Head of Data
Head of Data sought to implement and embed the firm’s data strategy.
The department
HFW’s IT department’s vision is to deliver and support innovative technology that enables client service excellence, globally.
The IT department has approximately 60 staff globally, located in London, Paris, Piraeus, Dubai, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo, Melbourne, Perth, Singapore, and Sydney.
The role
As part of the IT leadership team, the Head of Data will develop, implement and embed the firm’s data strategy, which will enable HFW to leverage data as a strategic asset and differentiator in client service and operational efficiency.
The role will collaborate with stakeholders across the firm on projects and initiatives concerning data, including the development, implementation and embedding of data policies to ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency; establishing a standard data taxonomy and dictionary to improve data consistency; mapping data flows to improve transparency; as well as cleansing critical data assets to support accurate reporting. In addition, the role will contribute to data governance efforts and will facilitate training on data best practices, thereby helping to embed a culture of effective data management and continuous improvement.
Initial projects include the implementations of new knowledge management and records management systems, as well as data restructuring and cleansing to improve reporting and enable automation and AI. Implementing a data platform, e.g. Microsoft Fabric, as single source of truth, is also likely to be required within the data programme.
The role will chair the firm’s recently formed data council, leading strategic decision-making on data governance initiatives and facilitating consensus to ensure alignment across departments. In addition, the role will work closely with the firm’s Risk & Compliance team to ensure the firm complies with regulatory and legal requirements for data, and to identify and proactively manage data risk on a global scale.
The role will establish strong relationships with stakeholders across the business, globally. It is important to have the ability to effectively communicate complex data subject matter in plain English, as well as to influence and negotiate to reach consensus.
A good understanding of the operation of a global law firm or professional services organisation is required, which must be combined with a process and people change-oriented approach.
Beyond the core focus, the role will work closely with the Chief Technology Officer and the IT leadership team to develop and implement the Firm’s technology strategy and set the annual budget.
Key responsibilities
- Develop, implement and embed the data strategy.
- Chair the Data Council, the firm’s data governance group.
- Attend the Risk Committee, as required.
- Identify and deliver changes to ensure data quality and effective system integration, thereby enhancing the accuracy and consistency of data across all systems to support better reporting, better decision-making, and greater operational efficiency.
- Work closely with the Information Governance Manager to standardise and maintain data related policies, e.g. data retention and usage.
- Identify and address data-related process improvements, delivering efficiencies, e.g. through integration, automation and AI.
- Work closely with the Head of Business Systems to deliver a systems data architecture, implementing and maintaining a data management platform such as Microsoft Fabric.
- Ensure that Partners and staff are clear on the purpose and value of data, fostering a data culture that supports compliance, standardised processes, data management, data-driven innovation, and technology adoption.
- Identify, recruit and manage data resources, as required.
- Any other ad hoc duties as required.
Key skills & experience required
- At least three years’ experience in a similar senior role in a legal or comparable professional services organisation.
- Demonstrable experience of liaising with and influencing up to C-suite and Partners.
- IAPP CIPPE (CIPP/E) and CIPM data protection qualifications would be beneficial but not essential.
- Able to effectively translate and accurately communicate technical subject matter to non-technical stakeholders.
- Able to manage stakeholders’ expectations when delivering complex change to deadlines.
- Commercially aware, with a results oriented, pragmatic approach.
- Professional manner, with the ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively.
Additional information
Kindly note that this job description is not contractual. It will be reviewed periodically and may be amended or altered to meet the needs of the firm.
HFW aims to ensure equality of opportunity, and we are actively working towards improving the diversity of our staff. All applications will be considered only on merit and the applicant’s suitability to meet the requirements of the role.
HFW collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants to manage its recruitment process. The firm is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data and to meeting its data protection obligations. For information on how the firm will process your data, please see our Privacy Notice, under the section “What we collect and how we use it”.
About us
HFW is a sector focused global law firm. We have over 700 lawyers working across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. We take a progressive approach to our roles in commercial business – thinking creatively and pragmatically to support our clients.
Whether we are solving complex issues within the construction, aviation or shipping industries, or providing advice across insurance, commodities and energy we are specialist lawyers here to add value to our clients. We think about the commercial solution first, and then underpin our advice with a solid foundation of legal expertise.