Interim Chief Data Officer (Consultant)
Contract: 6 Months
Rate: £1,000 - £1,250 per day
Location: London (Hybrid - 3 days onsite)
Overview
We are actively looking for a talented Interim Chief Data Officer (CDO) to collaborate with a prominent global brand as it embarks on a critical transformation in data, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence (AI). Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, you will provide top-level leadership to shape, refine, and execute a comprehensive data and AI strategy, aimed at enhancing business value, driving innovation, and achieving operational excellence.
This impactful role demands a strategic mindset, hands-on leadership, and an ability to make swift contributions within a complex organizational structure. The successful candidate will evaluate the current state of data maturity, establish a scalable, future-ready data operating model, and integrate AI-driven insights into the company.
Role and Responsibilities
Data & AI Strategy Leadership
• Lead and develop the enterprise Data and AI strategy to ensure it aligns with broader digital and business objectives.
• Identify and prioritize opportunities where AI, advanced analytics, and automation can yield significant commercial and operational benefits.
• Define the organization's long-term vision regarding data as a strategic asset.
Enterprise Data Capability & Operating Model
• Evaluate the current data, analytics, and AI capabilities, pinpointing gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop a target data operating model, including governance structures, platforms, and workflows.
• Implement a structured framework for data management, quality, governance, and ethics, ensuring scalability and adherence to regulatory standards.
Execution & Value Realization
• Conduct data audits and maturity assessments, transforming findings into actionable roadmaps.
• Ensure the availability of high-quality insights and analytics to support decision-making at both executive and operational levels.
• Facilitate the Data/Digital function's operations and strategic initiatives, maintaining momentum throughout the interim engagement.
Stakeholder & Executive Engagement
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, collaborating with technology, digital, product, and business teams.
• Influence and align stakeholders around shared data and AI priorities.
• Clearly articulate complex data and AI concepts to diverse audiences, both technical and non-technical.
Culture, Standards & Best Practices
• Promote a culture of data excellence, innovation, and AI literacy throughout the organization.
• Encourage adoption of best practices in data governance, responsible AI, and analytics.
• Foster capability development across teams through guidance, coaching, and thought leadership.
Skills and Experience
• Proven track record in a Chief Data Officer, Head of Data, or equivalent executive-level role within large organizations.
• Solid foundation in data strategy, AI, advanced analytics, and enterprise-level digital transformation.
• Ability to assess data maturity and quickly develop pragmatic, value-driven solutions.
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing at the C-suite level.
• Analytical, inquisitive, and thoughtful in approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• Experience navigating matrix organizations, juggling multiple priorities and senior stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication skills, adept at translating complex data and AI insights into tangible business outcomes.
