Head of Data - Security-cleared

We are currently recruiting for a Head of Data to work a 12-month contract for our client with occasional on-site travel in either Salisbury or Fareham. This role will be responsible for defining data purpose and delivering a compelling vision and long-term strategy for data and guiding and assuring the business to realise this strategy in line with future S&T and business capability requirements and the aspirations of the Data Strategy.

• Define the Data purpose, vision, strategy and associated policy, process and practices. Lead the creation (and assure the implementation and ongoing relevance) of the organization's data with the Chief Information Officer, and with direction from the Executive.
• Establish, lead and futureproof the Data system(s) requirement ensuring an agile, future focussed delivery model with a clear long term strategic vision that recognises the complex and uncertain nature of data.
• Manage assurance of the client's data holdings in line with regulatory requirements.
• Design the data governance function providing governance, policy, assurance, access to data management specialist training and in depth technical support to upskill the organisation as a whole over time and in line with current best practice.
• Build and maintain external partnerships to understand and embed data best practice and leverage external capability to enhance the client's ability to deliver data impact within the complex and highly uncertain defence and security domain, understand and deliver the art of the possible' and thought leadership to give organisational and delivery advantage in collaboration with other key functions.

Essential:

• Senior leadership, governance and/or assurance experience within the data domain
• Influencing and developing relationships across all grades, both internally and externally
• Working within ambiguity, to offer innovative solutions
• Experience of creating a culture that is trusting, collaborative, innovative, diverse and inclusive
• Proven experience in defining and communicating a clear vision that aligns with organisational goals, inspiring teams and stakeholders to take action.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic vision into actionable goals and initiatives for a department or team
• Experience in fostering teamwork within a department and cross-functional collaboration with other departments or external partners.
• A degree in science, mathematics, computer science; data science; information systems or related field.

Technical Skills:

• Excellent leadership and coaching
• Exceptional Communication and storytelling in all potential media including oral, written and visual.
• Influencing senior leadership
• Creative and critical thinking, and outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Strategic and Systems Thinking
• Exceptional networking skills across government, academia and industry
• DAMA accreditation at associate level or above, or the capacity to reach accreditation within six months

Desirable:

• Developing and implementing appropriate governance and assurance structures
• Delivering complex strategic solutions under uncertainty
• Influencing at the highest levels of government
• Harnessing sources of technical excellence from appropriate sources, both internal and external.
• Setting a compelling vision and engaging the enthusiasm of staff to excel and to embrace change
• Evidence of application focussed subject matter expertise within the data domain or in complementary science domains, such as AI, Data Analytics etc

If you feel you have the skills and experience needed for this role; please do apply now.