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JOB DESCRIPTION

Head of Data

Role overview

The Head of Data most often occupies a position within a digital agency, a media agency, a consultancy firm or in a company that manages and exploits large quantities of data. Their main role is to manage the interface between several IT systems and the databases. They are also responsible for renewing their company's commercial offers and competitiveness, as well as for processing, quality control and data management.

The weekly workload of the Data Director falls into four categories:

  • 25%: monitoring of data management actions ;
  • 30%: implementation of data solutions ;
  • 25%: information security analysis ;
  • 20%: team management.

The Head of Data may initially work as a data scientist or data engineer, and progress to management positions such as CIO, IT manager or project manager.

 

Alternative Job Titles

  • Lead Data Scientist
  • Chief Data Officer (CDO)/Data Officer
  • Senior Data Scientist
  • Data Manager/Data Manager Officer
  • Head of Data Science
  • Data Manager/Data Director

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Missions principales

Main Responsibilities

The job of Head of Data is a multi-faceted one, as it allows you to develop a number of technical and soft skills through a variety of activities. These can be divided into two categories:

Steering the data management strategy

The role of the Data Manager Officer is to ensure the operational governance of data within the company. He or she organises the collection of information, whether it belongs to the company itself or to customers, partners and suppliers. This person must ensure that the company's management and other departments have easy access to the data. He or she is also responsible for ensuring that the defined data management strategy is effectively communicated and promoted.

Ensuring data quality, reliability and mapping

The Data Manager structures, maps and standardises the data needed to implement the company's strategies. To do this, they use business intelligence models and systems.

The Head of Data guarantees data quality and consistency. He ensures that the data life cycle is respected and that use cases are capitalised on. He or she also audits the organisational and technical processes for securing information.

The Data Manager Officer monitors the proper use of data in accordance with the regulations in force. He or she also keeps a constant watch on legal and technological developments in his or her field.

Competencies & Skills

 

  • Proficiency in analytical tools and database management software: this includes business intelligence software such as VBA, SQL, Cognos and Access.
  • Knowledge of data protection regulations: the Head of Data must also be aware of the constraints linked to the specific nature of his company.
  • Good knowledge of economic intelligence and marketing: this will enable the Data Manager to anticipate market conditions and competitive trends. They will also be able to assess threats and define the actions best suited to their development plan.
  • Mathematical, statistical and IT expertise: this team leader needs to be a whiz with numbers.
  • Mastery of Agile methodology: he is responsible for the ongoing management of various projects. This skill means that he can constantly iterate and collaborate to better meet customer needs.
  • Knowledge of the company and its business sector: this enables the Head of Data to make the right offensive and defensive decisions for each situation.
Missions principales

Education & Training

  • Training in IT, management, marketing, statistics or econometrics (such as ENSAI, ENSAE)
  • Specialised in Big Data
  • Data science
  • Engineering degree specialising in Big Data
  • MBA in digital marketing

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