Chief Data Officer
Location: Remote (CST preferred; travel up to 25%)
Industry: Banking/Financial Services
Team Scope: Large, multi-disciplinary team
The Opportunity
Our client is seeking an experienced data executive to build and lead a modern enterprise data function. This leader will set the vision, establish trust across the organization, and drive measurable outcomes—shifting the organization from a tool-heavy, project-driven environment to a business-focused, value-generating data capability.
This highly visible role requires a blend of strategic leadership, operational execution, governance expertise, and modernization know-how within the financial services industry. Ideal candidates have previously built or transformed enterprise data programs and are skilled at elevating data from a technical asset to a driver of business performance.
Key Responsibilities
Enterprise Data Strategy & Execution
- Develop and own the organization’s enterprise-wide data strategy and operating model.
- Lead the shift from project-driven initiatives to a portfolio-based prioritization approach.
- Establish scalable data capabilities that support analytics, operations, product, customer experience, and decision-making.
Data Platforms, Architecture & Modernization
- Oversee implementation and optimization of core data platforms (e.g., MDM, data lakes/stores, integration and access platforms).
- Modernize and simplify legacy environments to improve performance, agility, and reliability.
- Evaluate and rationalize existing tools, optimize vendor contracts, and reduce technology redundancies.
Governance, Quality & Compliance
- Build and mature a modern data governance framework tailored to organizational needs and regulatory expectations.
- Strengthen enterprise metadata, lineage, quality, and stewardship programs.
- Ensure data controls, security, and compliance measures are embedded across the data lifecycle.
Leadership & Talent
- Lead and scale a large, diverse data organization.
- Develop internal capabilities and reduce reliance on external partners.
- Serve as a senior ambassador for data—communicating vision, value, and progress across business units and the executive team.
Required Experience
- 10–15+ years of progressive data leadership experience, including enterprise-level strategy ownership.
- Extensive financial services industry experience.
- Proven success in building or transforming a data function (not just inheriting a mature one).
- Experience leading large technical and business teams.
- Hands-on leadership with modern data platforms, architectures, governance tools, and data management practices.
- Demonstrated ability to reduce tool sprawl, modernize legacy systems, and drive measurable business outcomes from data investments.
- Strong communication and executive influencing skills.
Preferred Attributes
- Credible and business-oriented; communicates in outcomes rather than technical jargon.
- Balances high-level strategy with hands-on execution.
- Brings a repeatable playbook but adapts it to the organization’s culture and maturity.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred (Data, Technology, Engineering, Business, or related field).
- Relevant certifications in data governance, architecture, cloud, or analytics are a plus.
Success in This Role Will Look Like:
- A clear, actionable enterprise data strategy is defined, funded, and adopted within the first 6–9 months.
- Technology investments shift from unused tools to platforms generating measurable business value.
- Reliance on high-cost contractors decreases as internal capabilities strengthen.
- Business units gain improved access to trusted, high-quality data.
- Organizational confidence in data quality, lineage, and controls increases.