Head of Data (Defence cleared)

Head of Data – 12-Month Contract

Location: Porton Down (Salisbury) or Portsdown West (Fareham) – Hybrid, with occasional travel to site
Duration: 12 months
IR35: In Scope
Day Rate: £1,084 (Umbrella) / £798.64 (PAYE)
Security Clearance: Active SC Clearance + Sole UK National (essential)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Head of Data to lead the development and delivery of a cross-organisational data vision and strategy for a high-profile UK Government agency operating in the science and technology domain.

The successful candidate will define the purpose, direction, and governance of data across the organisation — enabling innovation, assuring compliance, and embedding best practice. You will engage with senior stakeholders across government, academia, and industry, ensuring the organisation is positioned at the forefront of data-led decision making and capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the organisation’s data vision, strategy, and policy, aligned with broader government and departmental objectives.

• Establish and lead the data governance function, ensuring compliance with regulatory and contractual standards.

• Oversee and assure data systems and architecture, building a future-proofed, agile delivery model.

• Provide direction and assurance to senior leadership on data capability, policy, and interoperability.

• Develop and maintain strong external partnerships with industry, academia, and government.

• Champion best practice and build internal capability, providing training and guidance to upskill teams.

• Act as a senior representative for data at board level and across government forums.

• Drive data assurance and accountability, ensuring alignment with statutory and departmental frameworks.

Key Requirements

• Active SC clearance 

• Proven experience leading data strategy and transformation at enterprise level within a complex or government environment.

• Strong background in data governance, policy, architecture, and assurance.

• Experience influencing at executive or board level, ideally within Defence, Government, or highly regulated sectors.

• Excellent leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to align multiple data domains.

• Demonstrated success in building data capability, culture, and literacy across large organisations.

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