Interim Deputy Director (Data Governance, Protection & Strat

Interim Deputy Director (Data Governance, Protection & Strategy)Rate: £825 per day (Inside IR35) via umbrellaDuration: 9 Months (Initial contract to March 2027, extension highly likely)Location: Hybrid / Majority Remote (1–2 days per month travel to client hub) looking for candidates based around (Darlington, Manchester London or Coventry)Start Date: ASAP (Maximum 1-week notice period)We are partnering with a leading digital consultancy to deploy an experienced Data Leader into a high-profile, mission-critical UK Public Sector programme.This role operates at Senior Civil Service (SCS1) equivalent level and requires someone who has owned enterprise Data Governance, Data Protection and Data Strategy within a large, complex organisation. Were looking to speak with experienced Deputy Directors, Directors of Data Governance, Chief Data Officers, Heads of Enterprise Data Governance, or equivalent senior leaders, ideally with Central Government experience.Please note: This is not a Data Engineering, Data Platform, Data Transformation or PMO leadership role. Were specifically looking for someone with a proven track record of establishing and leading enterprise-wide data governance frameworks, embedding data protection and privacy by design, and driving organisation-wide data strategy.Youll act as the advisory and delivery lead, responsible for designing, embedding and evolving the enterprise-wide data strategy, governance frameworks and protection policies across a highly complex government environment.This is a fast-paced, high-impact interim opportunity, suited to someone who can quickly establish credibility with senior stakeholders and deliver strategic change from day one.Key ResponsibilitiesData Strategy & Roadmap: Set the enterprise data strategy, translating it into clear, investable roadmaps aligned with departmental outcomes and digital transformation.Framework Ownership: Lead and continuously improve the enterprise data governance framework, including governance principles, standards, decision rights, data ownership and stewardship.Privacy by Design: Provide senior leadership across UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, ensuring privacy, DPIAs and risk-based decision making are embedded into programmes, products and AI initiatives.Operating Model: Establish and lead the department-wide operating model for data governance, embedding clear accountabilities, governance forums and data stewardship across the organisation.Senior Stakeholder Engagement: Advise Directors, Senior Responsible Owners and Executive Leadership on complex data governance, information governance and data protection matters.Cross-Government Collaboration: Work closely with organisations such as DSIT, the ICO and other government departments to enable safe, secure and compliant data sharing.Essential CriteriaSenior Leadership: Minimum five years experience leading enterprise Data Governance, Data Protection and Data Strategy within a large, complex organisation, ideally at Director, Deputy Director, Chief Data Officer or equivalent level.Public Sector Experience: Experience within Central Government is strongly preferred, with a clear understanding of operating in highly regulated public sector environments.Enterprise Data Governance: Proven experience designing, implementing and embedding organisation-wide data governance frameworks, operating models, data ownership and stewardship.Data Protection Expertise: Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, Privacy by Design and risk-based governance.Executive Stakeholder Management: Outstanding communication skills with the ability to influence senior leaders, translate complex legal and technical issues, and provide strategic advice across large organisations.If youre an experienced senior interim with a background in enterprise Data Governance, Data Protection and Data Strategy, available to start within one week, wed love to hear from you.If youre an experienced senior interim with a background in enterprise Data Governance, Data Protection and Data Strategy, available to start within one week, wed love to hear from you.