Interim Deputy Director (Data Governance, Protection & Strategy)

The Opportunity

We are partnering with a leading digital consultancy to deploy a heavyweight Data Leader into a high-profile, mission-critical UK Public Sector programme.

Operating at a Senior Civil Service (SCS1) equivalent level, you will act as the advisory and delivery spearhead.

You will design, embed and own the enterprise-wide data strategy, governance frameworks and protection policies for a highly complex government ecosystem.

This is a fast-paced, high-influence role perfect for a career interim who excels at landing inside complex public environments and driving immediate strategic clarity.

Key Responsibilities

• Data Strategy & Roadmap: Set the enterprise data strategy, translating it into clear, investable roadmaps aligned with digital transformation outcomes.
• Framework Ownership: Lead the continuous improvement of the data governance framework (decision rights, standards and data ownership/stewardship networks).
• Privacy by Design: Provide senior leadership on UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, ensuring DPIAs and risk management are natively embedded into products, portfolios and AI/automation initiatives.
• Operating Model Execution: Run an effective department-wide operating model, establishing clear data stewardship accountabilities across multiple business areas.
• High-Level Collaboration: Partner closely with external regulatory bodies (e.g., ICO, DSIT), government departments, and legal teams to enable safe, valuable data sharing.

Essential Criteria

• Senior Leadership Experience: Minimum 5+ years operating at a Principal, Lead or Director level managing data governance and protection in a large-scale, highly complex organisation (Public Sector).
• Framework Implementation: Proven track record of designing and driving adoption of enterprise data governance frameworks from scratch.
• Deep Regulatory Knowledge: Expert-level understanding of UK GDPR, information security practices, and risk-based decision-making.
• Consultative Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex legal/technical data issues into clear advice for senior public sector stakeholders, SROs and Directors.

If you are an available director level data contractor ready to start a high-impact contract within the next week, we want to hear from you.