Group Data Lead Hybrid | UK or France Full-Time | Permanent or Contract £ Depending on experience We are seeking a Group Data Lead to take ownership of all data-related activities within the Infor ERP implementation program - Leapfrog. This pivotal role bridges the business and technical domains, ensuring that data across all sites is clean, consistent, and implementation-ready to meet the project’s delivery milestones (2026). Beyond the ERP implementation (2026/2027+), the Group Data Lead will define and establish the foundation for group-wide master data management and data governance, helping transition Gardner from a decentralized, inconsistent data landscape to a centrally managed, structured environment. This role is instrumental in shaping the company’s future data-driven operating model and reporting practices. Key Responsibilities Data Readiness & Cleansing * Drive and complete ongoing data cleansing and harmonization efforts across all sites and business units (cf. conversion cycles) * Ensure that data is accurate, consistent, and migration-ready, supporting the Infor ERP Construction & Transition Phases. * Oversee data filtering, simplification, and validation activities, ensuring alignment with project timelines and quality standards. Data Mapping & Migration Coordination * Facilitate the mapping of legacy data structures to the Infor ERP data model, ensuring full business alignment and clarity. * Act as the bridge between business users, stream leads, and technical teams to ensure seamless data translation between systems. * Coordinate data conversion and migration cycles across key phases: System Testing (September) End-User Testing (December) Final migration and Go-Live * Coordinate with data experts, and secure/synchro that an ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) utility tool is build alongside the process to industrialize data transfers. Master Data & Governance Foundations * Define the blueprint for Group Master Data and Data Governance, setting long-term rules, standards, and ownership models. * Establish consistent data definitions, hierarchies, and quality controls across all business domains (customer/commercial, engineering, programmes, manufacturing) * Leverage Infor’s platform to implement scalable, maintainable governance practices. Business–Technical Coordination * Serve as the functional data lead within the Infor ERP project structure, working closely with: The DT technical data team (Gardner and Infor) Project leadership and stream leads Business stakeholders (data owners) and Data Task Force * Ensure full alignment of data activities with project milestones and overall delivery objectives. * Translate business needs into actionable data rules, ownership structures, and governance frameworks. Reporting Continuity & Future Readiness * Ensure continuity of reporting post go-live by designing consistent data structures to support operational, site, and group-level reporting. * Lay the groundwork for future analytics and business intelligence capabilities. * Promote the adoption of standardized and simplified data structures to improve visibility and decision-making. Ongoing Group Data Leadership (Post-Implementation) Following ERP go-live, this role will evolve into an ongoing Group Data Lead / Data Officer position, responsible for maintaining, optimizing, and driving Gardner’s data-driven operations across systems and functions. Key priorities include: * Cross-System Data Harmonization: Ensure alignment and integration of data between the Infor ERP and other business-critical systems (including Industry 4.0, IoT, and digital manufacturing systems), maintaining a single version of truth across the enterprise. * Data Governance & Stewardship: Establish and oversee a sustainable governance framework, defining ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement of master data quality and standards across all entities. * Simplification & Reporting Continuity: Drive simplification of data structures and processes, ensuring continued group-level reporting consistency and supporting performance insights across functions and business units. Skills and Experience Essential * Proven experience in data leadership, data management, or data governance roles. * Strong understanding of data lifecycle management, cleansing, migration, and integration in ERP contexts (Infor preferred). * Demonstrated ability to bridge business and technical teams, translating business needs into structured data solutions. * Excellent coordination, stakeholder management, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and align diverse teams. * Highly organized, detail-oriented, and structured, able to manage multiple data streams under tight timelines. * Fluent in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills for coordination across functions and geographies. Desirable * Prior involvement in Infor ERP implementation projects or other large-scale ERP transformations. * Experience establishing data ownership and governance frameworks at group level. Attributes * Pragmatic and delivery-focused, balancing strategic vision with hands-on execution * A collaborative communicator who builds trust and alignment across business and technical stakeholders. * Passionate about data quality, consistency, and simplification as drivers of operational excellence. * Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-visibility transformation environment. Why Join This is a strategic and career-defining role at the heart of Gardner’s digital transformation. You will not only ensure successful data delivery for the Infor ERP program but also shape and lead the Group’s long-term data governance, harmonization, and reporting framework — building the foundation for a truly data-driven organization