Data Lead

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday - Hybrid working to be agreed

Key Responsibilities

• Own and develop ASCO's group data architecture, master data strategy and target data model, establishing authoritative data sources across the business.
• Assess existing data systems, quality and migration requirements, identifying gaps, duplication and integration challenges.
• Lead master data management, including golden record definitions, data quality rules, data lineage and integration with downstream systems.
• Establish and lead data governance, defining data ownership, stewardship responsibilities and approval processes.
• Chair the Data Governance Council, resolving data ownership and quality issues and reporting performance to the programme and Steering Committee.
• Set data quality standards, baselines and improvement targets, including duplicate resolution and address standardisation.
• Define and oversee data migration standards across system deliveries, including mapping, cleansing, testing, validation and reconciliation before go-live.
• Develop the group reporting and analytics architecture, ensuring consistent reporting across business areas and territories.
• Ensure GDPR, data privacy and residency requirements are built into system design, with appropriate compliance, audit and retention controls.
• Work with the Design Authority and delivery teams to ensure systems align with the agreed group data model and standards.
• Ensure data is reliable and appropriately structured to support AI initiatives and wider business improvements.
• Lead and develop data specialists, ensuring effective handover of data ownership, governance and stewardship into business-as-usual following go live.

Minimum Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours)

• Strong understanding of enterprise data architecture, master data management and data governance, with the ability to establish consistent standards across a complex organisation.
• Ability to secure data ownership and accountability from business stakeholders across multiple locations and functions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on data quality, accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Confident decision maker, able to balance delivery priorities against data quality requirements and challenge system designs where necessary.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to engage with technical teams, senior management and business leaders.
• Commercially aware, with the ability to demonstrate the value of data investment and translate technical requirements into business benefits.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to develop and manage specialist teams, including contractors and consultants.
• Proactive and adaptable, with the ability to establish new standards and governance frameworks while supporting programme delivery.
• Understanding of emerging technologies and the importance of reliable data in supporting AI and business transformation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree qualified or equivalent relevant experience.

Minimum Experience

• Proven track record in enterprise data architecture, master data management or group-wide data governance.
• Experience leading master data management implementations, including golden record design and data quality standards.
• Strong background in data migration for major systems replacements, including cleansing, mapping, validation and reconciliation.
• Experience establishing data governance frameworks, including domain ownership, stewardship and approval processes.
• Working knowledge of modern data platform architecture, including data lake, lakehouse design and layered data modelling.
• Practical knowledge of GDPR and data residency requirements, with experience implementing appropriate controls.
• Experience delivering data programmes across multiple countries and legal entities.

Desirable Qualifications/Competencies

• Knowledge of Microsoft data platforms, including Fabric, Azure and Dataverse.
• Experience in PowerBI for performance reporting
• Familiarity with Microsoft AX and Dynamics 365 data models.
• Background in logistics or an associated sector, such as supply chain, marine, energy services or industrial services.
• Knowledge of GS1 standards and product or container identification data.
• Understanding of Power BI as a group reporting platform, including client facing reporting.
• Familiarity with data governance within a private equity-backed business.
• Experience establishing and developing a data function from the ground up.
• DAMA Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) qualification at Practitioner or Master level