Data Lead

idibu; England; Hybrid; GBP 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading data management company seeks a Data Lead to oversee asset management information and lead data initiatives. This hybrid role at Clearwater Court, Reading, offers significant engagement with digital transformation programmes and a competitive salary up to £64,000 per annum. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of SAP and a strong background in data governance and continuous improvement within the utilities sector.

Benefits

Competitive salary up to £64,000

26 days holiday per year

Generous Pension Scheme

Health and well-being benefits

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of SAP or similar asset management systems.
• Proven ability to set and uphold data design standards.
• Strong track record in managing maintenance data and asset master data.
• Background in utilities, oil & gas, or petrochemical industries.
• Confident communicator who can translate technical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver master data management (MDM) activities.
• Own and maintain the asset and work data model in SAP.
• Shape and implement MDM strategies.
• Provide expert advice on data governance.
• Manage workloads and provide leadership.

Skills

Knowledge of SAP or similar asset management systems

Data design standards

Continuous improvement programmes

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Team management

Tools

SAP

Maximo

Job description

We’re looking for a Data Lead to take ownership of our asset and maintenance master data, ensuring high standards and continuous improvement across our systems. This role will offer the opportunity to collaborate with many business areas and work on projects that will shape the future of the organisation.

Please note this is a 12-month fixed-term contract. The internal title for this role is Maintenance & Asset Data Lead.

What you’ll be doing as a Data Lead

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of asset management information, lead strategic data initiatives, and ensure that master data underpins the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of services.

In this role, you’ll take ownership of maintenance and asset master data — ensuring it is accurate, consistent, and valuable across the business. Drawing on your expertise in SAP and data governance, you’ll establish best practices, influence senior stakeholders, and drive measurable improvements in data quality and processes.

Your key responsibilities:

• Lead and deliver master data management (MDM) activities, driving data assurance and continuous quality improvement.
• Own and maintain the asset and work data model in SAP, including configuration and change approvals.
• Shape and implement MDM strategies to ensure alignment with business and operational needs.
• Provide expert advice and influence on data governance, standards, and effective planning.
• Manage workloads and provide leadership to analysts and advisors, mentoring and developing the team.
• Oversee data quality analysis, issue resolution, and stakeholder engagement across multiple functions.
• Build and embed a centre of excellence for MDM, aligned with organisational strategy and long-term goals.

This is a hybrid role with 2 days per week based at Clearwater Court, Reading (RG1 8DB), with occasional travel to other sites to meet key stakeholders.

What you should bring to the role

• In-depth knowledge of SAP or similar asset management systems. (e.g., Maximo)
• Proven ability to set and uphold data design standards, governance, and quality assurance.
• Strong track record in managing maintenance data, asset master data, and continuous improvement programmes.
• Background in utilities, oil & gas, or petrochemical industries, working with large and diverse asset bases.
• Skilled in leading projects and activities with a focus on delivery and measurable outcomes.
• Confident communicator who can translate technical concepts into clear, accessible language.
• Strong relationship-builder, able to collaborate effectively across all levels of the business.
• Experienced in developing, mentoring, and managing team members.

What’s in it for you?

This role involves significant engagement with our digital transformation programmes and offers the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders across the business, driving improvements that shape the way the team operates and how Thames Water uses asset data.

• Competitive salary up to £64,000 per annum.
• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know. We’re here to help and support.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same.