Interim Data Leader

Contract: 6-month contract (immediate start) Location: North West England (hybrid/on-site as required) Role Overview We are seeking a highly credible and experienced Interim Data Leader to support an organisation who is early in their data transformation who are focussing on data maturity and development as a key deliverable. This role is focused on stabilising the current data landscape, driving cultural change, and putting in place the foundations for effective, sustainable data delivery. The successful candidate will bring strong gravitas, be comfortable operating at senior levels, and have a proven ability to lead, mentor, and influence in complex environments. Key Responsibilities • Steady the ship: Assess the current data landscape, identify risks, and stabilise existing data initiatives. • Data leadership & credibility: Act as the senior authority on data, engaging confidently with executives, stakeholders, and delivery teams. • Structure data delivery: Define and implement clear governance, operating models, and delivery structures for data projects. • Cultural change: Lead the shift towards a data-driven culture, improving data literacy, confidence, and ways of working across the organisation. • Mentorship & capability building: Coach and mentor internal data teams and leaders, strengthening skills and leadership capability. • Strategic direction: Translate high-level data aspirations into pragmatic, achievable roadmaps and priorities. • Stakeholder engagement: Build trust and alignment across business and technology teams in a low-maturity environment. Key Skills & Experience • Proven experience in senior data leadership roles (e.g. Head of Data, Data Director, CDO, or equivalent). • Strong track record of working with organisations at early stages of data maturity. • Demonstrated ability to drive cultural and organisational change, not just technology delivery. • Experience setting up or improving data governance, delivery frameworks, and operating models. • Excellent mentoring, coaching, and leadership skills. • High level of personal gravitas, credibility, and stakeholder influence. • Sector-agnostic background; adaptability is essential. Ideal Candidate You are calm, authoritative, and pragmatic. You can bring order to complexity, inspire confidence where data maturity is low, and leave behind a stronger, more capable organisation at the end of the contract. We are proud supporters of Women in Data®. Connect, engage and belong to the largest free female data community in the UK – visit: www.womenindata.co.uk to join our community. Stay connected! Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on career opportunities and more.