Head Of Data, CDO, Data Governance, Professional Services, City London

Carrington Recruitment Solutions; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional services firm in London is seeking a Head of Data to take ownership of their data strategy and drive meaningful change across the organization. The role requires senior data leadership experience, strong communication skills with senior stakeholders, and the ability to deliver complex data programmes. This hybrid position offers the opportunity to influence the firm's data governance and management framework, making it a significant appointment within the organization.

Qualifications

• Experience in a legal or comparable professional services environment.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and manage complexity.
• Experience with automation or AI programmes is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of the data strategy.
• Transform data into a strategic asset for the organization.
• Chair the Data Council and manage risk globally.

Skills

Senior data leadership experience

Confident communication with C-suite

Change delivery across governance

Strong communication skills

Solid commercial judgement

Building data culture

Understanding modern data platforms

Education

Data protection qualifications (CIPP/E, CIPM)

Job description

Head of Data, Professional Services, Governance, Compliance, CDO, City of London

Head of Data / CDO required to work for a Professional Services firm based in the City of London. However, this is a hybrid role where you will be expected to be in the office circa 3 days per week.

This is a senior leadership role reporting into the Chief Technology Officer, with full ownership of the firm's data agenda and the responsibility to deliver meaningful change across the organisation.

What the role involves:

• Lead the development, implementation and long‑term embedding of the firm's data strategy
• Turn data into a strategic business asset rather than a back‑office function
• Build and run data governance, chair the Data Council and attend key risk committees
• Drive data quality, integration, accuracy and consistency across global systems
• Oversee data restructuring, cleansing and preparation for better reporting and insight
• Deliver and embed policies across retention, usage, classification and compliance
• Support automation and artificial intelligence initiatives by building the right foundations
• Implement a data platform such as Microsoft Fabric as the firm's single source of truth
• Lead initial programmes including new knowledge management and records management systems
• Influence senior stakeholders across multiple regions and build firm‑wide understanding of the value of data
• Work closely with Risk and Compliance to manage data risk globally
• Shape and support long‑term technology strategy alongside the Chief Technology Officer

Experience required:

• Senior data leadership experience within a legal or comparable professional services environment
• Confident working with Partners, senior stakeholders and C‑suite leaders
• Proven ability to deliver complex change across governance, quality, integration and data programmes
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex topics clearly and practically
• Solid commercial judgement and a delivery‑focused mindset
• Experience building data culture, continuous improvement and governance frameworks
• Understanding of modern data platforms, architectures and approaches
• Experience with automation or artificial intelligence programmes is an advantage
• Data protection qualifications such as CIPP/E or CIPM are helpful but not essential
• Comfortable handling complexity, managing competing priorities and standing your ground when needed

This is a major appointment for the firm and they are looking for someone credible, steady, resilient and able to influence senior stakeholders. If you want to take real ownership of a global data agenda and build something meaningful, this will suit you.

It is a great opportunity and salary is dependent upon experience. Please apply now for more details