Head of Data Analytics
First seen by Alion on Nov 5, 2026.
SUMMARY:
We are looking for a visionary Head: Data and Analytics to transform enterprise information architecture, drive modern cloud engineering, and spearhead our analytics and GenAI journey from the ground up.
Operating at a strategic senior leadership level, you will own the firm-wide data and BI roadmap, modern data platform architecture, and enterprise governance frameworks. You will bridge high-level business strategy with deep technical execution—eliminating operational reporting bottlenecks, embedding self-service analytics, and engineering resilient data products that unlock trusted insights across the entire business
POSITION INFO:
The Tech Stack Deep-Dive Technical Landscape & Qualifications Architecture & Modelling: Medallion Architecture, Kimball Dimensional Modelling, Master Data Management (MDM), Conceptual\/Logical\/Physical Data Modelling, Semantic Layer Design Cloud & Platform: Microsoft Azure, Databricks, scalable ETL\/ELT data pipelines Analytics, BI & AI: Advanced Power BI\/BI semantic models, KPI frameworks, Predictive Analytics, Machine Learning & Generative AI readiness foundations Governance & Quality: Enterprise data catalogs, lineage tracing, data quality automation, metadata management Must-Haves: Proven track record leading modern data engineering and analytics capabilities (up to 12 years of progressive experience). Solid hands-on background with Azure , Databricks , Medallion architecture , and Kimball modelling . Deep expertise in enterprise data governance, MDM, and chairing data governance councils\/committees. Bachelors Honours Degree \/ NQF Level 8 (Management Sciences, Business Process Management, or Computer Science). Certified Data Management Professional ( CDMP ) credential. Prior advisory, consulting, or leadership experience within a professional services or legal firm environment. Nice-to-Haves: Direct experience operationalizing LLMs, Generative AI, and machine learning pipelines on governed enterprise data. Hands-on expertise with cloud cost optimization and FinOps for Azure\/Databricks environments. Key Responsibilities Architect the Modern Data Platform: Own and scale the Azure and Databricks data platform using medallion design patterns, ensuring robust data lineage, ingestion reliability, and cost-effective cloud performance. Lead Enterprise Data Governance: Chair the Data Governance Committee, establishing enterprise-wide stewardship, unified business glossaries, authoritative single-source-of-truth definitions, and automated data quality controls. Deliver Governed BI & AI Readiness: Build governed semantic models and self-service analytics to reduce operational reporting dependencies while structuring data foundations for production-grade AI and machine learning initiatives. Why Join Us Direct Strategic Impact: Lead a high-visibility practice with significant executive backing, shaping decisions that impact firm-wide strategy for years to come. Modern Stack & High Autonomy: Freedom to architect enterprise systems using modern cloud patterns (Databricks, Medallion) without being weighed down by legacy operational sprawl. Hybrid & Dynamic Work Environment: Enjoy a flexible balance of virtual and office-based collaboration within an elite, high-performance professional services firm.