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Applications close August 5th, 2026
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Cancer Research UK

Head of Data Operations

4 × 8hr days£94k~£75kHybrid · Stratford, UK

Head of Data Operations

Department: ​COO (Chief OperatingOffice)

Salary: £90,000 - £98,000 per annumplusbenefits

Contract:​Permanent​

Hours: Full-time (we’rehappy to discuss flexible working arrangements)

Location: ​Stratford, London​​Office-based with high flexibility (typically2 days per week in the office)​

Closing date:5 August2026 at23:59

Visa sponsorship:You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UKisnot able tooffer visa sponsorship.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Data Operationsto join us. In this newly created role,you'lllead the Cancer Research UK org-wide dataoperationscapability, building a vision on how we use data as a trusted, high-quality assetthat enables us to beat cancer faster.You'llspearhead improvements in data quality across critical datasets, whilst embedding clear data ownership and stewardship, making data more accessible,findableand reusable to support better decision-making and innovation. This will enable us to drive value across the organisation through improved performance, operationaleffectivenessandaudience‑centriccustomer journeys.

This is a pivotal role at an exciting point in our data journey. As our ambition grows, so does our reliance on trusted, high-quality data to guide decisions, deepen relationships with our supporters, and speed up the pace of research.You'llshape how the whole organisation understands, values, and cares for its data, setting foundations that will serve CRUK for years to come.

Above all, thisis a change and transformation role. Our teams are empowered and close to the audiences they serve, soyou'lllead through influence, insight, and strong relationships rather than mandate.You'llbe a persuasive advocate for the value of data.You'llmake the case for ownership, stewardship, and good data management by tying each to thestrategicoutcomescolleagues care about most.You'llbuild belief, create momentum, and turn better ways of working into lasting habits across the organisation.

What will be some of the main responsibilities?

  • Lead the organisation-wide shift to treating data as a trusted, strategic asset which is critical to achieving our business goals. You will need to build the understanding, the belief, and the accountability structures that turn better data management into better decisions andbusinessoutcomes across acomplexorganisation.

  • Lead the development and implementation of a data quality framework across CRUK's critical datasets to ensure data isaccurate, consistent, and fit for purpose across all priority operational and analytical use cases.

  • Define and govern enterprise data standards and integration guardrails to ensure consistency and scalability across CRUK's data and technology ecosystem, includingMarTechplatforms enabling audience engagement.

  • Drive adoption of automation and AI-enabled approaches to proactively detect, diagnose, and resolve data quality issues at scale.

  • Establish and embed a data ownership and stewardship model across the organisation to ensure clear accountability for the quality, integrity, and compliant management of data assets.

  • Develop andmaintaina Business Information Model (BIM) that defines CRUK's core data entities, their relationships, and agreed definitions, providing the semantic foundation for data discovery and catalogue metadata.

  • Own data discovery and data observability capabilities (excluding data engineering pipeline build), ensuring CRUK's data assets are visible, understood,monitoredfor quality and health, findable and reusable across the organisation.

  • Ensure data protection requirements are built into data systems, processes, and projects from the outset, working in close partnership with the Data Privacy team to embed privacy-by-design principles.

  • Design and build the team structure, roles, and operating model within Data Operations and Governance to create a high-performing function, whilst providing clear direction and leadership.

What skills are we looking for?

  • Proven success leading data or business change in an empowered, federated organisation, building belief and momentum through influence rather than formal authority.

  • Significant experienceleading data governance, data quality, or data operations functions in a complex organisation.

  • Relevant experience designing and implementing data quality frameworks, data catalogues, or master data management programmes at scale.

  • Experienceestablishingdata ownership and stewardship models, including engaging senior stakeholders to take on accountability for data assets.

  • Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the practical application of privacy-by-design principles.

  • Experience managing and developing multidisciplinary data teams, including optimising organisational design to meet evolving organisational needs.

  • Ability to translate complex data governance concepts into accessible language and practical action for non-specialist audiences and executive stakeholders.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose root causes of data quality issues and design sustainable remediation approaches, working with others across the organisation.

  • Collaborative working style with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical stakeholders without direct authority across a large, mission-driven organisation.

What will I gain?

Each and everyone of our employees contributes to our progress and is supporting our work to beat cancer. We thinkthat’simpressive.

In return, we make sure you are supported by a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools,policiesand processes to enable you to do your job well.

Our benefits package includes a substantial retirement plan, a generous and flexible leave allowance, discounts on anything from travel to technology, gym membership, and much more.

Wedon’tforget people have lives outside of work too and so we actively encourage a flexible working culture.

Our work – from fundingcutting-edgeresearch to developing public policy – will change the world.It’sexciting to be part of our team.

How do I apply?

Weoperatean anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality,diversityand inclusion. CVs arerequiredfor all applications; but wewon’tbe able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly,fairlyand objectively.

For more information on this career opportunity pleasevisit our websiteor contact us at[email protected].

For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on:Linked In,Facebook,Instagram,TwitterandYouTube.

Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.

We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact [email protected] or 0 20 3469 8400 as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.