Chief Data Officer

Join Ofwats Data Strategy Team & Sector Performance Directorate as a Chief Data Officer *Office Location: Birmingham (B5 4UA) or London (E14 4HD) or Cardiff (CF10 1EP) based with hybrid working * About Us We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. Our work has genuine significance no other organisation does the work we do. Its unique and meaningful: keeping our water flowing; ensuring water bills dont cost a penny more than needed; holding water companies to account. Come and work at the source of everyday life. The Role This is an exciting opportunity to deliver a complex transformation and modernisation programme in a critical leadership role within our Sector Performance directorate. The Sector Performance directorate is responsible for driving a step change in water company and sector performance through effective and intelligent oversight and action. Our mission is to regularly, visibly, and proactively challenge companies on their performance, using data-driven insights and operational expertise. This is a critical leadership role - you will set strategic direction, and inspire and empower a team of 20 direct reports around a common goal. Reporting into the Senior Director for Sector Performance, we need you to own and drive the full potential of data as a strategic asset both for Ofwat and for the wider Water Sector. This includes the way in which we obtain and use data from companies and how we work with fellow regulators and government to manage data effectively. The role will include significant external leadership and collaboration through delivery of our data vision and Open Data aspirations. It will involve work with water companies in the sector to create and foster open data sharing and maturity. To find more details about the role and deliverables please click Apply. About You Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post: Comprehensive experience in a leadership role(s) delivering complex data modernisation and transformation programmes, including the delivery of solutions to enhance data-driven decision-making. Demonstrable experience in engaging with cross functional senior organisational leadership including boards, to advise, set policy, influence strategic direction and deliver on data strategy. Extensive experience in leading and managing large, cross functional data teams, driving high performance through clear goal-setting, accountability, and continuous improvement. A degree in a relevant field such as, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Management, Statistics, Business Analytics, or a related discipline. This may also include industry certifications such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), or GDPR Practitioner. Experience of developing and operating data platforms including data warehousing, open data, Big Data and data integration as well as technology used for data governance, analytics and AI / ML, both on-premise and cloud-based. Strong background in risk management and data security, including compliance with GDPR and other regulatory requirements. Proven ability to manage and lead inclusively, fostering a respectful and supportive environment that values diversity, promotes equity, and enables individuals from all backgrounds to contribute and thrive. Experience in setting strategic objectives and translating them into operational plans, engaging multiple stakeholders with the capacity to anticipate future challenges and opportunities to drive long-term success. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the proven ability to convey complex or technical information clearly and effectively to diverse, non-technical audiences. Proven experience developing and implementing data governance frameworks, including data quality, metadata, and master data management, alongside expertise in data management, analytics, and business intelligence to support evidence-based decision-making and deliver data use cases. Why You Should Join Us: Meaningful Impact:You will be joining a team with a sense of mission at its core aiming to build a lasting legacy for future generations by securing our long-term water resilience. Innovative Work Environment:We embrace agile and new ways of working and have a culture build on trust, flexibility, and collaboration. Development Opportunities:Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic setting. Work-Life Balance:Enjoy the flexibility of working from home combined with the benefits of in person collaboration in our London or Birmingham offices. Fantastic employer pension contributionof nearly 30%. 25 days annual leave,increasing to 30 with each year of service, plus bank holidays and an extra 2.5 days of privilege leave. Access to exclusive discountson a variety of goods and services, including retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership. Fees paid for membershipof relevant professional bodies. Up to 3 volunteering daysper year. Recognition vouchers scheme rewarding your hard work. Generous shared parental leave and paysupporting your family life. Follow the link to Apply for full details about the role, please ensure you have submitted your Applications in full before the below deadline. Closing date: 23.55 on 08 June 2025 ADZN1_UKTJ

Location: South East London, GB

Posted Date: 5/30/2025