Practice Director - Data Focus - Projects

This is an opportunity for a Practice Director to take ownership of a growing data practice within a specialist technology consultancy. The role sits at the intersection of strategy and delivery — suited to a leader who is equally comfortable shaping a long-term practice vision and rolling up their sleeves to ensure projects land well on the ground.

This is not a purely strategic hire. The right candidate will bring strong delivery credentials, a track record of leading complex software projects, and the commercial and interpersonal skills to build lasting relationships with senior stakeholders. Consulting or professional services experience is a strong advantage.

• Define the direction and growth strategy for the data practice
• Build and maintain a compelling service offering that reflects market demand and client need
• Work closely with senior leadership to align practice goals with broader business objectives
• Contribute to thought leadership, proposals, and business development activity

• Take overall accountability for the successful delivery of data engagements across the practice
• Maintain hands‑on involvement where needed — reviewing delivery approaches, unblocking teams, and ensuring quality
• Establish and embed delivery standards, methodologies, and best practices across the practice
• Identify and manage risks before they become problems

• Act as the senior point of contact for key clients, building trusted advisor relationships at C‑suite and director level
• Lead client engagement from scoping through to delivery and beyond
• Navigate complex stakeholder environments with clarity and confidence
• Ensure client satisfaction drives repeat business and referrals

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of consultants, engineers, and architects
• Create an environment where strong practitioners want to stay and develop
• Support recruitment and capability building as the practice scales

• A proven track record delivering complex software or data projects, ideally within a consulting or professional services environment
• Experience leading a practice, business unit, or delivery function at a senior level
• Strong stakeholder management skills — able to operate credibly with technical teams and executive audiences alike
• Comfortable moving between strategic and operational work without losing effectiveness in either
• A natural leader who invests in the people around them
• Clear, confident communicator who can simplify complexity for any audience
• Commercially aware with an understanding of how delivery performance connects to business outcomes