Data Lead - Transformation Programs

Imperial Brands PLC; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global FMCG company is seeking an experienced Data Lead for Transformation Programs on a 9-month fixed-term contract. Located in London, this role involves driving the delivery of high-quality data for major global initiatives, managing risks, and ensuring effective governance. Candidates should have proven senior data leadership experience, expertise in data migration strategies, and strong stakeholder management skills. This position provides an opportunity to impact and grow within a dynamic organization committed to inclusion and innovation.

Benefits

Comprehensive compensation package

Bonus scheme

Inspiring work environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior data leadership roles within large-scale transformations.
• Strong knowledge of data governance frameworks.
• Expertise in master data and metadata management.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary contact across major transformation programmes.
• Oversee data profiling, cleansing, and migration.
• Embed data governance and ownership models into programme delivery.

Skills

Data leadership

Data migration strategy

Stakeholder management

Agile methodologies

Compliance knowledge (GDPR, SOX)

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

NetSuite

Job description

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Data Lead for Transformation Programs to join our Data & AI function on a 9-month fixed-term contract , hybrid based in our London office. In this pivotal role, you will drive the delivery of high-quality, governed, and harmonised data across several of Imperial’s most strategic global initiatives, including Unify, Integrated Supply Chain (ISC), Sales Excellence, US Market Transformation, and the Data & AI Transformation Programme.

You will act as the key liaison between enterprise programmes and the Data & AI organisation—translating complex business needs into actionable data strategies. You will ensure data readiness and migration execution, embed governance and ownership models, and enable seamless integration across global and local systems. Success in this role requires exceptional programme leadership, cross-functional alignment, and deep expertise in data transformation at scale.

This role offers the right candidate the opportunity to grow their career, make a meaningful impact, and be part of an inclusive, innovative, global FMCG organization supported by 25,000 employees worldwide.

Principle Accountabilities

• Serve as the primary data point of contact across major transformation programmes and align all data deliverables to programme plans and milestones.
• Oversee data profiling, cleansing, harmonisation, and migration to ensure high-quality, on-time programme go-lives.
• Embed data governance, ownership models, and stewardship practices into programme delivery and hypercare.
• Partner with business SMEs, IT leads, BPLs, and system integrators to ensure aligned data scope, processes, and quality thresholds.
• Identify and manage data-related risks, dependencies, and readiness gaps across global workstreams.
• Define and validate go / no-go criteria for data acceptance and system readiness at key programme tollgates.

Skills and Experience Required

• Proven experience in senior data leadership roles within large-scale transformation or digital programmes.
• Strong knowledge of data migration strategy, governance frameworks, and ERP implementations SAP S / 4HANA, NetSuite).
• Expertise in data management disciplines such as master data and metadata management.
• Outstanding stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across functions, geographies, and seniority levels.
• Experience working in Agile and matrixed environments, including PI planning and cross-functional ceremonies.
• Understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements related to enterprise data, such as GDPR, SOX, and Responsible AI principles.

What We Offer

In return for playing your part in building our future, you will receive a comprehensive compensation package with salary, bonus scheme and further benefits as well inspiring places to work and collaborate with purpose. Here at Imperial we will give you the opportunity to grow and learn, innovate at pace and be a part of our purpose to forge a path to a healthier future for moments of relaxation and pleasure for our consumers.

Everyone Belongs

About Us

We're a truly international company, fourth largest in our industry and operating across 120 markets. An inclusive, innovative global FMCG business supported by 25,000 employees. As we embrace a new era of growth, we are transforming. Our ways of working and culture are driven by a challenger mindset, constantly questioning the status quo where people can bring their best selves to work. Our agility and collaboration are driving our ambitions, innovation and success all supported by our award-winning development programmes that creates exciting and rewarding career opportunities for all. Encouraging inclusion at local levels and supporting a developing and robust diversity agenda globally, we’re fully committed to creating and maintaining an environment that celebrates and respects difference.

As a matter of policy, Imperial Tobacco or its subsidiaries never requests or requires payment as part of any recruitment process.

Next Steps