Data Programme Manager

Data Programme Manager

• 6 months
• London - 2 days per week
• £350-400pd
• Outside IR35

We are seeking a highly experienced Data Programme Manager to drive a strategic Speciality lines Data transformation within the insurance domain. This is a senior, business-facing leadership role that goes beyond delivery management-focused on shaping data strategy, influencing senior stakeholders, and guiding end-to-end programme execution.

The ideal candidate will combine deep expertise in Azure data platforms with a management consulting mindset, bringing the ability to define data imperatives, articulate strategic narratives, and lead governance-driven transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Programme Direction

• Lead the data transformation agenda for pricing data warehouse initiatives, aligning with broader strategic (SL) objectives.
• Define and articulate data vision, imperatives, roadmap, and delivery approach for senior executive stakeholders.
• Develop high-level plans, operating models, and transformation frameworks, ensuring alignment with business outcomes.

Executive Engagement & Storytelling

• Prepare and present high-impact materials for senior executives, including strategy papers, roadmaps, governance updates, and progress reports.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, compelling narratives and business value propositions.
• Drive decision-making through structured storytelling and data-led insights.

Programme Governance & Delivery Oversight

• Own programme-level governance, ensuring robust reporting, risk management, and progress tracking across delivery streams.
• Navigate organisational governance structures, ensuring stakeholder alignment and timely decision-making.
• Monitor delivery performance, ensuring outcomes are achieved within scope, quality, and timelines.

Technical Leadership & Delivery Enablement

• Provide technical leadership across Azure data platforms, including:
• Azure Data Factory
• Azure Databricks
• SQL-based data warehousing
• Data Design patterns and Data Architectures
• Oversee solution design, architecture alignment, and task prioritisation for engineering teams.
• Ensure adoption of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and continuous improvement frameworks.

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Mentor and guide data engineers and delivery teams, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.
• Act as a bridge between business, technology, and delivery teams, ensuring cohesive execution.

Domain Expertise

• Apply strong insurance domain knowledge Speciality lines Insurance (particularly pricing, policy, and claims) to shape relevant and impactful data solutions.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in a Data Programme Lead / Data Transformation Lead / Consulting role (not a pure project manager).
• Background in management consulting or strategic advisory engagements.
• Strong expertise in Azure data technologies (ADF, Databricks, SQL).
• Demonstrated ability to:
• Build executive-level presentations and strategic artefacts
• Drive senior stakeholder conversations and influence decision-making
• Develop and execute transformation roadmaps and governance frameworks
• Experience working in Agile environments with enterprise-scale delivery programmes.
• Deep understanding of DevOps, CI/CD, and modern data engineering practices.
• Strong communication, storytelling, and stakeholder management skills.
• Relevant experience in the insurance domain.