Group Head Of Data Analytics And Consumer Insights

Group Head of Data Analytics and Consumer Insights (FTC)

Role Introduction:

Established in 1992, Applegreen is a leading convenience roadside retailer in the Republic of Ireland, the UK and the US in both large-scale Motorway Service Areas and Travel Plazas, as well as smaller petrol stations. The business has grown to over €3BN in annual revenue, operating 600 Motorway Service Plazas and forecourt sites internationally and employing over 17,000 people.

Applegreen is in a rapid growth phase and to support this ambitious growth, we are seeking to onboard a Head of Data Analytics and Consumer Insights on a fixed term contract basis who will lead our data-driven initiatives and harness the power of analytics to drive strategic business decisions. This role will be critical in transforming our data into actionable insights that enhance consumer experience, optimise operations, and foster innovation across our global retail and hospitality portfolio.

This role will form part of the Group Commercial team and reports to the Group Commercial Officer. The successful candidate will be a confident people person who can fit into Applegreenseamlessly and adopt a hands-on approach to their role.

Key Responsibilities:

As Applegreen expands, the responsibilities will evolve and change over time. The core responsibilities will centre around the following areas:

1. Strategy Development and Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive data and analytics strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Lead the Data Analytics and Consumer Insights team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to define data-driven goals and KPIs.
• Continuously assess and refine the data strategy based on performance metrics, emerging technologies, and evolving business needs.

2. Partnership with Engineering and AI Teams:

• Work closely with Data Engineering and AI teams to co-create scalable, future-proof data platforms and analytics capabilities.
• Translate business needs into technical requirements, ensuring data products and AI solutions are aligned with strategic priorities and can be operationalised effectively.

3. Data Management and Governance:

• Ensure the effective management and governance of data assets, implementing best practices in data quality and integrity.
• Standardise data usage across the organisation to ensure consistency and reliability of analytics.

4. Consumer Insights and Analytics:

• Oversee the collection, analysis, and interpretation of consumer data to identify trends, preferences, and opportunities.
• Generate actionable insights to inform marketing strategies, product development, and customer experience initiatives.
• Use advanced analytics techniques, including predictive modelling and segmentation, to drive consumer insights.
• Drive the adoption of data-driven decision-making by embedding actionable insights into core business processes and day-to-day operations.

5. Innovation and Data Integration:

• Identify and integrate new data sources to enhance analytics capabilities and drive innovation.
• Partner with IT and other departments to ensure seamless integration of data systems and scalability of analytics solutions.

6. Reporting and Visualisation:

• Develop and deliver interactive dashboards and reports that provide clear, real-time insights to stakeholders.
• Translate complex data and technical information into simple, actionable recommendations for diverse audiences.

7. Team Development and Collaboration:

• Build and mentor a high-performing team of data analysts and consumer insights professionals.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration to leverage data insights for business growth and efficiency.

The Candidate should have the following:

Qualifications, experience & skills

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Business Analytics, or a related field.
• Proven experience in a senior data analytics or consumer insights role, preferably within the retail or hospitality industry.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with a track record of driving data-driven strategies.
• Proficiency in data management tools, analytics software, and visualisation platforms.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with a strategic mindset.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate data into compelling stories and actionable insights.
• Experience in working with large, complex datasets and advanced analytics techniques.
• Analytical Thinking:Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a strategic mindset.
• Leadership: Proven leadership and team management skills, with a track record of driving data-driven strategies.
• Technical Proficiency:Expertise in data management tools, analytics software, and visualisation platforms.
• Communication: Exceptional communication skills, capable of translating data into compelling stories and actionable insights.
• Innovative Mindset:Ability to challenge conventional thinking and drive innovation through data.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail in managing data quality and integrity.
• Collaborative: Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders

Additional key skills & attributes:

• A dynamic individual who adapts well to change and can thrive in a rapidly growing organisation that continues to evolve.
• Proven track record of delivering to tight deadlines.
• A highly organised individual with ability to plan and prioritise workloads effectively for maximum impact and adapt around changing priorities as required.
• Ability to execute directly at high quality and pace.
• Excellent drive, enthusiasm and commitment and a keen interest in developing a career in Applegreen.
• A ‘can do’ attitude and a positive solution focused mindset.
• Has strong commercial acumen and a focus on delivering value to the business.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, and ability to engage and develop relationships with individuals at all levels of the organisation.
• Be a self-starter, and also be able to work collaboratively as a member of a highly interdependent team across many parts of Applegreen.
• Is resilient, calm under pressure and comfortable dealing with ambiguity.
• Has sound judgement and objective logical decision-making skills.
• Has strong leadership potential and management skills, who will be a role model for the people and culture at Applegreen.
• Willing to travel ad hoc if required in addition to supporting out of hours content development as required

Illustrative Application & Screening Process (subject to change):

Application Process:

• Please submit an up to date tailored CV (max 2 pages) .

Interview & Selection Process:

• Two interview rounds will be required for this role.