Head of Data Ops & Systems

About Delivery Associates

Delivery Associates (DA) is a global consultancy focused on social impact, specializing in transformative public sector projects. Our expertise lies in strategic planning, monitoring, digital solutions, and communications to help governments and organizations achieve high-impact results through the Deliverology® methodology.

Role Overview

We are looking for a senior leader to oversee and enhance our internal tech infrastructure, data capabilities, and operations globally. As Head of Data Ops and Systems, you will guide our technology and data architecture to ensure robust, integrated, and secure systems that support DA’s operations worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and own the strategy, architecture, and investment plans for DA’s systems infrastructure and platforms, ensuring scalability and reliability.
• Lead a lean technical team to maintain and enhance the company’s technology environment, prioritizing continuous improvement.
• Oversee cybersecurity measures, including controls, access policies, and compliance with data protection regulations.
• Manage system uptime, performance, and incident response processes to guarantee operational continuity.
• Handle vendor and contract relationships with technology suppliers, ensuring service quality and compliance.
• Drive integration strategy across internal platforms to ensure seamless, reliable data flow and system interoperability.
• Identify and fix integration gaps, recommending system upgrades or replacements when necessary.
• Maintain DA’s data architecture, data quality standards, governance frameworks, and support data science activities.
• Serve as DA’s Data Protection Officer, ensuring global compliance with data protection laws.
• Formulate and maintain technology and data roadmaps, governance structures, risks assessments, and execution plans.
• Lead change initiatives, effectively managing stakeholder expectations and embedding new working methods.
• Build and nurture a high-performance data and systems team, fostering accountability and growth.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical leadership and teams.
• Promote innovation and a culture of continuous operational excellence.

Core Competencies & Mindsets

• Strong ownership and results orientation for data and systems deliverables.
• Strategic thinker with long-term vision and operational savvy.
• Clear and credible communication skills.
• Deep technical leadership across data science, architecture, and systems engineering.
• Proactive problem solver with sound judgement on risks and trade-offs.
• Experienced leader who builds accountable, high-performing teams.
• Adaptive and systems-oriented thinker in a global context.
• Accountable, decisive, strategic, collaborative, curious, and humble mindset.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, information systems, data science, or a related field; significant professional experience may substitute formal education.
• Extensive senior-level expertise leading data operations, data architecture, and systems in global organizations.
• Deep knowledge in data governance, quality management, data modelling, and data architecture.
• Proven experience managing platform engineering teams, integrations of enterprise systems, and IT security.
• Strong background in data protection laws with experience acting as a Data Protection Officer is essential.
• Hands-on technical skills allowing engagement with detailed technical challenges.
• Experience establishing technology governance, risk management, and translating strategy into actionable plans.
• Proven success managing portfolios of technology and data programs, including stakeholder management in complex environments.
• Track record of driving innovation in data and technology domains.
• Excellent communication with senior leaders and ability to explain complex concepts simply; fluency in English is required.
• Must have the legal right to work in Ireland; visa sponsorship is not provided.

What We Offer

• Meaningful impact through collaboration with global senior leaders and social sector initiatives.
• Diverse and globally distributed colleagues providing rich learning and mentorship opportunities.
• A culture that supports individual career growth and continuous improvement.
• Flexible, remote working options fostering balance and global teamwork.
• Competitive compensation with comprehensive benefits.

Our Values

• Passion: We focus relentlessly on impact.
• Excellence: We pursue the highest quality standards.
• Humility: We maintain pride without ego.