Head of Data
The Department
Mishcon has experienced a huge amount of growth in recent years and our success shows no sign of stopping.
Our Technology team also continues to go from strength to strength and we are involved in some incredibly
exciting and innovative initiatives across the firm. Rather than being considered a necessary support function,
our Technology department is an integral part of the strategy of the firm, and this is reflected both by the level
of tech investment and how Technology initiatives are discussed at the most senior level.
The Role
The Head of Data role drives the strategic use of data to support Mishcon's key business drivers. The role
collaborates with key business areas to leverage data insights in support of key business strategy and influences
business strategic direction through data insights.
The role is accountable for the development and execution of that data strategy and leads a team of subject
matter experts in Data Engineering, Data Architecture, Data Science and Data Analytics.
The Head of Data will lead the establishment and maturity of a hub and data delivery model as part of an
initiative to democratise data and place data at the fingertips of those making key decisions.
This role will also implement and support wider org design changes creating a flexible and scalable resource
model in response to changing demand.
The Head of Data will act as the principal adviser on data and business intelligence within the firm.
The Head of Data will be an evangelist for a data driven culture and inspire the firm with what is possible.
Duties and Responsibilities
Data Strategy and Architecture
• Create and own a data strategy that aligns to the firm's business goals. With an initial focus on
establishing operational grip across all business areas through high quality management information
before focusing on where and how we can deliver commercial/wider business value through data.
• Work closely with the Head of Architecture to design and develop a target architecture that helps
simplify, optimise and modernise the data and technology landscape.
• Contribute to the firm's architectural governance including participation in the TAB (Technology
Architecture Board) to provide guidance, direction and advise relating to material technology/data
decisions.
• Support efforts to improve non-FTE cost through the development, execution and maintenance of a
multi-year TCO strategy.
• Transition the data capability into the firms Target Operating Model.
Data Platforms and Products
• Work in collaboration with the Head of Platforms to optimise the existing data platform before
transitioning its ongoing support to the platforms team.
• Work in collaboration with the Interim Product leader to develop a data product roadmap which
includes the decommissioning of legacy data products and the development of a low-code alternative.
• Help develop the AI strategy and roadmap for the firm.
Data Governance
• Lead the Data Governance function to identify and mitigate data risk across the firm and improve the
firm's data governance capabilities.
Team Management
• Shape the Data function into a Centre of Data Excellence and the hub of data leadership across the
firm.
• Lead the Data Engineering and Data Science and Analytics teams.
• Develop data and analytics talent through appropriate recognition and progression frameworks.
• Encourage a culture of continuous learning within the Data team.
• Stay updated with latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in data and
analytics.
Collaboration
• Work with senior leadership to identify and develop data related opportunities.
• Establish and lead a Data & MI Community of Practice supporting data product delivery in delivery
spokes.
• Communicate and enforce our data and reporting standards.
• Provide a contact point and liaison between technical and business teams.
• Works with the Head of Platform to ensure data platforms adequately support data delivery activities.
Skills/Experience
• Proven experience of designing data strategies from business requirements.
• Ability to communicate with technical and non-technical audiences, adapting delivery style to suit.
• Experience of leading a team of data subject matter experts.
• The ability to inspire, influence stakeholders at all levels and tell the data story.
• Experience in legal or professional services industries.
• Experience being hands on with SQL, Data Orchestration Tools and Power BI.
• Knowledge and experience of meeting Data Governance requirements.
• Experience of Agile delivery.
• Personal and professional integrity.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components
of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.
About The Mishcon de Reya Group
The Mishcon de Reya Group is an independent, international professional services business with law at its
heart, employing over 1450 people with over 650 lawyers. It includes the law firm Mishcon de Reya LLP and a
collection of leading consultancy businesses that complement the firm's legal services.
Mishcon de Reya LLP is based in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore and Hong Kong (through its association
with Karas So LLP ). The firm services an international community of clients and provides advice in situations
where the constraints of geography often do not apply. Its work is cross-border, multi-jurisdictional and
complex, spanning seven core practice areas: Corporate ; Dispute Resolution ; Employment ; Impact;
Innovation ; Private ; and Real Estate .
The Mishcon de Reya Group includes consultancy businesses MDR Discover, MDRi (in Hong Kong), MDR
Mayfair (in London, Singapore and Dubai), MDR ONE and MDRx. The Group also includes MDR Lab, which
invests in the most promising early stage legaltech companies as well as the Mishcon Academy, its in-house
place of learning and platform for thought leadership.
Earlier this year, the Group announced its first strategic acquisition in the alternative legal services market,
flexible legal resourcing business Flex Legal. It also acquired a majority stake in Somos, a global group actions
management business.
We strive to create a fully diverse and inclusive workplace where all our people are empowered to fulfil their
potential. We are proud of our agile working culture and are always happy to talk flexible working.