Strategic Business Data Lead

Location: Global (Remote/Flexible with occasional travel)

What we’re looking for:

We are seeking a Strategic Business Data Lead to champion the use of data as a business-critical asset across our global organisation. This role is central to building a data-driven culture where data ownership, data quality, and governance are embedded into the way we work—particularly across our commercial, operational, and financial functions. You will lead the design and delivery of a cross-functional data roadmap, working collaboratively to implement an enterprise-wide data governance framework, while activating change at scale. You will influence with authority, not hierarchy—guiding leaders and teams through behavioural change, process improvements, and capability building. The role requires creating and driving tangible action and results from the data maturity roadmap, acting as the bridge between technology team and business functions. You will lead practical change with lasting business value, driving continuous improvement to ensure the organisation evolves as a 'Data First' organisation.

What we offer you:

• The opportunity to work for an organization that has a strong sense of purpose, is value driven, and helps colleagues to develop professionally and personally through our range of people development programmes.

The role:

• Lead the development and execution of a pragmatic, business-facing data enablement roadmap aligned with enterprise strategy.
• Drive adoption and evolution of a scalable, fit-for-purpose data governance framework across key domains.
• Play a lead role in data governance forums, steering groups, and working groups, ensuring business functions are represented and accountable.
• Embed ownership and stewardship models across the enterprise, clarifying roles and responsibilities for data domains.
• Implement existing recommendations for improving data quality, governance maturity, and business engagement.

• Drive change management efforts to shift mindsets and behaviours around data ownership and quality.
• Play a critical role in planned strategic initiatives around data, which include standardising ship & equipment asset data across the lifecycle within various systems and workflows and migrating from legacy data platforms and warehouses onto our chosen data platform.
• Lead on implementing a Data Governance Steering Committee to act as an advisory as well as defining the rules around data management and culture across the organisation.
• Collaborate with the business and technology SMEs to implement an Analytics Governance Framework to shape LR’s direction of travel in advanced analytics, citizen development, and AI adoption.
• Design and deliver training and support that builds data awareness, literacy, and accountability across all business levels.
• Build strong coalitions of support among senior leaders and operational teams to champion cultural change.
• Develop, roll out, and monitor effectiveness of practical training and communication programmes to build internal capability and reinforce new behaviours.

• 8+ years of experience in data governance, data management, business data enablement, or data strategy roles in complex global organisations.
• Demonstrated experience delivering enterprise-wide data initiatives in environments with low-to-moderate data maturity.
• Proven ability to implement data governance frameworks, ownership models, and quality improvement plans.
• Familiarity with key data regulations and standards (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, BCBS 239, ISO 8000, DAMA DMBOK).
• Working knowledge of data quality metrics, metadata management, and stewardship practices.
• Experience facilitating data forums or councils and shaping policy and data standards collaboratively.
• Certifications such as CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional) or DCAM, and PROSCI Change Management are highly desirable.

• Stakeholder management skills, highly credible with a strong ability to influence without authority, shaping decision-making at all levels including senior executives.
• Highly effective at building trust-based relationships across business and technology functions.
• Critical thinking skills, able to shape a roadmap based on understanding business needs and aligning data strategies with those needs.
• Exceptional storytelling and communication skills, able to translate data concepts into compelling business narratives.
• Proven experience in change management and behavioural change, with a track record of leading adoption efforts in change-resistant environments.
• Resilient and adaptable —comfortable navigating ambiguity, dealing with resistance, and adjusting course as needed.
• Experience in building and scaling communities of practice, data champions networks, or similar cross-functional initiatives.
• Clear data ownership and stewardship embedded in key business functions.
• Increased awareness and accountability for data quality across commercial, operations, and finance teams.
• A practical, business-driven data governance framework in active use.
• A set of key metrics being actively monitored to assess LR’s data maturity and the impact of changes in key areas regarding data quality, compliance, and decision-making.
• Measurable improvements in data quality, compliance, and decision-making enabled by better data in designated areas in alignment with LR’s investment strategy.
• A visible shift in the organisation’s data culture, supported by informed and empowered business users.

If you share our vision for safety and sustainability, we want to hear from you.