Data & Insights Lead
The first data role accountable for other people's reporting output, while still substantially hands-on. You are accountable for the data work your team delivers across client projects, and set the direction of the people doing it. It is the first role where you are responsible for the output of others, so you must communicate process and output expectations clearly. You keep your own expertise in data and insights sharp while building it in the Executives you direct.
How this role differs
You move from being trusted on complex work yourself to being accountable for the output of Executives, while staying substantially hands-on.
The Lead delivers reporting through Executives and answers for their output. The Data & Insights Strategist owns the measurement thinking, solves what gets escalated, and challenges the disciplines when the data does not support their approach.
Roles and responsibilities
- Translate account and campaign briefs into clear research, analysis and measurement plans, with defined responsibilities and review points.
- Direct Executives through data collection, analysis and reporting, taking responsibility for the accuracy and quality of their output.
- Agree suitable sources, methods, metrics and baselines before work begins, making sure the approach can answer the brief.
- Review source quality, calculations, methodology and conclusions before findings reach account teams or clients.
- Coach Executives to work more independently, using clear feedback, documented processes and practical guidance.
- Work with PR and SEO teams to make sure research answers useful questions and supports client objectives.
- Present findings and methodology to account teams and clients, explaining what the evidence can and cannot support.
- Hold weekly one-to-ones with one or two Executives, setting clear objectives and giving feedback close to the work rather than saving it for a review.
- Write research briefs the team can act on without a follow-up conversation, with clear acceptance criteria and deadlines.
- Ensures a smooth, coordinated data workflow between the Digital PR and SEO teams.
- Make sure the team follows the agency's quality SOPs for research, reporting and documentation.
- Onboard new Executives onto accounts and into the agency process, and be their first point of escalation.
- Sit on interview panels for Executive hires and review candidate task submissions.
Entry requirements
Gateway skills needed at 8+ in the previous role to step into this one.
How this role is weighted
Immediate growth path
Operates across multiple accounts. Consistent, not occasional, performance at level 4 behaviours.
First step beyond own output. The Strategist owns the thinking. Same level, no drop in title or reward.