Head of Data

Blu Selection - Recruitment Agency; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal vouchers

Flexible compensation options

Life and accident insurance

Job summary

Blu Selection is assisting a global manufacturing leader in identifying a Head of Data to build and operate a Data Governance and Data Management framework. You will bridge IT platforms with business strategy, ensuring data is owned, governed, and trusted across functions.

You will lead the Data Office and a 3–5 person team, drive a strategic data roadmap, and collaborate with SAP, PLM, and Databricks implementations to maximize data value.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in Data Governance and Enterprise Data Management.
• 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Professionally fluent in English.
• Experience with SAP, Salesforce, Databricks, PLM.

Responsibilities

• Set up and structure the enterprise Data Office, including recruiting resources and managing 3–5 data professionals.
• Build and lead the network of Business Data Stewards across ~20 reports.
• Define a strategic data roadmap aligned with AI use cases and SAP/PLM programs.
• Establish governance policies, data quality standards, and metadata management (glossary, dictionary).
• Ensure data is governed across SAP S/4HANA, BW/4HANA, Salesforce and Databricks.

Skills

Data governance

Enterprise data management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Change management

Education

Master's degree in Information Systems / CS / Engineering / Business Information Management

Tools

SAP

Salesforce

Databricks

PLM

Job description

What's the project?

Our client is a highly established global manufacturing leader that produces specialized, science-backed materials for the consumer goods and B2B sectors. With a massive international footprint, they sit at the intersection of deep tech, complex formulation, and advanced chemistry.

Right now, they are heavily investing in bringing cutting-edge technology into their traditional supply and manufacturing processes. The goal? To build state-of-the-art AI solutions, streamline global operations, and unlock high-impact data-driven products across their international ecosystem. You'll be jumping right into the heart of their digital transformation journey!

And your role in this?

As the Head of Data, you serve as the enterprise leader responsible for transforming data into a trusted strategic asset across the organization. Reporting directly to the Digital Transformation Director, your mission is to build and operate a robust Data Governance and Data Management framework from the ground up. You will bridge the gap between IT's technical platforms and the business's strategic priorities, ensuring that data is consistently governed, owned, and trusted across all functions.

More specifically, you will:

• Set up and structure the enterprise Data Office, including recruiting required resources and providing direct line management for a team of 3 to 5 data professionals (including a Data Project Manager and Adoption Manager).


• Build, lead, and develop the enterprise network of Business Data Stewards, managing approximately 20 functional reports across various business domains.


• Define a strategic data roadmap alongside business stakeholders, ensuring strict alignment with AI use cases, as well as overarching SAP and PLM transformation programs.


• Establish enterprise-wide data governance policies, data quality standards, and metadata management processes, including the Business Glossary and Data Dictionary.


• Ensure the consistent management of critical business data across core enterprise applications, specifically working within a landscape that includes SAP S/4HANA, BW/4HANA, Salesforce, and Databricks.

Ok, what should you bring?

We’re looking for a seasoned data leader who thrives on building governance frameworks from scratch, values cross-functional collaboration, and knows how to drive real organizational change in a complex, global matrix.

The Must-Haves:

• Experience: 8+ years of experience in Data Governance and Enterprise Data Management, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.


• Data & Tech Mastery: Strong expertise in managing data across multiple business domains and enterprise applications (SAP, Salesforce, Databricks, PLM).


• Matrix Leadership: Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, coordinate governance committees, and manage both direct teams and functional data stewardship networks.


• Education: Master's degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, Business Information Management, or a related field.


• Languages: Professional fluency in English.

The Nice-to-Haves:

• Professional proficiency in French is strongly preferred and will be highly valuable for collaborating with key regional teams.


• Experience in process manufacturing, consumer goods, life sciences, or other complex B2B industrial environments.


• Solid understanding of data governance regulations and compliance requirements, including GDPR.

Is that it?

Not quite! Beyond the work itself, here is a glimpse into the vibe, package, and reality of the role:

• The Target & Challenge: Driving enterprise-wide data governance in an established, complex company requires exceptional change management skills. You will need to promote data literacy, build strong business partnerships to establish data ownership, and resolve cross-functional data quality issues smoothly.


• The Salary & Package: From €100,000 base + a performance bonus, accompanied by a permanent contract from day one, meal vouchers, flexible compensation options (like childcare vouchers), and comprehensive life and accident insurance.


• The Vibes: Stable, inclusive, and grounded in long-term human values. The culture favours balance: expect shorter working days on Fridays, generous vacation time, and a supportive team atmosphere that respects your time off as much as your hard work.