Chief Data Officer

i-Pharm Consulting; United States; On-site; USD 220,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

i-Pharm Consulting is partnering with a global life sciences and healthcare organisation to appoint a Chief Data Officer. You will shape enterprise data strategy, lead a global data function and partner with the CIO and the C-Suite to turn data into a strategic asset.

You'll oversee modern data architecture, cloud adoption on Azure, data governance, and a high-performing team across continents, driving data excellence and business value at scale.

Qualifications

• 15+ years experience leading enterprise-scale data, technology, or digital transformations

Responsibilities

• Define and execute enterprise data strategy across the organisation.
• Build and evolve a modern data platform and architecture.
• Oversee data governance, quality, security and stewardship across the enterprise.
• Lead and mentor a global team of senior data leaders and partners with senior stakeholders.

Skills

Data strategy

Azure data

Data governance

Medallion architecture

Team leadership

Cloud platforms

Job description

• US (East Coast Preferred, or working ET Time Zone)

Shape the Future of Data in a Data-Rich Industry

We're partnering with a global organisation operating in the life sciences and healthcare ecosystem to appoint a visionary Chief Data Officer.

This is an opportunity to lead enterprise-wide data strategy at a pivotal moment in the company's evolution. With significant investment being made in modern data capabilities, cloud technologies, and digital innovation, the organisation is looking for a proven data leader who can build a robust, scalable data foundation that drives business value across the enterprise.

Reporting directly to the CIO, you'll sit at the heart of strategic decision-making, partnering with executive leadership to ensure data becomes a true competitive advantage.

This role requires someone who can think strategically, lead globally, and engage confidently at Board and C-Suite level, while retaining the technical depth needed to shape modern enterprise data architecture.

What You'll Be Doing:

Lead the Enterprise Data Strategy

• Define and execute a company-wide data strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Establish data as a strategic asset across the organisation.
• Drive a culture of data-driven decision-making and accountability.
• Partner with business leaders to identify opportunities to unlock greater value from data.
• Act as the executive voice for data across the organisation.

Build the Foundations for the Future

• Lead the design and evolution of a modern enterprise data platform.
• Drive the transition from fragmented and legacy data environments toward a scalable, cloud-based ecosystem.
• Establish enterprise-wide standards for data governance, quality, security, and stewardship.
• Create a trusted, business-ready data environment capable of supporting advanced analytics, automation, and future innovation initiatives.

Own Modern Data Architecture

• Lead the development of enterprise data lakes, warehouses, and lakehouse environments.
• Oversee the implementation of Medallion Architecture (Bronze, Silver and Gold layers).
• Ensure data from multiple internal and external sources is ingested, governed, standardised and made readily consumable.
• Establish an enterprise data model that supports consistency, scalability, and long-term growth.
• Drive adoption of Microsoft Azure-based data technologies and best practices.

Lead and Inspire

• Build, mentor and develop a high-performing team of senior data leaders.
• Partner closely with technology, operations, commercial and executive stakeholders globally.
• Influence investment decisions, organisational priorities and long-term technology strategy.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CIO and Executive Leadership Team.

What We're Looking For

Existing Chief Data Officer, VP Data, VP Data & Analytics, or equivalent executive-level leader

15+ years of experience leading enterprise-scale data, technology, or digital transformation programmes

Proven experience influencing executive stakeholders, Boards, and senior leadership teams

Deep expertise in data strategy, data governance, and modern data architecture

Strong Microsoft ecosystem experience, particularly Azure-based data platforms

Extensive experience with data lakes, data warehouses, lakehouse architectures, and enterprise data modelling

Strong understanding of Medallion Architecture and modern data engineering principles

Experience leading large-scale data modernisation initiatives within complex, global organisations

Industry Experience

We're open to a variety of backgrounds, provided you've operated within data-rich, regulated, and complex environments.

Examples may include:

• Life Sciences
• HealthTech
• Clinical Technology
• SaaS platforms serving healthcare or life sciences customers
• Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology organisations
• Contract Research Organisations (CROs)
• Other highly regulated industries where data is central to business success

What matters most is strong domain understanding combined with exceptional data leadership experience.

The Ideal Leader

You're as comfortable discussing enterprise strategy in the boardroom as you are challenging data architecture decisions with technical teams.

You understand that meaningful innovation starts with trusted, well-governed data. You've successfully led large-scale data transformation initiatives before, and you know how to balance strategic vision with pragmatic execution.

Most importantly, you're excited by the opportunity to build a world-class data capability that will underpin the organisation's next stage of growth, innovation, and intelligent decision-making.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Executive visibility and influence

Direct partnership with the CIO and senior leadership team

Opportunity to shape enterprise-wide data strategy

Significant investment in modern data capabilities

Global scope and impact

Opportunity to build the data foundations that will enable future analytics, automation, and AI-driven innovation