Principal Data Governance Lead

Principal Data Governance Lead

Inside IR35, £700-£775 p/d

Hybrid, London 1 dpw

12 weeks initial, extension likely

We are looking for a Principal-level Data Governance specialist to lead the design and implementation of a new federated Data Governance function within a complex, global pharmaceutical R&D environment. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role requiring someone who can define the strategy, secure senior stakeholder alignment and create the practical frameworks, policies and operating artefacts needed to take the function through to go-live.

Key Responsibilities

• Define the Data Governance vision, strategic outcomes, success measures and roadmap across a complex, multi-functional R&D environment.
• Design a federated hub-and-spoke operating model, including responsibilities, decision rights, RACI, escalation routes and governance forums.
• Establish an R&D-specific data lifecycle framework aligned with DAMA, FAIR and ALCOA+ principles.
• Develop the core governance framework, including policies and standards for data classification, quality, metadata, lineage and traceability.
• Create practical playbooks and operational guidance for data owners, data stewards, data producers and governance forums.
• Assess current governance maturity across pilot functions and tailor the model to different R&D domains and operating contexts.
• Lead governance pilots, capture lessons learned and refine the operating model ahead of wider implementation.
• Produce the change, training, resourcing, transition and scaling plans required to embed the function and support long-term adoption.

Required Skills and Experience

• Significant experience designing and implementing enterprise Data Governance functions at Principal, Programme Lead or equivalent level.
• Proven delivery of federated hub-and-spoke governance models within large, complex and highly regulated organisations.
• Strong knowledge of DAMA, FAIR and ALCOA+ principles, with the ability to translate frameworks into practical operating processes.
• Pharmaceutical, biotechnology or life sciences experience, ideally within R&D, clinical development, safety, regulatory or research environments.
• Good understanding of regulated data requirements, including GxP, GDPR and relevant FDA compliance considerations.
• Demonstrable experience developing governance policies, standards, RACIs, stewardship models, decision rights and escalation processes.
• Strong transformation and change leadership skills, including executive engagement, multi-function co-design, communications, training and adoption planning.
• Experience of data quality, metadata management and lineage platforms, with previous delivery of governance pilots or large-scale implementations highly desirable.