Project Manager (Data) - Edinburgh - Outside IR35

Data Project Manager - Outside IR35

Location: Edinburgh (Hybrid - 1-2 days per week onsite)
Contract Length: 4 months
Rate: £425 per day
Status: Outside IR35

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Data Project Manager to lead the delivery of a defined discovery and planning phase for a data‑focused initiative. This contract role will focus on developing and presenting a robust business case for investment, aligning strategic intent across the organisation, and shaping the roadmap for subsequent delivery phases.

You will work closely with senior stakeholders to translate data strategy into actionable plans, establish strong data governance foundations, and support the development of early prototypes and proofs of concept.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a clearly defined scope and project plan to develop and present a business case for investment.
• Identify, engage, and manage key stakeholders to capture requirements and define data use cases.
• Align strategic intent across the organisation to ensure shared understanding and buy‑in.
• Review the existing data strategy and work with stakeholders to deliver key elements, including data governance, data quality, and data models.
• Design and facilitate effective workshops to support requirements gathering, decision‑making, and alignment.
• Produce and maintain project documentation, including risks and issues logs.
• Develop a high‑level roadmap for the delivery of subsequent phases of work.
• Set up and manage working groups and delivery teams to develop early prototypes and proofs of concept.
• Establish and lead steering groups to coordinate activity and drive business engagement.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience working as a Project Manager in a digital environment, with strong Agile delivery experience.
• Demonstrable experience translating data strategy into implementation, including defining data governance and data standards.
• Strong project initiation and planning capability, including defining scope, objectives, timelines, risks, and governance.
• Experience developing and writing business cases for investment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information through workshops, interviews, and written reports.
• Extensive stakeholder identification and management experience, including engagement at Director level.
• Strong facilitation skills to articulate a clear vision for improved use of data and defined organisational use cases.
• Experience leading steering groups and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Strong problem‑solving, facilitation, and influencing skills, with the ability to build consensus and agree clear ways forward.