Data
Data Leader Recruitment
Specialist data leadership recruiters working across the US, UK, EU and UAE.
Trusted by tech teams from start-ups to globally recognised brands
“Extremely responsive and professional service. Had a great recruitment experience. Highly recommend Consortia as a talent acquisition partner.”
Pierre C. · AI Program Lead
Overview
Data leaders decide whether a data function earns its keep or quietly burns budget. In a smaller company the role is usually a Head of Data. In a larger one it may be a Director of Data, a Chief Data Officer (CDO) or a Chief Analytics Officer.
Consortia recruits data leaders across the UK, Europe, the US and the UAE. That includes the people who lead one part of the function: Heads of Data Science, Data Engineering, Analytics and Business Intelligence. Where a business needs senior experience for a few days a week, we place fractional data leaders. For the most senior appointments we run a retained search.
How we recruit data leaders
A data leadership hire usually comes at a specific point for the business. It may be building its first data team, replacing a leader or trying to get more from AI. Each situation needs a different kind of person.
Consortia starts by a getting clear picture of what the business needs from the first year. That includes who the role reports to, what they will own and what budget and support they will have.
AI ownership also needs to be trasparent as good candidates will ask about this. In some businesses, the data leader owns it while in others, AI sits with a separate Head of AI or Chief AI Officer.
How hands on the role needs to be will shape the shortlist too. A smaller team may need someone who still builds and solves problems directly. A larger function may need someone focused on people, budgets and senior leadership.
That’s why Consortia looks beyond a candidates job title and more closely at the size of team they have led, the budget they managed and what changed under their leadership.
Few senior data roles are advertised, so most of the search is a direct and discreet approach. Packages vary by sector and location, and we benchmark each one so the offer lands close to what candidates are accepting.
Permanent Recruitment
Permanent hires for specialist and leadership roles across technology teams.
Contract Recruitment
Day-rate and fixed-term specialists for projects, change programmes and interim cover.
Fractional Data Leadership
Executive Search
Retained search for technology leaders and hard-to-find specialists.
Customer Stories
How we've helped
Salary guide
Data Leaders salaries
These ranges reflect what employers are advertising right now. Accepted offers can look different. Speak to a consultant about what's actually getting accepted.
We track what UK employers are advertising for this role. Ask us for the current ranges.
US salaries often run ahead of UK ranges, and vary with region and funding stage. Tell us where you're hiring and we'll share what's being advertised.
European salaries vary widely by country. Tell us where you're hiring and we'll share what's being advertised.
UAE packages are often structured differently, with tax-free salaries and allowances. Tell us what you're hiring for and we'll share what's being advertised.
Live jobs
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Head of Data Science, a Director of Data and a Chief Analytics Officer?
A Head of Data Science usually leads the data scientists and machine learning work. A Director of Data often has wider scope, covering data engineering, analytics and data science together. A Chief Analytics Officer typically sits at executive level and focuses on how analytics shapes business decisions. Titles vary widely, so we look at the scope someone has actually held.
How technical should our data leader be?
Technical enough to earn the respect of the team and make sound decisions about platforms, architecture and priorities. Beyond that, it depends on the team. A leader of a small, early team may need to be hands-on. A leader of a large function needs to spend more time on people, budget and working with other executives.
How should we measure whether a data leader is succeeding?
Look at whether decisions across the business are improving, whether people trust the numbers and whether the most important data projects are being delivered. The number of dashboards or models built says little on its own. Agreeing a small set of measures at the start gives both sides a clear picture of progress.
What do senior data leaders look for in a package?
Salary matters, but packages at this level often include bonus, equity in growing businesses, flexibility and room to develop. Expectations vary by sector and location. Senior data leaders also weigh the mandate, budget and backing they will have. We benchmark packages for each search so offers land close to what candidates are accepting.
How do I start working with Consortia?
Clients can get in touch to discuss a brief, and candidates are welcome to register their interest. The quickest route is our contact page or a call to +44 203 397 4565, and one of our consultants will pick things up from there.
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