Chief Data Officer

Role Summary

Chief Data Officer at Fortrea responsible for shaping strategy and execution of data platforms across global operations, defining the approach and roadmap for data and integration capabilities to advance Fortrea’s clinical research and business processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and execution for Fortrea’s global data models, integrating cutting-edge tools across enterprise and customer systems.
• Define and implement data standards and governance frameworks to ensure integrity, security, and interoperability of clinical and enterprise data.
• Architect and execute data migration strategies from legacy systems to modern platforms (e.g., Azure SQL, Synapse, Lakehouse).
• Lead system integrations using Microsoft technologies including Azure Logic Apps, Service Bus, Power Automate, and API Management.
• Ensure seamless data flow across platforms such as Workday, Snowflake, Informatica, and internal applications.
• Drive business intelligence through advanced analytics, dashboards, and data storytelling.
• Deliver a technical roadmap that enhances data capabilities across clinical, commercial, and corporate operations.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious data objectives.
• Inspire and guide a high-performing team, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
• Direct integration and middleware platforms, including API strategy and engineering.
• Maintain external visibility through publications and conference presentations.
• Serve as a senior ambassador for Fortrea, building trusted relationships with clients to ensure seamless delivery, drive innovation, and identify growth opportunities.
• Champion enterprise-wide AI/ML innovation by architecting scalable data ecosystems that enable predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and real-time decisioning.
• Lead development of ethical and explainable AI frameworks, ensuring responsible data governance and accelerating deployment of strategic machine learning models.

Qualifications

• Required: 15+ years of experience with direct interaction and influence with executive leadership; proven success delivering business, technology, and project outcomes.
• Required: Expertise in data lifecycle management, integration technologies (API Gateway, ESB, Message Broker), and data management frameworks (DAMA-DMBOK).
• Required: Experience in clinical trials or related industries with strong data security and privacy (HIPAA).
• Required: Strategic thinker with hands-on leadership, bias for action, and ability to drive change.
• Required: Bachelor’s degree in data analytics, information systems, or related field (Master’s/MBA preferred).
• Required: Certifications in Azure (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect, Azure Data Engineer) or Microsoft Power Platform.
• Required: Proven experience leading large-scale data initiatives and managing cross-functional teams.
• Required: Strong understanding of services and product development lifecycles; entrepreneurial mindset.
• Preferred: CRO/Pharma industry experience; prior success in global enterprise environments.

Skills

• Microsoft Stack: Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure SQL Database, Azure Data Lake, Azure Logic Apps, Azure Functions
• Power Platform: Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate
• Microsoft Purview, Azure Arc, Azure Boards, Azure DevOps
• Integration & ETL: REST/SOAP APIs, JSON, XML, EDI; Spark, Python, SQL
• Architecture & DevOps: TOGAF, Azure Well-Architected Framework, CI/CD pipelines, Azure Test Plans

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Additional Requirements

• Travel: Flexible work environment with up to 30% travel