Data & Analytics Lead (Permanent or Contractor) - Job Opportunity at Spark Digital and Analytics

Dublin, Ireland
Contract
Senior
Posted: June 27, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 80,000 - 120,000 annually for permanent positions, with contract rates typically ranging EUR 500-800 per day depending on specific expertise and project complexity. Dublin's competitive tech market and the senior nature of this role support premium compensation levels.

Benefits

Comprehensive home office allowance enabling optimized remote work productivity and professional workspace setup
Unlimited leave policy providing exceptional work-life balance flexibility exceeding industry standards
Market-leading compensation packages with transparent salary structures and comprehensive pension plans
Award-finalist employee wellbeing programs including physical health initiatives, mental resilience support, and comprehensive VHI health insurance
Substantial annual training budget with dedicated 2-week study leave for professional development and conference attendance
Bike-to-work scheme promoting sustainable commuting and health benefits
Hybrid work model offering geographic flexibility while maintaining collaborative team engagement

Key Responsibilities

Drive cross-functional collaboration with C-level executives and engineering teams to architect high-impact data strategies that transform business operations and competitive positioning
Lead enterprise-wide data transformation initiatives by establishing comprehensive analytical frameworks encompassing technology, governance, and organizational culture change
Direct technical teams including analysts, data engineers, and scientists in developing proof-of-concept solutions that validate strategic data investments and drive business value
Execute end-to-end analytical solution delivery with oversight responsibility for implementation quality and stakeholder alignment across complex organizational structures
Conduct comprehensive data maturity assessments and architect strategic roadmaps that bridge capability gaps through integrated technology, governance, and literacy initiatives
Establish thought leadership in modern analytics technologies while ensuring successful organizational adoption through training, workshops, and change management programs
Own accountability for transformative client data initiatives from conception through delivery, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and measurable business outcomes

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or other quantitative disciplines

Experience

5+ years of experience working on analytical initiatives within a dynamic commercially focused environment helping business leverage data for operational or strategic decision making and 8+ years technical experience working in data analytics, data science, data visualisation or data warehousing

Required Skills

Extensive knowledge of SQL, Python, Spark, or other relevant data processing languages or frameworks 5+ years proven industry experience working with the Cloud Platform Data Services (AWS Redshift, Glue, EMR, Athena, Azure Synapse & Data Factory) Experience working within an agile scrum team building software solutions Experience in producing tested, impactful, and well-documented data applications Experience in building holistic data strategies which include assessing organizational outcomes and current state landscape and making functional and technical recommendations Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to understand complex business requirements and design innovative data solutions Strong leadership abilities, with the capacity to provide technical leadership to the Analytics team to drive successful project outcomes The ability to take ownership of problems end to end and find creative solutions Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal, and written communication skills Proficient at presenting solutions to technical and non-technical audience including C-level stakeholders Proficient at crafting an analytical story to communicate the findings within a dataset and helping business drive decision making using data Knowledge & experience with DataBricks, Snowflake, dbt, ML/AI Services (AWS Sagemaker, Azure ML Studio), Data Governance, Master Data management Interest in AI/ML applications
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The data analytics consulting market is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by digital transformation initiatives accelerated by post-pandemic business models, with organizations increasingly seeking external expertise to navigate complex data landscapes and implement AI-driven decision-making frameworks. Cloud-native analytics platforms are becoming the dominant architecture choice, with multi-cloud strategies gaining traction as enterprises seek to avoid vendor lock-in while leveraging best-of-breed services across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud ecosystems. Data governance and privacy compliance requirements are intensifying globally, creating significant demand for professionals who can architect solutions that balance analytical capabilities with regulatory requirements including GDPR, CCPA, and emerging AI governance frameworks. The integration of generative AI and machine learning capabilities into traditional analytics workflows is reshaping role requirements, with professionals increasingly expected to bridge the gap between classical business intelligence and modern AI applications.

