Chief Data Officer

Job Title: Chief Data Officer (CDO) – Global Data Strategy & Transformation

Location: UK or Poland – Remote

Start Date: ASAP

Our client is a global leader in clinical research and life sciences, driving innovation to advance healthcare outcomes worldwide. Experiencing strong growth and investing heavily in cutting-edge technology, the organization is redefining data-driven decision-making across clinical, commercial, and corporate functions. This is a rare opportunity to join a progressive business at the forefront of AI, advanced analytics, and enterprise-scale data transformation.

As Chief Data Officer, you will shape and deliver the global data strategy, designing future-ready platforms and embedding advanced technologies to enable predictive insights, intelligent automation, and real-time analytics. You will lead large-scale transformation programs, ensuring data quality, security, and interoperability across both enterprise and customer environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the global data strategy, aligning enterprise and customer data ecosystems.
• Establish and implement data standards, governance models, and best practices.
• Lead the migration from legacy systems to modern data platforms (Azure SQL, Synapse, Lakehouse).
• Oversee system integrations using Microsoft technologies, including Azure Logic Apps, Service Bus, Power Automate, and API Management.
• Enable seamless data exchange across platforms such as Workday, Snowflake, and Informatica.
• Drive AI and ML innovation through scalable, secure data architectures and ethical AI principles.
• Deliver advanced analytics, dashboards, and compelling data storytelling to support business intelligence and decision-making.
• Build, mentor, and inspire high-performing global teams, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Act as a senior ambassador, developing trusted client relationships and identifying growth opportunities.

Skills & Experience

• 15+ years of experience in senior leadership roles with strong influence at executive level.
• Demonstrated expertise in data lifecycle management, integration technologies, and governance frameworks (DAMA-DMBOK).
• Experience within clinical trials or related industries, with deep knowledge of data security and privacy regulations (HIPAA).
• Strategic leader with hands-on delivery experience across enterprise-scale data transformations.
• Extensive knowledge of the Microsoft Azure ecosystem and Power Platform; relevant certifications are advantageous.
• Strong grounding in architecture frameworks (e.g. TOGAF), DevOps practices, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Bachelor's degree in data analytics, information systems, or a related discipline (Master's or MBA preferred).
• Life sciences or healthcare industry experience is essential.

Please contact David Rowland on the below if interested:

Phone: +44 20 3928 8381

Email: drowland@planet-pharma.co.uk (please attach CV)

About Planet Pharma:

Planet Pharma is an American parented Employment Business/Agency that provides global staffing services with its head-quarters in Chicago and our EMEA regional office located in Central London. We have invested significantly in creating a robust international platform that enables us to work compliantly in 30+ countries with a current network of 2500+ active contractors globally as well as a very strong permanent / direct hire recruitment offering.

Our specialist knowledge and close relationships with our clients and the wider industry really makes us unique in our field. Just recently we were recognised by FORBES as the 17th best professional staffing firm, and have won multiple awards from industry accredited bodies for our commitment to excellence and service delivery. We have extensive functional expertise including: Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, QA, QC, Submissions experts, Clinical development, Quality, Biostatistics, and Medical Affairs / Writing.

We are an equal opportunities Recruitment Business and Agency. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.