Head of Data

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Head of Data to define and implement a cross-organisation data purpose, vision, and long-term strategy. This role will shape the data landscape, ensuring it meets future business capability requirements and aligns with strategic ambitions across the wider organisation. The successful candidate will guide and assure the business in achieving data maturity, lead on best-practice governance, influence senior stakeholders, and represent the data domain at senior levels across multiple partner bodies. Key Responsibilities 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. Essential Experience & Qualifications • 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.