Data Operations Strategist
2 days ago
Farringdon
Data Operations Strategist Location: London (Hybrid – minimum 3 days per week in our Farringdon office) Company: Ascend Media (Elite Traveler, Spear’s, The World of Fine Wine, The World of Fine Spirits) About Ascend Media Ascend Media is a modern media business behind a portfolio of premium brands spanning luxury lifestyle, wealth, travel, fine wine and specialist content. Our brands include Elite Traveler, Spear’s, The World of Fine Wine and our newest title, The World of Fine Spirits, and we work across print, digital, events, partnerships and data-led content. Our aim is to create high-quality products and immersive brand experiences that connect with ultra-high-net-worth audiences and luxury brands worldwide. We’re entrepreneurial, collaborative and ambitious, and we’re looking for people who are excited by smart ideas, high standards and building better ways of working in a fast-moving environment. The role We’re looking for a highly organised, detail-oriented and strategically minded Data Operations Strategist to join our growing team. This role sits at the intersection of data, editorial and operations, supporting the smooth delivery and ongoing development of rankings and data-led editorial projects from planning through to publication. It’s ideal for someone who enjoys bringing structure to complexity, keeping multiple stakeholders aligned, and helping shape efficient, high-quality ways of working. You’ll work closely with rankings leads, editorial teams and internal stakeholders to help translate ideas and objectives into clear execution plans, maintain strong data quality standards, and support the successful delivery of projects. You’ll also play an important role in identifying opportunities to improve processes, strengthen workflows and bring greater clarity, consistency and scalability to how projects are delivered. This is a great opportunity to join a growing team and contribute both operationally and strategically to the delivery of high-profile rankings and data-led editorial projects across some of the world’s leading luxury media brands. Main responsibilities Data and rankings support • Support the preparation, organisation and validation of data used across rankings and insight-led projects, • Carry out quality checks to ensure data is accurate, consistent and complete, • Assist with data audits and checks ahead of key project milestones and publication deadlines, • Help maintain clean, structured datasets and supporting documentation, • Act as a key point of coordination between data and editorial teams, • Work closely with stakeholders to keep projects on track and ensure key deadlines and requirements are met, • Turn meetings, conversations and project requirements into clear briefs, outlines and working documents, • Help ensure stakeholders have the information they need at the right time, • Build and maintain project plans, trackers, workflows and timelines, • Document processes clearly so projects can run efficiently and consistently, • Identify gaps, risks or inconsistencies early and flag them proactively, • Help refine and improve internal systems, workflows and ways of working, • Review materials to ensure outputs are complete, accurate and publication-ready, • Help maintain high standards across multiple projects running in parallel, • Bring a strong eye for detail and a practical, solutions-focused approach to day-to-day delivery, • Apply sound judgement to support effective decision-making and escalation where needed Skills and experience Essential • Previous experience in an operations, project coordination, data, research, editorial support or content operations role, with evidence of increasing ownership and responsibility, • Strong project coordination and organisational skills, with the ability to manage timelines, priorities and multiple workstreams, • Experience working with data in Excel, Google Sheets or similar tools, • Some experience working with databases or structured datasets, • Ability to translate discussions, objectives and requirements into clear plans, documentation and deliverables, • Strong written and verbal communication skills, • Experience working confidently with multiple stakeholders across teams, • Experience in QA, data auditing, process improvement or workflow management, • Experience contributing to project design, methodology or workflow development, • Experience working with editorial or content teams, • Familiarity with rankings, research, surveys or data-led content, • An interest in publishing, media or data-led content environments Personal qualities • Naturally organised and methodical, with a structured approach to work, • Comfortable working in ambiguous or evolving environments, bringing clarity where needed, • Strong attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy, consistency and completeness, • Able to think both operationally and strategically, balancing detail with the bigger picture, • Proactive and solutions-focused, with a mindset geared towards improving how things are done, • Collaborative and pragmatic, able to work effectively across different teams, • Takes ownership and delivers work to a consistently high standard Company benefits • 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holidays, • Additional days off for your birthday, a health and wellbeing day and a volunteering day, • Hybrid working arrangements, with a minimum of three days per week in the office, • Subscription to Group publications and access to online content, • Access to a discounted shopping programme, • Cycle to Work and Tech Loan schemes, • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay, • Enhanced company sick pay following successful completion of probation Applications meeting the selection criteria will be reviewed as soon as possible. Progressive Media Investments (Ascend Media) values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Please let the hiring manager know if you require any reasonable adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process. Please note that candidates must have, or be able to obtain, the right to live and work in the United Kingdom, as we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.