Head of Data

Location: Hybrid - Porton Down, Salisbury or Portsdown West, Fareham (occasional site travel required)
Duration: 12 months

The ideal candidate will hold Active SC clearance and have a strong background in delivery Head of Data Management support, with the following skills and experience

We're seeking an experienced Head of Data to lead the strategic direction, governance, and delivery of data capabilities within a high-impact digital environment. This role will be pivotal in defining the organisation's data purpose and vision, ensuring data strategies align with broader business and technology goals.

As Head of Data, you will shape a forward-looking data culture, establish robust governance frameworks, and build partnerships across government, academia, and industry to drive data innovation and impact.

• Define and deliver the organisation's data purpose, vision, and strategy, aligning with executive direction and broader defence data goals.

• Establish and lead future-focused data systems and processes to ensure agility and long-term scalability.

• Manage data governance and assurance, ensuring compliance with all regulatory, statutory, and contractual obligations.

• Develop and oversee data governance functions, policies, and training to enhance organisation-wide data literacy and best practice.

• Build and maintain strategic external partnerships with government, academia, and industry to strengthen data innovation and collaboration.

• Represent the organisation at senior levels within government data forums, advising on governance, policy, and interoperability.

• Proven senior leadership experience in data governance, assurance, or strategy.

• Strong ability to influence and develop relationships across multiple stakeholder groups.

• Experience working with complex, ambiguous challenges, providing innovative, strategic solutions.

• A track record of creating inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing teams.

• Demonstrated success in defining and communicating a clear vision, translating strategy into actionable outcomes.

• Degree in science, mathematics, computer science, data science, information systems, or a related field.

Technical Skills:

• Strong critical and creative thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

• Skilled in stakeholder management and influencing senior leadership.

• Demonstrated strategic and systems thinking.

• Excellent networking skills across government, academia, and industry.

• DAMA accreditation (Associate or higher) or willingness to achieve within six months.

• Experience in developing and implementing data governance and assurance structures.

• Leading complex strategic initiatives under uncertainty.

• Influencing and engaging at the highest levels of government.

• Leveraging internal and external technical expertise to deliver innovative data solutions.

• Demonstrated subject matter expertise in data or complementary science domains (e.g., AI, data analytics).