Head of Data – 12-Month Contract
Location: Porton Down (Salisbury) or Portsdown West (Fareham) – Hybrid, with occasional travel to site
Duration: 12 months
IR35: In Scope
Day Rate: £1,084 (Umbrella) / £798.64 (PAYE)
Security Clearance: Active SC Clearance + Sole UK National (essential)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Head of Data to lead the development and delivery of a cross-organisational data vision and strategy for a high-profile UK Government agency operating in the science and technology domain.
The successful candidate will define the purpose, direction, and governance of data across the organisation — enabling innovation, assuring compliance, and embedding best practice. You will engage with senior stakeholders across government, academia, and industry, ensuring the organisation is positioned at the forefront of data-led decision making and capability.
Key Responsibilities
1. Define and deliver the organisation’s data vision, strategy, and policy, aligned with broader government and departmental objectives.
2. Establish and lead the data governance function, ensuring compliance with regulatory and contractual standards.
3. Oversee and assure data systems and architecture, building a future-proofed, agile delivery model.
4. Provide direction and assurance to senior leadership on data capability, policy, and interoperability.
5. Develop and maintain strong external partnerships with industry, academia, and government.
6. Champion best practice and build internal capability, providing training and guidance to upskill teams.
7. Act as a senior representative for data at board level and across government forums.
8. Drive data assurance and accountability, ensuring alignment with statutory and departmental frameworks.
Key Requirements
9. Active SC clearance
10. Proven experience leading data strategy and transformation at enterprise level within a complex or government environment.
11. Strong background in data governance, policy, architecture, and assurance.
12. Experience influencing at executive or board level, ideally within Defence, Government, or highly regulated sectors.
13. Excellent leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to align multiple data domains.
14. Demonstrated success in building data capability, culture, and literacy across large organisations.
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