Head of Data Governance

Reporting to: Director of Data Management

Salary: £93,150 + £9,800 car allowance - rising to £98,078 on achieving proficient level after 1 year

Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Are you a strategic data leader with a passion for transforming how organisations manage and leverage data? We're looking for an experienced Head of Data Governance to lead the development and delivery of our enterprise-wide Data Governance strategy, ensuring data is trusted, secure and positioned as a strategic business asset.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity to shape data governance across a complex organisation, working closely with senior stakeholders to drive cultural change, improve data quality and support business growth.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Data Management , you will be responsible for establishing and embedding a robust Data Governance framework across the organisation. You'll champion best practice, build governance capability, and lead a high-performing team while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

You will play a pivotal role in supporting strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, digital transformation and enterprise data management.

What You'll Be Doing

• Develop and implement the organisation's Data Governance strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
• Establish and maintain enterprise Data Governance frameworks, policies, standards and operating models.
• Champion data as a strategic asset and foster a data-driven culture across the business.
• Lead the monthly Data Governance Forum, engaging Data Owners, Data Stewards, technical teams and senior business stakeholders.
• Define and monitor Data Quality KPIs, governance metrics and reporting.
• Drive continuous improvements in data quality, metadata management, master data management and data lifecycle management.
• Configure and administer Aperture Data Governance Studio , ensuring critical data assets are profiled, documented and effectively governed.
• Lead data governance activities supporting acquisitions and data migration programmes.
• Collaborate with Risk, Compliance and Information Security teams to ensure governance aligns with regulatory and assurance frameworks.
• Identify, assess and elevate data risks appropriately.
• Build, coach and develop a high-performing Data Governance team.
• Deliver training and communications that increase awareness and adoption of Data Governance across the organisation.
• Lead governance-related projects and organisational change initiatives.

About You

You'll be an experienced data governance professional who combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You enjoy influencing senior stakeholders, leading teams and driving meaningful organisational change.

You'll ideally have:

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Business Analysis qualification or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience leading enterprise Data Governance and Data Quality programmes within complex organisations.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Data Governance
• Data Quality Management
• Metadata Management
• Master Data Management (MDM)
• Data Lifecycle Management
• Experience configuring and administering Aperture Data Governance Studio .
• Strong understanding of SAP data structures, including ECC, S/4HANA and cloud-based SAP products.
• Experience defining Data Quality rules, standards and governance processes.
• Working knowledge of Agile, Scrum and DevOps delivery methodologies.
• Experience analysing and resolving complex data issues.
• Knowledge of GDPR, the Data Protection Act and broader data ethics principles.
• Advanced Microsoft 365 skills.

Leadership Skills

We're looking for someone who can:

• Inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Influence senior stakeholders across technology and business functions.
• Build strong collaborative relationships.
• Communicate complex technical concepts in a clear and engaging way.
• Balance strategic planning with operational delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement and organisational change.

Why Join?

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a critical capability at the heart of our organisation. You'll have the autonomy to shape the Data Governance vision, influence enterprise strategy and make a lasting impact on how data is managed and utilised across the business.

If you're passionate about data, governance, leadership and delivering meaningful business change, we'd love to hear from you.

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