A trusted recruitment partner since 1995.
Mark - The Data Talent Scout standing in an office which has a backdrop of a brick wall and large window smiling at the camera
Mark Dexter, The Data Talent Scout
My journey into data recruitment wasn't exactly conventional. When I was looking for my first job in The City, my experience with recruitment agencies was pretty poor. Landing an interview arranged by a recruitment agency seemed like a good first step, but weeks of radio silence followed, only to be broken with a surprise job offer in the mail.
This pattern repeated itself – interviews went dark, good news arrived via impersonal letters, and the agency's terms felt poor value for the service. At 21,  navigating this system felt confusing.
Starting my first recruitment role, I took it on myself to call unsuccessful candidates. One call stands out - instead of anger, I received genuine shock at being given an update. It struck a chord.
These were individuals who invested time preparing, and they deserved basic courtesy. Giving people news, good or bad, became a core principle. Fast forward to today, stories of ghosting by recruiters on social media is a rampant issue – a stark contrast to the simple act of keeping candidates informed.
My passion for data recruitment truly ignited in the late 90s while working with Unilever. Staffing their global intelligence program opened my eyes to the power of data-driven insights. When I ventured out to establish my own agency, Business Intelligence (BI) became my focus.
Throughout my career, one thing I've consistently emphasised is building a tribe of trusted data professionals. Not a vast, impersonal database, but a curated network of the top 5%, the tried and tested. I learned early on that placing the best talent has a profound impact on a company's success.
This dedication to quality is what fuels my role as The Data Talent Scout.
I’m all about bringing you the best people for your business. It’s what I've been known to do for over 29 years.
Here’s what you can expect from me as your data recruitment partner.
Deep understanding of data and analytics
My years spent in the industry means I don’t only understand the data industry as it is right now, but also how it has evolved.
Open, honest, straightforward
You will always know where you stand with me as your talent partner. If I can help you, I will say how, and deliver on that. If I can’t, I will say so.
Proactive and personalised approach
Working in partnership with my clients I aim to understand your objectives and help you achieve those through a tailored service.
29
years in the industry
500+
candidates placed
50+
companies partnered with
15
years with the same client
90
day time to hire
7320
coffees drunk
Don’t just take my word for it, hear it from the organisations that I have guided through data team success.
“In the dynamic realm of recruitment, Mark stands out as a seasoned professional with a proven track record. Over our nearly 20-year working relationship, Mark has been my go-to collaborator for building high-performing, diverse teams on short notice.”
Headshot of Simon Cropper - Freelance Data and Analytics Consultant
Simon Cropper
Freelance Data and Analytics Consultant
”I got to know Mark as we were looking for data professionals for a global Data Warehouse and Master Data Management program for a pharma company. We were impressed with his professionalism from day one and also came to appreciate his transparency, sincerity and above all the ability of finding the right and the very best people.”
Headshot of Yasemin Kural - Senior Head of Data Architecture at Farfetch
Yasemin Kural
Senior Head of Data Architecture at Farfetch
”I sent Mark my resume that I had reviewed with 4 people, including a professional resume consultant. Mark looked at the resume and suggested multiple great changes based on his knowledge of what hiring managers in my field wanted. The feedback was honest with no judgement - just a desire to be helpful.”
Headshot of Ed Mathia - Founder of Silent Distortion, LLC.
Ed Mathia
Founder of Silent Distortion, LLC.
”I used Mark for my latest contract and was very impressed with the whole experience. He is very proactive and listened to my requirements and found an excellent match for me.”
Headshot of Martin Hayland - Lead Data Architect at Mintel
Martin Hayland
Lead Data Architect at Mintel
”Mark put a superb team of professionals together for a Warehousing project that has just successfuly gone live. I wouldn't hesitate to work for him again as he really knows his onions when it comes to Data Warehousing and he has a deep understanding of the customers needs.”
Headshot of David Holton - Risk Analyst at Barclays.
David Holton
Risk Analyst at Barclays.
”Mark is that rare recruitment consultant that really listens to what sort of candidate you really want, and then goes out and finds them, rather than being concerned with his sales targets.”
Headshot of Jill Gatcum MIPH, FRSPH  - Health & Social Care Researcher
Jill Gatcum MIPH, FRSPH
Health & Social Care Researcher
"Mark is the best BI recruitment consultant I have come across. Not only does he understand the needs of the organization and the needs of the recruitee but he deals with all people with utmost integrity."
Headshot of Kathryn Norris - Director for Insights and Data, FS Practice
Kathryn Norris
Director for Insights and Data, FS Practice
"Mark is someone you want to work with. He is all about the relationship and has a genuine interest in you as a person and customer of his, keeping in regular contact, both inside of and out of engagements. His goal is definitely one of finding a rewarding engagement which I believe he is well placed to deliver with a good contact network and a rare knowledge of the industry. I have been placed with Mark previously and would definitely (unsurprisingly!) work with them again. In short Mark truly walk’s his talk!"
Logo for Cognizant
Richard Mee
Associate Director - Projects at Cognizant
"I have enjoyed working with Mark Dexter who has always been easy to get on with, informative and organised. His tenacity and patience working with difficult clients has always impressed me and his ability to make a plan when things go wrong is refreshing. Mark has a good network within the Information Management community which brings access to interesting opportunities and people."
Headshot of Duncan Slater - Business Transformation Professional
Duncan Slater
Business Transformation Professional

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