implementation, migration or modernisation of an enterprise-scale data platform. Demonstrable experience delivering a data warehouse, data lake, lakehouse or modern cloud-based data platform within a medium or large organisation. Strong understanding of data architecture, data integration, governance, security and data management best practices. Experience successfully delivering complex data transformation programmes from discovery and design through to implementation, stabilisation and optimisation. Strong programme and project management skills, including planning, stakeholder management, risk management and resource coordination. Experience working within multi-site organisations with diverse stakeholders, systems and data requirements. Ability to build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and translate business requirements into effective technical solutions. Experience collaborating with IT teams, engineers, suppliers and business leaders to deliver business-critical change. Knowledge of modern data platforms and technologies such as Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Platform, Snowflake, BigQuery or similar. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage both technical and non-technical audiences. A pragmatic, delivery-focused approach with the ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on programme leadership. Desirable Experience within publishing, media, digital, subscription or customer-focused organisations. Experience developing and implementing data governance frameworks and operating models. Knowledge of Power BI or other modern business intelligence platforms. Understanding of AI, machine learning and advanced analytics capabilities. Experience leading teams within data engineering, analytics or platform functions. Job Benefits Competitive salary 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility Structured career progression & ongoing training Pension plan Employee Helpline counselling and advice Perks & discounts including: Gym membership Cycle to Work scheme Eye care Retail discounts Team building days & annual volunteer charity day Newsquest Media Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all community sections regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Our recruitment process will consist of various stages and activities. As part of our commitment to fairness to all applicants, we will take into account any adjustments that could help you.