Chief Data & Analytics Officer & Head of Transformation

Job Title: Chief Data & Analytics Officer & Head of Transformation
Location: London, United Kingdom (with international coverage)
Reporting To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Direct Reports: 75+

Purpose of the Role
The Chief Data & Analytics Officer (CDAO) & Head of Transformation is responsible for establishing and leading the data strategy and transformation agenda across multiple countries. This is a pivotal executive leadership role overseeing data governance, advanced analytics, data science, automation, privacy compliance, and strategic change delivery, ensuring the organisation leverages data-driven insights and transformation initiatives to drive operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and business growth. 

Key Responsibilities Data Strategy & Leadership:

• Design, implement, and continuously evolve the Data Strategy, including governance, data engineering, analytics, and data science.
• Lead the development of a high-performing Data Office to deliver best-in-class data capabilities.
• Define and deliver frameworks for data quality, information management, and privacy compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Analytics & Innovation:

• Drive innovative data exploitation opportunities, including automation, AI-driven solutions, and enhanced customer life cycle management, delivering tangible financial benefits and operational efficiencies.
• Develop advanced data analytics and reporting solutions to enhance strategic decision-making and improve regulatory reporting accuracy.
• Establish a single customer view capability for enhanced client relationship management and regulatory compliance.

Transformation Leadership:

• Lead the enterprise-wide transformation agenda, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and integration of cross-functional change initiatives.
• Chair the Transformation Committee, overseeing all major strategic programmes, including regulatory compliance and enterprise-wide digitisation.
• Establish a strategic transformation function to prioritise, govern, and deliver critical change projects across front, middle, and Back Office functions.

Stakeholder Engagement & Governance:

• Act as a trusted adviser to the COO and senior leadership team, including executive committee members, to shape and influence business strategy through data-driven insights and change initiatives.
• Lead regulatory engagement for data governance and privacy compliance, ensuring adherence to relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Represent the organisation in industry data excellence forums and advance its position in data excellence programmes.

Financial & Performance Impact:

• Deliver cost savings through effective data sourcing strategies (achieving significant annual external data savings).
• Realise annualised benefits via improved data quality, automation, and process optimisation.
• Contribute to enhanced operational controls and efficiency, improving risk management and overall business performance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven executive leadership experience in data management, analytics, and large-scale business transformation within financial services or similarly complex sectors.
• Strong track record of building and scaling high-performing data teams and offices, including hiring and leadership of diverse senior talent.
• Deep understanding of regulatory requirements for data governance, privacy, and risk management.
• Successful track record of delivering multi-million-dollar change programmes, generating tangible operational and financial benefits.
• Expertise in leveraging emerging technologies (AI, automation, data science) to improve business outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at C-suite and board levels.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and vision setting
• Data and digital transformation expertise
• Strong leadership and team development
• Regulatory knowledge and risk management acumen
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• Commercial acumen with strong focus on value delivery

Should all of the above tick boxes for you then please get in touch ASAP