Data Lead

ASCO Group; Aberdeen City; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

ASCO Group is embarking on a significant, multi-year Business Systems Transformation Programme to modernise data capabilities across our global operations. We are seeking an experienced Data Lead to establish and lead ASCO's group data strategy, architecture and governance framework.

You will be responsible for improving data quality, establishing clear data ownership, and ensuring consistent data standards across all business systems and locations.

Qualifications

• Experience leading enterprise data architecture programmes.
• Proven track record in data governance and master data management.
• Experience across multiple countries and legal entities.
• Knowledge of GDPR and data residency requirements.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop ASCO's group data architecture and master data strategy.
• Lead data governance, defining ownership and approval processes.
• Chair the Data Governance Council and report to programme/ Steering Committee.
• Define data quality baselines, standards and improvement targets.
• Oversee data migration standards across system deliveries and go-live readiness.
• Develop group analytics architecture and ensure consistent reporting.
• Ensure GDPR, data privacy and residency controls are integrated.

Skills

Enterprise data architecture

Master data management

Data governance

Stakeholder management

Data quality improvement

AI data readiness

Education

Degree qualified or equivalent

Tools

Power BI

Microsoft Fabric

Azure Data Services

Dataverse

Job description

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday - Hybrid working to be agreed

ASCO is embarking on a significant, multi-year Business Systems Transformation Programme, representing a major investment in modernising the systems and processes that support our global operations.

We are seeking an experienced Data Lead to establish and lead ASCO's group wide data strategy, architecture and governance framework. You will be responsible for improving data quality, establishing clear data ownership and ensuring consistent data standards across all business systems and locations.

Working closely with programme teams and senior stakeholders, you will ensure data is reliable and fit for purpose, supporting business growth, effective decision-making and future AI opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and develop ASCO's group data architecture, master data strategy and target data model, establishing authoritative data sources across the business.
• Assess existing data systems, quality and migration requirements, identifying gaps, duplication and integration challenges.
• Lead master data management, including golden record definitions, data quality rules, data lineage and integration with downstream systems.
• Establish and lead data governance, defining data ownership, stewardship responsibilities and approval processes.
• Chair the Data Governance Council, resolving data ownership and quality issues and reporting performance to the programme and Steering Committee.
• Set data quality standards, baselines and improvement targets, including duplicate resolution and address standardisation.
• Define and oversee data migration standards across system deliveries, including mapping, cleansing, testing, validation and reconciliation before go-live.
• Develop the group reporting and analytics architecture, ensuring consistent reporting across business areas and territories.
• Ensure GDPR, data privacy and residency requirements are built into system design, with appropriate compliance, audit and retention controls.
• Work with the Design Authority and delivery teams to ensure systems align with the agreed group data model and standards.
• Ensure data is reliable and appropriately structured to support AI initiatives and wider business improvements.
• Lead and develop data specialists, ensuring effective handover of data ownership, governance and stewardship into business-as-usual following go live.

Minimum Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours)

• Strong understanding of enterprise data architecture, master data management and data governance, with the ability to establish consistent standards across a complex organisation.
• Ability to secure data ownership and accountability from business stakeholders across multiple locations and functions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on data quality, accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Confident decision maker, able to balance delivery priorities against data quality requirements and challenge system designs where necessary.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to engage with technical teams, senior management and business leaders.
• Commercially aware, with the ability to demonstrate the value of data investment and translate technical requirements into business benefits.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to develop and manage specialist teams, including contractors and consultants.
• Proactive and adaptable, with the ability to establish new standards and governance frameworks while supporting programme delivery.
• Understanding of emerging technologies and the importance of reliable data in supporting AI and business transformation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree qualified or equivalent relevant experience.
• Proven track record in enterprise data architecture, master data management or group-wide data governance.
• Experience leading master data management implementations, including golden record design and data quality standards.
• Strong background in data migration for major systems replacements, including cleansing, mapping, validation and reconciliation.
• Experience establishing data governance frameworks, including domain ownership, stewardship and approval processes.
• Working knowledge of modern data platform architecture, including data lake, lakehouse design and layered data modelling.
• Practical knowledge of GDPR and data residency requirements, with experience implementing appropriate controls.
• Experience delivering data programmes across multiple countries and legal entities.

Desirable Qualifications/Competencies

• Knowledge of Microsoft data platforms, including Fabric, Azure and Dataverse.
• Experience in PowerBI for performance reporting
• Familiarity with Microsoft AX and Dynamics 365 data models.
• Background in logistics or an associated sector, such as supply chain, marine, energy services or industrial services.
• Knowledge of GS1 standards and product or container identification data.
• Understanding of Power BI as a group reporting platform, including client facing reporting.
• Familiarity with data governance within a private equity-backed business.
• Experience establishing and developing a data function from the ground up.
• DAMA Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) qualification at Practitioner or Master level