Head of UKC Data Product

Job Description

Purpose of the role

To define, direct and govern the bank’s target data architecture (inc. shared data environment, data model and standards) in support of business strategy, ensuring that data is accurate, secure and accessible to meet the needs of stakeholders. 

Accountabilities

• Development of the banks data architecture strategy, including the translation of bank-wide goals and objectives into target data architecture and transition plan.
• Collaboration with stakeholders, including data operations, engineers and analysts, to provide subject matter expertise and share knowledge to promote standardised, consistent, safe and value-driven data usage.
• Development and maintenance of the banks data architecture governance, standards and protection policies, regarding data models, authoritative data stores, and data capabilities, to support data quality, accuracy and consistency and the protection of sensitive information.
• Management of the alignment of projects to the target data architecture through the provision of guidance, data solutions and monitoring of progress.
• Definition of the shared reusable data capabilities, assets, tools and technologies required to connect disparate data sources, optimise data storage and provide seamless data access.
• Custodianship of an overarching data model that directs how data is logically and physically structured within the banks physical data resources, e.g. database, interfaces and reports.
• Monitoring applicable regulatory standards and industry developments for potential impact on the banks operations, controls and application portfolio.
• Identification and selection of best-in-class data technologies and ongoing assessment of compliance with the bank's service level agreements and quality standards.

Director Expectations

• To manage a business function, providing significant input to function wide strategic initiatives. Contribute to and influence policy and procedures for the function and plan, manage and consult on multiple complex and critical strategic projects, which may be business wide..
• They manage the direction of a large team or sub-function, leading other people managers and embedding a performance culture aligned to the values of the business. Or for an individual contributor, they lead organisation wide projects and act as deep technical expert and thought leader, identifying new ways of working and collaborating cross functionally. They will train, guide and coach less experienced specialists and provide information affecting long term profits, organisational risks and strategic decisions..
• Provide expert advice to senior functional management and committees to influence decisions made outside of own function, offering significant input to function wide strategic initiatives.
• Manage, coordinate and enable resourcing, budgeting and policy creation for a significant sub-function.
• Escalates breaches of policies / procedure appropriately.
• Foster and guide compliance, ensure regulations are observed that relevant processes in place to facilitate adherence.
• Focus on the external environment, regulators, or advocacy groups to both monitor and influence on behalf of Barclays, when appropriate.
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of how the function integrates with the business division / Group to achieve the overall business objectives.
• Maintain broad and comprehensive knowledge of industry theories and practices within own discipline alongside up-to-date relevant sector / functional knowledge, and insight into external market developments / initiatives.
• Use interpretative thinking and advanced analytical skills to solve problems and design solutions in often complex/ sensitive situations.
• Exercise management authority to make significant decisions and certain strategic decisions or recommendations within own area.
• Negotiate with and influence stakeholders at a senior level both internally and externally.
• Act as principal contact point for key clients and counterparts in other functions/ businesses divisions.
• Mandated as a spokesperson for the function and business division.

All Senior Leaders are expected to demonstrate a clear set of leadership behaviours to create an environment for colleagues to thrive and deliver to a consistently excellent standard. The four LEAD behaviours are: L – Listen and be authentic, E – Energise and inspire, A – Align across the enterprise, D – Develop others.

All colleagues will be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship – our moral compass, helping us do what we believe is right. They will also be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Mindset – to Empower, Challenge and Drive – the operating manual for how we behave.

About Chief Data Office (CDAO)

The CDAO has strategic accountability to foster an understanding of how data can be used to enable business data strategy through clear data platform, architecture, analytics strategy and roadmap: leads data management and design; drives prioritization and improvements in data quality; ensures adherence to data, record, NFRR and privacy policies standards and controls and informs this overtime.

Overall purpose of role

The role holder is responsible for defining the UKCB data product vision, objectives, milestones, and roadmap aligned to BU’s objectives and coordinating with key stakeholders within the Data Product ecosystem (e.g. source data owners, users, development & production teams, CIO, EDP, CDO, CDA, COO etc) to collectively achieve its intended outcome.

• Define and own the BU‑level Data Product strategy and roadmap, aligned to business and enterprise data objectives
• Hold end‑to‑end accountability for data products, from demand and funding through delivery, adoption, and value realization
• Govern the data product portfolio, including inventory, prioritisation, investment decisions, and roadmap progress
• Approve new data products and significant enhancements, ensuring value‑based prioritisation and strategic alignment
• Provide senior oversight of data product design, quality, governance, controls, and SLAs
• Identify, manage, and escalate data product risks and issues through appropriate governance forums
• Lead and develop data product teams, embedding a strong performance and accountability culture
• Influence and coordinate senior stakeholders across business, data, and technology to deliver strategic outcomes

Essential Skills/Basic Qualifications:

• Data Strategy and Business Architecture - Strong background in designing and implementing complex and scalable data products and data capabilities, preferably within the financial services sector
• Proven experience in business data solution offerings with familiarity in Big Data and Cloud capabilities and working in cross-functional teams
• User-Centric Mindset – understanding how data products solve business problems and drive business value
• Excellent written and verbal communication and strong leadership skills
• Good understanding of Data strategy with proven problem-solving skills to offer cross-function solutions

Desirable skills/Preferred Qualifications:

• Techno-commercial background – ability to align data initiatives with business goals, domain knowledge in Global Transaction Banking preferable in conjunction with expertise in data products and /or scalable data solutions
• Storytelling with Data - ability to communicate data strategies and insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Education – Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business or related fields
• Experience in leading small to medium size high performing and efficient data team with diverse technical and functional skills across global locations