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

Finsbury Square
3 weeks ago
Create job alert

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

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Head of Data Governance

Head of Data Governance

Head of Finance Systems & Data Strategy

Head of Data Architecture

Head of Data Compliance

Head of Data Science

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Education

The Skills Gap in Data Science Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Data science has become one of the most visible and sought-after careers in the UK technology market. From financial services and retail to healthcare, media, government and sport, organisations increasingly rely on data scientists to extract insight, guide decisions and build predictive models. Universities have responded quickly. Degrees in data science, analytics and artificial intelligence have expanded rapidly, and many computer science courses now include data-focused pathways. And yet, despite the volume of graduates entering the market, employers across the UK consistently report the same problem: Many data science candidates are not job-ready. Vacancies remain open. Hiring processes drag on. Candidates with impressive academic backgrounds fail interviews or struggle once hired. The issue is not intelligence or effort. It is a persistent skills gap between university education and real-world data science roles. This article explores that gap in depth: what universities teach well, what they often miss, why the gap exists, what employers actually want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build successful careers in data science.

Careers Jobs

Data Science Jobs for Career Switchers in Their 30s, 40s & 50s (UK Reality Check)

Thinking about switching into data science in your 30s, 40s or 50s? You’re far from alone. Across the UK, businesses are investing in data science talent to turn data into insight, support better decisions and unlock competitive advantage. But with all the hype about machine learning, Python, AI and data unicorns, it can be hard to separate real opportunities from noise. This article gives you a practical, UK-focused reality check on data science careers for mid-life career switchers — what roles really exist, what skills employers really hire for, how long retraining typically takes, what UK recruiters actually look for and how to craft a compelling career pivot story. Whether you come from finance, marketing, operations, research, project management or another field entirely, there are meaningful pathways into data science — and age itself is not the barrier many people fear.

Jobs

How to Write a Data Science Job Ad That Attracts the Right People

Data science plays a critical role in how organisations across the UK make decisions, build products and gain competitive advantage. From forecasting and personalisation to risk modelling and experimentation, data scientists help translate data into insight and action. Yet many employers struggle to attract the right data science candidates. Job adverts often generate high volumes of applications, but few applicants have the mix of analytical skill, business understanding and communication ability the role actually requires. At the same time, experienced data scientists skip over adverts that feel vague, inflated or misaligned with real data science work. In most cases, the issue is not a lack of talent — it is the quality and clarity of the job advert. Data scientists are analytical, sceptical of hype and highly selective. A poorly written job ad signals unclear expectations and immature data practices. A well-written one signals credibility, focus and serious intent. This guide explains how to write a data science job ad that attracts the right people, improves applicant quality and positions your organisation as a strong data employer.

🍪 We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you consent to the use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy. You can review our Cookie Policy for more information.