Role Significance

Typically leads cross-functional teams of 3-8 professionals including data engineers, analysts, and scientists, while collaborating with larger delivery teams of 10-15 members across multiple client engagements simultaneously.
This is a senior individual contributor role with significant leadership influence, positioned to drive strategic data initiatives across enterprise clients while maintaining hands-on technical involvement. The role combines the responsibilities of a principal consultant with technical architecture authority, indicating high organizational impact and decision-making autonomy.

Key Projects

Enterprise data platform migrations involving multi-petabyte datasets and complex legacy system integrations C-suite data strategy development including organizational capability assessments and multi-year transformation roadmaps Advanced analytics implementation projects incorporating real-time processing, machine learning pipelines, and self-service analytics platforms Data governance framework establishment including metadata management, data quality monitoring, and regulatory compliance systems

Success Factors

Exceptional ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value propositions that resonate with C-level executives and drive strategic investment decisions Deep expertise in modern cloud analytics architectures combined with practical experience in organizational change management and technology adoption Strong consultative skills enabling effective navigation of complex stakeholder relationships while maintaining technical credibility across diverse client environments Proven track record of delivering measurable business outcomes through data initiatives, with ability to demonstrate ROI and drive continued investment in analytics capabilities

Market Demand

Exceptionally high demand driven by the critical shortage of senior data professionals who can combine technical depth with strategic business acumen, particularly in the Irish market where data analytics expertise is essential for maintaining competitive advantage in the European tech hub.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Cloud platform expertise (AWS/Azure) is absolutely essential as enterprises continue massive cloud migrations, with multi-cloud proficiency providing significant competitive advantage in complex enterprise environments Python and SQL proficiency remains foundational for hands-on technical leadership, enabling credible guidance of technical teams and validation of architectural decisions Executive communication skills are paramount given the C-level engagement requirements, with ability to translate technical complexity into business value being a key differentiator Data strategy and governance experience is increasingly critical as organizations face growing regulatory requirements and need to establish sustainable, scalable data management practices

Beneficial Skills

DataBricks and Snowflake expertise positions candidates advantageously as these platforms gain enterprise adoption for advanced analytics workloads AI/ML application knowledge becomes increasingly valuable as organizations seek to integrate generative AI capabilities into existing analytics frameworks Data governance and MDM experience provides significant value as organizations mature their data management practices and face increasing regulatory scrutiny Agile methodology experience ensures effective integration with modern software development practices and DevOps-oriented delivery approaches

Unique Aspects

Dual employment option (permanent or contract) providing flexibility rare in senior consulting roles, indicating company adaptability to diverse professional preferences and market conditions
Explicit focus on cultural transformation alongside technical implementation distinguishes this role from typical technical architecture positions
Direct C-level engagement responsibility from day one, indicating significant client relationship ownership and business development influence
Combination of hands-on technical work with strategic consulting creates unique hybrid role appealing to professionals seeking both technical depth and business impact

Career Growth

Career progression to C-level or partner positions typically occurs within 3-5 years given the current market dynamics and critical shortage of senior data leadership talent

Potential Next Roles

Chief Data Officer or VP of Analytics roles within enterprise organizations seeking to establish or mature their data capabilities Practice Director or Partner positions within top-tier consulting firms specializing in data transformation and digital strategy Founder or co-founder of specialized data analytics consulting firms serving the growing market for boutique expertise

Company Overview

Spark Digital and Analytics

Spark Digital and Analytics operates as a specialized consultancy focused on data-driven transformation for SMEs and enterprise clients, positioning itself as an innovation-focused partner that delivers comprehensive end-to-end analytics solutions from strategy through implementation.

Emerging player in the competitive Irish data consulting market, differentiating through comprehensive service offerings and emphasis on cultural transformation alongside technical implementation, competing with established firms like Accenture, Deloitte, and boutique specialists.
Dublin-based operations provide strategic access to Ireland's thriving tech ecosystem and serves as a gateway to European markets, leveraging Ireland's position as a European headquarters location for major technology companies and financial services firms.
Fast-paced, results-oriented environment emphasizing innovation and customer impact, with strong emphasis on employee wellbeing and professional development reflecting the competitive talent market in Dublin's tech sector.
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