Head of data analytics job description.

What does a head of data analytics do?

 

The head of data analytics leads the function responsible for turning business data into strategic insights. They oversee teams of analysts and scientists, define reporting standards, and ensure data-driven decision-making is embedded in the organisation’s culture.

 

Responsibilities include setting KPIs, improving data literacy across teams, aligning analytics with business objectives, and championing tools and platforms that support scalable insight generation. They also partner with finance, marketing, product, and leadership teams.

 

In growing companies, they often build the analytics function from scratch. In established organisations, they lead multi-team departments, manage vendor relationships, and report directly into commercial or operations leadership.

 

Key responsibilities of a head of data analytics.

 

The head of data analytics oversees data strategy and insight delivery across the business. Typical responsibilities include:

• Leading analytics teams and hiring data professionals

• Defining data strategy, reporting frameworks, and data culture initiatives

• Overseeing dashboards, reports, and advanced analysis for senior stakeholders

• Aligning data work with commercial KPIs and strategic goals

• Ensuring high-quality data sources, models, and interpretations

• Partnering with engineering to support scalable data infrastructure

• Managing data tools, platforms, and vendor relationships

• Reporting on data performance and business value to leadership

• Supporting governance and data ethics across analytics projects

• Driving data literacy and usage across non-technical teams

This role blends data strategy, leadership, and business enablement.

 

Skills and requirements for a head of data analytics.

 

Heads of data analytics lead data strategy and insight generation. Employers typically look for:

• 8–12 years of experience in analytics or data science roles

• Experience managing data, BI, or analytics teams

• Strong ability to align insights with business goals

• Skilled in data storytelling, dashboarding, and reporting

• Proficiency in SQL, visualisation tools, and statistical methods

• Confidence working with senior stakeholders

• Understanding of data governance and compliance

• Experience setting up analytics platforms

• Strong leadership, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement skills

Most heads of analytics report to senior tech or operations leadership.

 

Average salary for a head of data analytics.

 

In the UK, the average salary for a head of data analytics typically ranges from £96,000 to £150,000, reflecting leadership of data teams, strategic insight generation, and business alignment.

• Mid-level heads tend to earn between £96,000 and £125,000

• Senior heads shaping cross-departmental data use and managing large analytics functions may earn between £126,000 and £150,000

• Compensation can include bonuses tied to decision-making impact or forecasting accuracy

Top salaries are seen in telecoms, banking, and global digital enterprises.

 

Career progression for a head of data analytics.

 

A head of data analytics owns the organisation’s insight function — connecting data, business strategy, and decision-making. It’s a leadership role with opportunities to expand into enterprise or commercial strategy. Career progression typically includes:

 

Data analyst

 

Builds reports, conducts trend analysis, and supports business units.

 

Senior analyst / Insights lead

 

Delivers strategic reporting and drives experimentation to support commercial goals.

 

Analytics manager

 

Manages analysts, builds data culture, and integrates analytics into business strategy.

 

Head of data analytics

 

Leads cross-functional data initiatives, sets best practices, and aligns analytics with leadership objectives.

 

Director of data

 

Owns the entire data function — including science, analytics, and engineering teams.