Head of Data

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Define the organisation's data purpose, strategic vision, policies, processes and practices.
• Lead the design and ongoing assurance of the organisation's data strategy.
• Establish and future-proof data systems requirements, ensuring an agile approach suited to complex and evolving data environments.

Governance, Assurance & Compliance

• Provide assurance of data holdings in accordance with regulatory, statutory and contractual requirements.
• Develop a robust data governance framework, including policy, assurance, training and technical support to build organisational capability.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with government, academia and industry to embed best practice and maximise external capability.
• Represent the organisation as a senior data domain owner across relevant forums and boards.
• Provide expert advice on data capability, governance, policy and interoperability to senior executives.

Organisational Capability & Support

• Collaborate closely with internal and external partners to improve data impact and operational effectiveness.
• Lead thought leadership within the data domain, enabling innovation and excellence across the organisation.

• Extensive senior leadership experience in data governance, data strategy or data assurance.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills at all organisational levels.
• Experience fostering effective collaboration across departments and with external partners.
• Degree in a relevant discipline such as computer science, mathematics, data science, information systems or related fields.

Technical Skills

• Excellent leadership and coaching ability.
• Creative, analytical and critical thinking.
• Exceptional networking skills across government, academia and industry.
• DAMA accreditation (associate level or above), or ability to achieve within 6 months.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience implementing governance and assurance structures.
• Subject-matter expertise in areas such as AI, data analytics or related specialisms.