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