Enterprise Data Manager (Head of)

We are supporting them in the search for an Enterprise Data Manager to take ownership of the organisation's enterprise-wide data agenda. This is a senior, strategic role focused on data leadership, governance, stakeholder alignment and platform direction, sitting above the existing Data Engineering Manager and working across multiple business functions. This role provides enterprise-level oversight and cohesion across a complex, federated data landscape. The organisation is midway through modernising its data platform and needs an experienced data leader who can bring clarity, alignment and strategic direction across teams.

This is a highly visible role operating across technology and business leadership, treating data as a strategic asset and ensuring the organisation is positioned to scale its data and AI capabilities responsibly.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading and evolving the enterprise data strategy, turning high-level intent into a clear, actionable roadmap.
• Providing enterprise leadership across the data ecosystem, bringing alignment between data engineering, architecture, governance and reporting functions.
• Acting as the senior authority on data across the organisation, influencing senior stakeholders and shaping data-driven decision making.
• Providing strategic oversight of the organisation's modern data platform including Azure, Databricks, Lakehouse architecture and early exploration of Microsoft Fabric.
• Guiding key decisions around sources of truth, data product lifecycle management and platform operating models.
• Managing the strategic delivery partnership with Telefónica Tech, ensuring strong collaboration, knowledge transfer and service delivery.
• Overseeing vendor-delivered workstreams and shaping the future sourcing strategy as the internal capability evolves.
• Supporting the organisation's data governance and AI governance foundations, ensuring strong controls before AI capability is scaled further.
• Operating across a federated data landscape, aligning multiple teams and reducing duplication while strengthening the organisation's overall data ecosystem.

• Proven experience operating at Head of Data / Enterprise Data Manager / senior data leadership level.
• Strong track record working within large, complex or regulated organisations.
• Deep understanding of modern data platforms, data governance and enterprise data operating models.
• Experience managing external vendors, managed services and strategic delivery partners.
• Comfortable leading through organisational change, transformation and ambiguity.
• Experience working with Databricks, Lakehouse architectures or Microsoft Fabric.
• Background in regulated or data-rich industries such as finance, insurance, legal or media.