Chief Data Officer

Xcede; England; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Xcede is seeking a Chief Data Officer to define and lead the organisation's data strategy, partnering with senior leadership to unlock value from data across the business.

You will build a high-performing data function, establish an enterprise data operating model, and drive modern data platforms, governance and analytics to support growth. This is an executive role requiring strong stakeholder influence and a proven track record of data-driven transformation.

Qualifications

• Senior data leader with a track record of data-led transformation.
• Experience developing enterprise data strategies and operating models.
• Strong understanding of data governance, quality, ownership and management.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a clear, enterprise-wide data strategy aligned to business objectives.
• Establish a strong data culture across the organisation, improving access to information.
• Lead and develop a high-performing data function and operating model.
• Drive development of modern data platforms, architecture and engineering capabilities.
• Strengthen data governance, ownership, quality and management practices.
• Identify opportunities to use data, analytics and emerging technologies to improve business performance.
• Provide senior leadership with insights into data opportunities, risks and priorities.
• Collaborate across technology and business units to deliver large-scale data initiatives.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure investment in data delivers measurable outcomes.

Skills

Executive leadership

Data strategy

Stakeholder management

Cloud technologies

Data governance

Modern data platforms

Analytics

Data products

Team development

Job description

A leading organisation is undertaking a significant transformation programme, with data playing an increasingly important role in its future growth and development.

The business is investing in its data capabilities to improve decision-making, create greater value from its information and support the continued evolution of its technology and operating model.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Chief Data Officer to define and lead the organisation's data strategy and help shape how data is used across the business.

Working closely with senior leadership, you will establish a clear direction for data and analytics, ensuring the function is aligned with wider commercial priorities and delivers tangible business

value.

The role will involve:

• Defining and executing a clear, enterprise-wide data strategy aligned to business objectives.
• Establishing a strong data culture across the organisation, improving how teams access and use information.
• Leading and developing a high-performing data function and establishing an effective operating model.
• Driving the development of modern data platforms, architecture and engineering capabilities.
• Strengthening data governance, ownership, quality and management practices.
• Identifying opportunities to use data, analytics and emerging technologies to improve business performance.
• Providing senior leadership with clear insight into data opportunities, risks and priorities.
• Working across technology and business functions to deliver large-scale data initiatives.
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensuring investment in data is prioritised effectively and delivers measurable outcomes.

About You

You will be an experienced and commercially focused data leader who can connect data strategy with wider business objectives.

You will have a strong track record of leading significant data transformation and be comfortable operating with senior executives and stakeholders across a complex organisation.

The successful candidate will bring:

• Senior leadership experience across data, analytics, information or technology.
• A proven track record of delivering business value through data-led transformation.
• Experience developing and implementing enterprise data strategies and operating models.
• Strong understanding of modern data platforms, cloud technologies, analytics and data products.
• Experience building and developing high-performing data teams.
• A strong understanding of data governance, quality, ownership and management.
• Experience leading complex programmes involving multiple business and technology stakeholders.
• Strong commercial judgement and the ability to prioritise investment based on business value.
• Experience operating at Executive or Board level and communicating complex topics clearly.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.

Most importantly, you will be a collaborative leader who can create a clear vision for data, bring stakeholders together and drive meaningful change across the organisation.