In the first of a series of features about data and data strategy, we start at the beginning – with the people.
Integral to every strategy project or transformation programme are data experts.
People who can work with data are highly sought after in today’s high-tech business world driven by numbers, but who are these shadowy figures and what do they do all day?
What Is a Data Team? The Professionals with the Keys to the Future
Data has frequently been hailed as the new oil, but by now we all know it’s much more valuable than that.
More than oil, it is the fuel that powers industries, shapes strategies, connects organisations, and grows businesses around the world. From e-commerce giants to healthcare providers, organisations are continuously refining their data strategies for a competitive edge.
But while the concept of leveraging data is nothing new, even contemporary, future-first organisations struggle to make the most of the information that floods in daily. Collecting, proving, securing, and filtering the numbers, then turning the refined product into profitable activity, is the name of the game.
Cue the unstoppable rise of the data team: analysts, engineers, architects, strategists, and managers – a completely new class of professionals that simply didn’t exist 20 years ago. But who are they and what are they here for?
What is Data Strategy?
Let’s start at the beginning. A data strategy is a framework that enables organisations to understand, manage, and utilise their data assets, helping to put them to good use. A well-crafted strategy outlines the processes, tools, and governance required to collect, store, and analyse data in a way that aligns with the company’s objectives.
It’s a roadmap, plotting the right course to ensure that data delivers value, involving not only the technical paraphernalia of data storage and processing but also the cultural shift required for organisations to treat data as a strategic asset.
Without a comprehensive strategy, companies risk putting together vast amounts of data but not a plan for its use, leading to a host of inefficiencies and costly missed opportunities.
What’s Behind the Popularity of Data Roles?
The rise of data professionals is down to a few factors, the most obvious of which is the exponential growth in the amount of data being generated. According to IDC, the global ‘datasphere’ is expected to grow from 64.2 zettabytes in 2020 to 175 zettabytes by 2025. For clarity, a single zettabyte is equivalent to around 250 billion DVDs worth of information.
Moreover, the lightspeed adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has amplified the demand for data-related expertise. These technologies rely on vast datasets to train algorithms and drive automation, so companies need more people who can produce results by connecting the two.
As always, another driver is the UK’s evolving regulatory landscape. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has fundamentally changed how companies handle personal data, so teams need robust data governance frameworks along with a true understanding of data security and privacy issues.
Ultimately, the rise of data roles reflects the recognition of data as a precious resource and investment in building data capabilities that span the various functions and levels of organisations.
Roles in a Data Team
A modern data team is a multi-layered structure, with each element playing a crucial role. From data analysts, who make sense of raw data, to strategy managers who align data initiatives with business goals, the composition of a data team is as diverse as the data itself. Here are a few examples:
1. Data Analyst
Data analysts, the foot soldiers of number crunching, are responsible for interpreting complex datasets to provide actionable insights.
Their role typically involves cleaning, organising, and visualising data to help stakeholders make informed decisions, using tools such as SQL, Excel, and Python, to transform raw data into meaningful information that can guide decisions.
In the UK, the demand for data analysts is growing, with sectors such as finance, healthcare, and retail leading the charge.
Typically, a data analyst will be in their first or second year in the workplace.
2. Data Engineer
Data engineers form the backbone of a data-driven organisation, responsible for the design, build, and maintenance of infrastructure required to collect and process data properly.
This might include developing data pipelines, integrating data from various sources, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of the organisation’s data architecture.
3. Data Architect
Data architects are in charge of the blueprint that defines how data is managed across the organisation, selecting technologies, designing data models, and ensuring the architecture supports the organisation’s goals.
As organisations grapple with the challenge of managing large, distributed datasets, the demand for skilled data architects has surged. Their expertise ensures data systems are robust, secure, and aligned with business objectives.
4. Data Manager
Data managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organisation’s data functions. They are responsible for ensuring that data is collected, stored, and processed in accordance with established policies and procedures. This usually includes managing governance frameworks, ensuring data quality, and overseeing compliance with regulations such as GDPR.
As well as their operational responsibilities, data managers can also play a strategic role in driving data initiatives within the organisation.
In the UK, the role of data manager is becoming increasingly critical as organisations navigate the complexities of data governance and regulatory compliance.
5. Data Strategy Manager
Near the top of the hierarchy is the data strategy manager, who is responsible for defining and executing the organisation’s ‘true north’, ensuring projects are aligned with business objectives and driving value across the organisation.
Data strategy managers work closely with senior leaders to set priorities, allocate resources, and measure the impact of data initiatives.
The role requires a combination of technical knowledge and business acumen, bridging the gap between the data team and the C-suite, and translating complex technical concepts into insights that can inform decision-making at the highest levels. Data strategy managers sit at a senior management level and would report directly to the C-Suite.
The final piece of the puzzle is the Data Owner – an emerging role in larger organisations. Please watch this space for a more detailed article about this role.
In a world awash with data, the need for a comprehensive data strategy has never been more obvious and critical. Organisations that harness their data are well-positioned to drive innovation, improve customer experiences, and gain a competitive edge.
Data professionals are the architects of this data-driven future – a future in which data isn't just a by-product of business, but a keystone of success.
The second piece in our series on data will cover how data is transforming project management. Get in touch if you'd like a preview of this piece.
