Job Openings Chief Data Officer

About the job Chief Data Officer

WE ARE HIRING: Chief Data Officer

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Employment Type: Full Time
Industry: Banking & Financial Services 

Role Overview 

We are seeking a visionary and highly experienced Chief Data Office to lead enterprise-wide data strategy, governance, analytics, artificial intelligence, and data transformation initiatives within a leading banking organization. Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the successful candidate will be responsible for establishing a future-ready data ecosystem that enables data-driven decision-making, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and AI-powered innovation. This leadership role will drive the organization's transformation into a data-centric and AI-enabled enterprise while ensuring strong governance, security, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will bring significant experience in banking or financial services, enterprise data management, advanced analytics, cloud technologies, data architecture, and large-scale transformation programs. 

Key Responsibilities 

Data Strategy & Enterprise Data Leadership

  • Develop and execute a multi-year enterprise data strategy aligned with organizational objectives and digital transformation goals.
  • Establish a long-term vision for data management, analytics, artificial intelligence, and enterprise reporting.
  • Identify opportunities to leverage data as a strategic asset and create value through data-driven business initiatives.
  • Partner with executive leadership to drive enterprise-wide adoption of data-driven decision-making practices.
  • Lead the implementation and optimization of enterprise data platforms including Data Lakes, Data Warehouses, Cloud Data Platforms, and Analytics Environments.

Data Governance & Data Management

  • Establish and maintain enterprise data governance frameworks, policies, standards, and controls.
  • Ensure all data initiatives align with organizational governance requirements and regulatory expectations.
  • Lead Master Data Management (MDM) initiatives and establish Golden Records for critical business entities.
  • Develop and maintain centralized data dictionaries, metadata repositories, business glossaries, and data lineage frameworks.
  • Drive improvements in data quality, accuracy, consistency, integrity, and accessibility across the organization.
  • Establish robust processes for data stewardship, ownership, and accountability.

AI & Digital Transformation

  • Drive the organization's evolution into an AI-first enterprise.
  • Lead strategic initiatives involving Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Generative AI, and advanced analytics.
  • Support the implementation of Open Banking API integrations and next-generation digital capabilities.
  • Drive the development of enterprise-wide data platforms that enable hyper-personalization, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to strengthen innovation and business performance.
  • Promote the adoption of AI-powered decision-making capabilities across business functions.

Data Architecture & Technology Leadership

  • Partner with the CIO and technology teams to define enterprise data architecture strategies.
  • Oversee the design, implementation, and evolution of enterprise data platforms and analytics infrastructure.
  • Guide technology decisions relating to cloud adoption, data platforms, analytics tools, and enterprise data architecture.
  • Drive the adoption of modern architecture frameworks including Data Mesh, Lakehouse architectures, and cloud-native analytics platforms.
  • Ensure scalability, performance, security, and resilience of enterprise data environments.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

  • Ensure compliance with BCBS 239, PDPA, GDPR, Banking Act Directions, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborate closely with Risk, Compliance, Information Security, and Internal Audit teams on data governance initiatives.
  • Ensure effective implementation of data privacy, access management, and information security controls.
  • Monitor data-related risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
  • Support regulatory examinations, audits, and compliance reporting requirements.

Data Culture & Analytics Enablement

  • Champion a strong data-driven culture throughout the organization.
  • Establish and lead a Data & Analytics Center of Excellence.
  • Develop enterprise data literacy programs and training initiatives.
  • Promote best practices in data management, analytics, AI, and business intelligence.
  • Drive cross-functional collaboration to maximize the value of data assets.
  • Enable business units to leverage analytics and insights for strategic and operational decision-making.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

  • Lead and develop high-performing teams across Data Management, Analytics, Business Intelligence, Data Engineering, and Governance functions.
  • Provide executive-level presentations and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, Executive Committees, and the Board of Directors.
  • Build strong relationships with regulators, technology partners, business leaders, and external stakeholders.
  • Drive organizational change and transformation initiatives related to data and analytics.
  • Establish performance metrics and KPIs to measure the success of enterprise data initiatives.

Candidate Profile

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
  • A Master's Degree (MBA, MSc, or equivalent) is highly preferred.
  • Minimum 10+ years of experience in Data Management, Data Architecture, Analytics, Business Intelligence, or related fields.
  • Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience leading enterprise-scale data and analytics functions.
  • Proven experience within the Banking or Financial Services sector is essential.
  • Strong expertise in Master Data Management (MDM), Data Governance, Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence, and Enterprise Data Architecture.
  • Hands-on experience with cloud platforms including AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
  • Strong understanding of Data Mesh, Data Lake, Data Warehouse, and Lakehouse architectures.
  • Experience implementing enterprise analytics, AI, Machine Learning, Generative AI, and RAG-based solutions.
  • Strong knowledge of Open Banking, API ecosystems, and digital banking platforms.
  • Comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks including BCBS 239, PDPA, GDPR, and banking regulatory requirements.
  • Experience driving large-scale enterprise data transformation initiatives.
  • Excellent executive communication, stakeholder management, and presentation skills.
  • Strong leadership, team-building, and change management capabilities.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive, business, and regulatory audiences.
  • Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Ready to take your career to new heights? 

We're InTalent Asia, your go-to recruitment partner in Sri Lanka, and we've got an exciting opportunity for you! 

Our client is looking for a skilled individual to fill the role of Chief Data Office. 

Apply now and see how you can be the perfect fit for this exclusive position!

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