Data Consultant

Data Lead London | 12-Month Contract | 2-3 Days Onsite | Inside IR35 | Up to £650 per day Data Lead | Financial Services Transformation Programme We are seeking an experienced Data Lead to take ownership of a critical data workstream within a major transformation programme. This role is suited to a senior data professional who operates beyond the boundaries of their job title, bringing leadership, structure and accountability to complex initiatives. You will lead a workstream end-to-end, creating clarity where priorities are evolving and ensuring successful outcomes across business and technology teams. Whether your background is in architecture, product ownership, delivery, or data transformation, the key requirement is your ability to be recognised as a leader in the room, influencing senior stakeholders and driving decisions without the support of a dedicated Programme Manager. Key Responsibilities • Lead a strategic data workstream from inception through delivery. • Create structure, governance and direction within ambiguous or evolving environments. • Take ownership of business outcomes rather than managing a task list. • Build and manage relationships with senior business, technology, data and risk stakeholders. • Drive alignment and decision-making across multiple teams and functions. • Provide challenge and oversight to engineering and delivery teams where appropriate. • Ensure delivery remains focused on agreed business objectives. • Support data platform modernisation and legacy estate migration initiatives. Required Experience • Proven experience leading enterprise-scale data programmes or workstreams. • Ability to operate independently and take ownership of complex outcomes. • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills. • Experience influencing senior business, technology and risk stakeholders. • Background in Data Architecture, Data Product, Data Delivery, Data Transformation, or similar disciplines. • Experience working within large, complex organisations. • Comfortable operating in fast-paced environments with evolving requirements. Technical Experience Technical expertise is considered a credibility requirement rather than a strict screening criterion. Candidates should demonstrate: • Working knowledge of Databricks. • Familiarity with dbt. • Ability to engage credibly with Data Engineers and challenge technical approaches where required. • Experience supporting data platform modernisation programmes. • Exposure to legacy platform exit or migration programmes. Preferred Experience • Financial Services or other regulated industry experience. • Large-scale transformation programmes. • Cloud data platform initiatives. • Availability to start at short notice. Skills & Attributes • Strong leadership presence. • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. • Commercially aware and outcome-focused. • Ability to influence, challenge and drive decisions at senior levels. • Comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy. • Strong problem-solving and organisational skills. Contract Details • Day Rate: Up to £650 per day • Contract Type: Inside IR35 • Duration: 12-month contract • Location: London • Working Pattern: 2-3 days onsite per week • Start Date: ASAP Apply If you have a proven track record of leading complex data initiatives, driving outcomes across senior stakeholder groups, and delivering within large-scale transformation programmes, please apply with your latest CV for immediate consideration.