Data insights should clearly inform decision making, not confuse business leaders.
As enterprises accelerate their tech agendas, the volume, complexity, and business-critical nature of data has grown exponentially. Yet many CIOs are still navigating a fragmented landscape when it comes to turning data into decisions.
The missing piece could be a Data Strategist — not just an analyst or architect, but a senior leader who can connect technical capabilities with business outcomes.
In the words of one of our IT Recruitment Specialists, Abi Morton, "when a company embarks on a data journey, it’s tempting to dive straight into tools and technology. However, without a clear strategy the infrastructure can quickly become overwhelming and fail to deliver real value. A focussed and forward-thinking data strategist ensures the efforts are purposeful, aligned, and built to drive meaningful insight."
Where does a Data Strategist fit in the picture?
A Data Strategist sits at the intersection of IT, operations, and business leadership. Unlike data scientists (who model and analyse) or data engineers (who build pipelines), a strategist defines how data is used to drive organisational value. Their remit includes:
- Aligning data initiatives with corporate strategy
- Identifying business opportunities through data insights
- Leading data governance and ethics frameworks
- Prioritising tech stack investments that support long-term data goals
What does an effective Data Strategist offer to an enterprise?
1. Data is the differentiator, if it’s useable
Businesses are increasingly drowning in new data, but without a strategist to convert that data into a coherent story that informs action, more data, or more third-party platforms will often just compound the problem.
2. CIOs need a translator between tech and business
A Data Strategist enables CIOs to speak the language of outcomes. Instead of just reporting uptime and throughput , you’re now discussing customer retention, market entry strategies, and revenue growth — all driven by data.
3. Data governance and ethics are board-level conversations
Data privacy and governance are no longer just compliance issues — they’re reputational and strategic. A Data Strategist helps ensure your organisation treats data as a crucial asset and protects the business from the serious reputational and legal ramifications of mismanagement.
4. The talent gap is real (and growing)
Hiring tech talent is tough. But hiring strategic thinkers who understand both data and business? That’s even harder. Organisations that secure or develop this talent internally, will reap the rewards.
What makes a good candidate for a Data Strategist?
- Proven experience across both data science and business domains
- Familiarity with enterprise-scale platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure, Snowflake)
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Strategic thinking, not just operational delivery
- Proven understanding of ethical and responsible data use
Forward-thinking CIOs aren’t just investing in tools, they’re investing in people who can ask the right questions, drive alignment across departments, and lead with data.
