Cala Data Manager shares insight into life in the Technology team of a housebuilder
Can you tell us what your role involves as Data Manager at Cala?
From managing data integrity to crafting insightful dashboards, my responsibility is to empower individuals across the organisation with the clarity and understanding they need to take a data-driven approach to drive our business forward. The Data & Analytics team leverages tools like Azure Databricks and Azure Synapse Analytics for data ingestion/transformation and Power BI to bring insights to life.
What attracted you to work for a housebuilder, and in particular Cala Homes?
The tangible nature of the product. Stepping onto our sites, walking through showhomes and experiencing first-hand the craftmanship behind each build is a wonderful opportunity. Being able to physically live and breathe a product isn't always possible, especially working in the world of Data & Technology. As for Cala in particular, it was the people and the culture. From day one, I noticed how much everyone enjoyed working here, often attributing to the fantastic people they worked alongside. It feels great to now share that sentiment with newcomers joining our team.
"It’s incredibly rewarding to see Cala embracing the power of data to drive innovation and growth."
What project or accomplishment are you most proud of, and why?
Orchestrating the overhaul of our analytical data model. Transitioning from a convoluted system to a streamlined architecture has opened the door to self-service analytics and near-real-time insights, revolutionising how we drive decisions and innovation.
How have you grown professionally since you started working with us?
Since joining Cala, I’ve honed my grasp of data’s strategic importance in business operations. Embracing end-to-end projects has empowered me to prioritise understanding the ‘why’ behind our analytical endeavours, fostering a more impactful approach to problem-solving.
How has the company culture contributed to your professional development?
Cala’s culture encourages continuous growth and learning. With 10% of our time dedicated to development, I’ve had the opportunity to dive deep into machine learning, data modelling, SQL, Python, Power BI, Agile methodologies, and even pick up some Microsoft certifications.
"From day one, I noticed how much everyone enjoyed working here."
Looking back from when you started to now, what changes in the business excite you the most?
Cala’s shift towards data-driven decision-making. From being the sole Data Analyst to witnessing the expansion of our data team, it’s incredibly rewarding to see Cala embracing the power of data to drive innovation and growth.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing in the upcoming year?
I’m eager to embark on the journey of transforming manual reports into dynamic, automated dashboards. This not only saves valuable time, but also empowers our people to redirect their focus towards more interesting, high-value opportunities.
What advice do you have for future candidates?
Stay curious. In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, what was best practice yesterday might not hold true today. At Cala, every role offers the opportunity to shape the future of our company. Embrace curiosity and be ready to drive innovation!
Interested in a career in housebuilding? Visit our Vacancies page for current job opportunities.
