24.02.26

Success Story: Head of Data

Success Story: Placing a Head of Data with a Leading eCommerce & Retail Brand

At dcoded, we specialise in delivering senior, business-critical Data, AI & Technology hires with speed, precision, and cultural alignment. This Success Story highlights how we supported one of the UK’s leading e-commerce and retail businesses in securing a Head of Data after an unsuccessful direct hiring process. It is a good example of our permanent Data and technology recruitment at leadership level.

The Challenge

Our client, a well-established retail and e-commerce brand, faced a significant leadership gap within their data function. After attempting to hire directly, they struggled to attract candidates of the right calibre - receiving high volumes of applications but very limited quality at the senior level.

The challenge wasn’t just technical capability. It was finding a leader who could operate at both a strategic and hands-on level, capable of shaping the data function while delivering immediate impact.

They required a Head of Data who could:

• Define and execute a clear data strategy aligned to commercial objectives.
• Lead and scale a high-performing data team across engineering, analytics, and data science.
• Drive data maturity, governance, and platform evolution (modern cloud stack).
• Partner with senior stakeholders across the business to embed data-driven decision making.
• Operate effectively within a fast-paced, customer-centric retail environment.

After months of limited traction, the business needed a specialist partner who could deliver quality, not just volume. That is the commitment behind d.Engage, our retained search service, which gives business-critical roles dedicated time and priority.

The Process

1. Strategic Discovery Session
We engaged directly with the CIO and senior leadership team to fully understand the business objectives, current data maturity, and leadership expectations. We challenged and refined the brief, ensuring clarity on both technical capability and leadership profile.

2. Targeted Market Mapping & Network Activation
Rather than relying on inbound applications, we leveraged our specialist data network and conducted a targeted market search. We approached proven data leaders with relevant experience in retail, e-commerce, and high-growth environments. We used the same mapping-led approach in our TechExec search for a CTO.

3. Curated Shortlist Delivered
Within 5 days, we delivered a highly curated shortlist of 4 candidates – each with a track record of building and scaling data functions. Every candidate was vetted for leadership capability, cultural fit, and ability to deliver against the client’s transformation goals. For an urgent board-level brief we went faster still, placing a CEO with an international Fintech in five days.

4. Managing the Process & Securing the Hire
We managed a streamlined interview process, ensuring momentum and alignment at every stage. An offer was extended and accepted swiftly, securing a high-impact hire without further delay. Momentum mattered even more when we placed an urgent technical delivery manager into a fast-growing FinTech within 48 hours.

The Outcome

• 5 CVs submitted
• 5 1st stage interviews conducted
• 3 final stage interviews
• 1 offer made and accepted
• Head of Data role filled within 10 weeks of brief
• The successful candidate is now leading the data function, defining strategy, and driving a step-change in how data is leveraged across the organisation.
• Post-Placement Support

We maintained close engagement with both client and candidate through:

• Structured onboarding support to ensure early impact.
• Ongoing check-ins with senior stakeholders to ensure alignment on expectations and delivery.

Conclusion

This project highlights the importance of a specialist partner when hiring at leadership level. By focusing on quality, network, and deep market insight, we transformed a stalled hiring process into a successful leadership appointment.

If you’re looking to build or scale your data leadership team and need high-impact hires who can shape strategy and deliver results, get in touch with dcoded today.