Head of Data Management

Job description

• The role will develop and implement a data management approach and plan that will protect, cultivate and unlock the use of the ICO’s data while adhering to legal, ethical and risk management needs
• The role will set and monitor the adherence to data management policies, frameworks and standards that ensure alignment with business strategies, and the ICO’s role in the regulatory landscape
• The role will develop the necessary capabilities (people, processes and technologies) across the ICO for effective data management, data governance, and data stewardship
• The role will support the delivery of value from data for the ICO and for its stakeholders such as individuals, businesses, public and third sector organisations

Key responsibilities:

• Defining the data management approach for the organisation, and connecting it with the wider organisational strategy. This includes designing, implementing and monitoring data management and data governance processes and practices throughout the data life cycle, defining and applying end-to-end data governance frameworks, processes, operational policies, standards, compliance and assurance.
• Ensuring data management and governance processes are in place and adhered to for data products and services, utilising policies, technology and best practices as appropriate.
• Leading our Data Governance and Data Stewardship Network, supporting Data Stewards with the understanding, quality and availability of our data, and contributing to initiatives intended to improve our level of data maturity
• Leading the implementation of relevant data principles, policies and standards within the organisation
• Developing and then enforcing data quality standards, allowing the organisation to actively monitor, then resolve, any issues in data quality that reduce trust and ultimately value of data for decision making
• Leading the progression of other data management capabilities, such as master data, reference data, and metadata management, including the development of the necessary roles, processes and accountabilities to deliver these capabilities, working with the Head of Data Platform to develop the necessary technical capabilities
• Managing the existing ICO Information Management Team
• Supporting the Director of Data in executing the Enterprise Data Strategy

Person specification 

Essential criteria assessed at application stage:

• Substantial experience relevant to the role requirements, as described in the role responsibilities and person specification, and accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience.
• Recognised data management qualification (such as DAMA Certified Data Management Professional [CDMP]), or working towards this
• Experience of developing and implementing a data management strategy, and/or data governance initiative, that has led to tangible outcomes for data use, value creation, operational efficiency and risk reduction. 
• Experience leading a data stewardship network, and supporting data owners and data stewards, and being able to communicate effectively the importance of data management/governance to an organisation.
• Previous knowledge of creating, maintaining and monitoring adherence to data policies, standards and processes, and the ability to convey these effectively to colleagues
• Approaches for data classification, and an understanding of approaches to appropriately protect and secure data
• Strong knowledge of information management / records management, and applicable regulations and industry standards
• Data governance tooling, particularly for creating and maintaining business glossaries, to document data lineage, and for the enterprise-wide management of data products
• Knowledge of data and data analytics technologies on-premise and in the cloud, and related data management / governance considerations
• Knowledge of the data protection and privacy landscape, regulations and obligations for data practitioners.

Essential criteria assessed during interview:

• Experience of developing and implementing a data management strategy, and/or data governance initiative, that has led to tangible outcomes for data use, value creation, operational efficiency and risk reduction.
• Knowledge of recognised data management frameworks (e.g. DAMA DMBOK2) and how components can be implemented practically, and effectively, within an organisation
• Commercial acumen, able to understand and contribute towards business cases for data investments. Knowledge of the public sector and regulatory environment, or clear appreciation of specifics and complexities and how they would influence the role.
• Experience of data management approaches and operations, including for data quality, metadata management, master data management, records management and cataloguing.
• Knowledge of the public sector and regulatory environment, or clear appreciation of specifics and complexities and how they would influence the role.
• Ability to deal with complexity and ambiguity, creative problem solving and developing innovative solutions.
• Communicating, persuading and influencing effectively across organisational, technical and political boundaries, understanding the context. Makes complex and technical information and language simple and accessible for non-technical audiences.
• Actively keeps informed of industry developments so to understand any impacts these may have on data management / governance, and to support the organisation with reacting appropriately
• Understanding of wider DDaT profession and practices and their relationship with Data. Experience of delivering using adaptive methodologies such as Agile

Equality, diversity, and inclusion 

The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are focused on developing a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and together we are building an inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together with a number of staff networks. Read more about our commitment on our website.  

Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy will be invited to interview as part of the ICO’s commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme. 

If you are disabled or have an impairment and require an alternative application method, please email the HR team at recruitment@ico.org.uk

Closing Date 

Please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability to the role by 23:59, 8th January 2025. 

Interviews will ideally be held in person on 29th and/or 30th January 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy before this date should we receive sufficient applications. Please apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.