About

• The Head of Portfolio – Data is a senior leadership role responsible for managing the strategic portfolio of data initiatives across the enterprise. This includes oversight of Business Intelligence (BI), Data Governance (DG), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data platform projects. The role ensures alignment with business goals, effective delivery through the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), and optimal use of tools like JIRA for tracking and execution. The role also includes full accountability for budget planning and financial oversight of the data portfolio.
• Lead and manage a comprehensive portfolio of data initiatives, including BI, DG, AI/ML, and data infrastructure programs.
• Develop and maintain a multi-year roadmap for data initiatives, ensuring alignment with enterprise strategy and evolving business needs.
• Ensure all data projects follow structured SDLC methodologies (Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall as appropriate), from requirements gathering to deployment and support.
• Oversee the use of JIRA (or equivalent tools) for backlog management, sprint planning, issue tracking, and reporting across all data programs.
• Drive the development and adoption of BI tools and dashboards that deliver actionable insights and support data-driven decision-making.
• Prioritize and oversee AI/ML initiatives, ensuring ethical use, model performance monitoring, and integration into business processes.
• Own the data portfolio budget, including forecasting, cost-benefit analysis, vendor management, and financial reporting.
• Act as a strategic partner to business and technology leaders, ensuring transparency, alignment, and value delivery.
• Identify and mitigate risks across the portfolio, ensuring compliance with data regulations and internal policies.
• Lead and mentor a cross-functional team of portfolio managers, analysts, and delivery leads. Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Join our journey to create a new experience for The National Lottery and help us to power change for the greater good.
• We are Allwyn UK, part of the Allwyn Entertainment Group – a multi-national lottery operator with a market-leading presence across Europe which includes: Czech Republic, Austria, Greece, Cyprus & Italy.
• While the main contribution of The National Lottery to society is through the funds to good causes, at Allwyn we put our purpose and values at the heart of everything we do. Join us as we embark on a once-in-a-lifetime, largescale transformation journey by creating a National Lottery that delivers more money to good causes.
• ‍We’ve developed ground-breaking technologies, built player protection frameworks, and have a proven track record of making lotteries better.
• Innovation - We pride ourselves on it! We’re constantly looking for new ways to excite our customers, bringing new products to enjoy which is all underpinned by our responsible play values and making them accessible to all.
• Giving back – Did you know that playing the lottery generates around £30m a week for charities and good causes in the UK? Our aim is to have doubled this number by the end of the first 10-year licence
• Sustainability – Our aim to be net zero by 2030 which would make us the first lottery provider globally to achieve this
• Inclusion and accessibility – We are making all parts of The National Lottery inclusive – whether you play a game in a store or online.
• If you need any assistance or adjustments to this job description or in the application process, please contact a member of the talent team at careers@allwyn.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
• **Being the custodians of the National Lottery license is a big responsibility, so all of our roles are subject to extensive background checks**
• Experience in data strategy, portfolio/program management, or enterprise data leadership.
• Strong understanding of SDLC, Agile/Scrum methodologies, and JIRA or similar project management tools.
• Proven experience managing BI, DG, and AI initiatives in large, complex organizations.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-million-dollar budgets and delivering ROI on data investments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Preferred Certifications
• PMP, PgMP, or PfMP (Portfolio Management Professional)
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or SAFe Agilist
• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)
• AI/ML certifications (e.g., AWS, Microsoft, Coursera)
• 26 days paid leave (plus bank holidays)
• Annual bonus scheme
• 2 x Life Days
• 4 x Salary of Life Insurance
• Pension: we’ll match your contribution up to 8.5%
• Single Private Health Cover
• £500 Wellness Allowance
• Income Protection
• Enhanced parental leave (maternity and paternity)
• Eye Care, Dental and Cycle To Work schemes