Head of Data

Overview

We are recruiting a Head of Data to join the IT leadership team of a global professional services organisation. This is a strategic, senior role responsible for developing, implementing, and embedding a firmwide data strategy that positions data as a critical business asset.

The role will focus on improving data governance, quality, integration, and accessibility to support regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, reporting, automation, and the adoption of AI-enabled solutions.

This opportunity is well suited to a senior data leader with experience in a law firm or comparable professional services environment, who combines strong technical understanding with excellent stakeholder engagement and change leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, deliver, and embed a firmwide data strategy aligned to business and technology objectives.
• Chair a cross-functional Data Council, driving governance, standards, and strategic decision-making.
• Lead initiatives to improve data quality, consistency, and integration across enterprise systems.
• Establish and maintain data taxonomies, dictionaries, and data flow transparency.
• Partner closely with Risk & Compliance teams to proactively manage data risk and regulatory obligations.
• Support the delivery of key initiatives including:
• Data cleansing and restructuring
• Knowledge and records management system implementations
• Automation and AI enablement
• Implementation of a central data platform (eg Microsoft Fabric)
• Work with IT leadership to shape technology strategy and contribute to annual budgeting.
• Drive cultural change, ensuring partners and staff understand the value and purpose of data.
• Identify, recruit, and manage data resources as required.

Skills & Experience

• 3+ years' experience in a senior data role within a law firm or comparable professional services organisation.
• Proven ability to influence and advise Partners, C-suite, and senior stakeholders.
• Strong experience delivering data governance, quality, and integration initiatives.
• Experience supporting reporting, automation, and AI through structured data foundations.
• Ability to communicate complex technical topics clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Strong change management and stakeholder management capability.
• Commercially aware, pragmatic, and results focused.

Desirable:

• Data protection qualifications (eg IAPP CIPP/E, CIPM).

Personal Attributes

• Credible, confident, and comfortable operating at leadership level.
• Highly organised with strong prioritisation skills.
• Collaborative and people-focused approach.
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced, global environment.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a firmwide data function, with genuine influence over governance, reporting, automation, and AI strategy in a global professional services environment.