26th August 2026
Data Governance Manager
Big Data
London
up to £120k
Data Governance Manager
Location: London/Hybrid
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits
Shape the Future of Data Governance
We’re looking for an experienced and strategic Data Governance Manager to lead the development and evolution of our enterprise-wide Data Governance capability.
Reporting directly to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), you’ll play a pivotal role in establishing data as a trusted, secure and high-value organisational asset. You’ll define and deliver the governance strategy, operating model and frameworks that enable regulatory compliance, support informed decision-making and unlock the full value of data across the business.
This is a highly visible leadership role offering the opportunity to influence senior stakeholders, drive cultural change and shape the future of data governance within a complex and evolving organisation.
What You’ll Be Doing
As Data Governance Manager, you will:
- Lead the development and execution of the enterprise Data Governance strategy, framework and operating model.
- Establish and maintain governance policies, standards and controls covering data ownership, quality, classification, retention and lifecycle management.
- Define clear accountability for Data Owners, Data Stewards and governance stakeholders across the organisation.
- Drive the adoption and embedding of governance practices, ensuring data is managed consistently and effectively.
- Chair governance forums, providing oversight of data-related risks, compliance obligations and improvement initiatives.
- Develop governance maturity measures, KPIs and reporting to track progress and demonstrate value.
- Partner with business and technology teams to improve data quality, metadata management, lineage and governance processes.
- Sponsor and support the implementation of governance tooling and capabilities across modern data platforms.
- Ensure alignment with regulatory requirements, information security standards and enterprise risk management objectives.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on governance strategy, priorities and best practice.
About You
You are a collaborative and influential leader with a proven track record of building, enhancing and embedding Data Governance capabilities within complex and regulated environments.
You combine strategic thinking with a pragmatic approach, enabling governance frameworks that support business growth and innovation while maintaining strong controls and compliance standards.
You are comfortable operating at executive level, influencing senior stakeholders and driving organisational change, whilst also partnering with delivery and technical teams to achieve practical outcomes.
Essential Experience & Skills
We’re particularly interested in candidates who have:
- Significant experience leading enterprise Data Governance programmes within regulated industries.
- Proven success designing and implementing Data Governance strategies, frameworks, policies and operating models.
- Strong knowledge of Data Governance best practices and frameworks, including DAMA-DMBOK or equivalent methodologies.
- A thorough understanding of GDPR, UK Data Protection legislation, FCA regulatory expectations and information security frameworks such as ISO 27001.
- Experience establishing and operating Data Owner, Data Steward and governance committee structures.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills, including experience working with executive leadership teams.
- A strong track record of driving organisational adoption and embedding governance practices across multiple business functions.
- Experience working with modern data architectures, cloud technologies and governance platforms.
Desirable Experience
Experience in the following areas would be advantageous:
- Leading enterprise-scale Data Governance transformation programmes.
- Governance within cloud-based environments, particularly AWS and Snowflake.
- Data Governance platforms such as Collibra, Alation, Informatica or similar solutions.
- AI Governance, Responsible AI frameworks and emerging data-related regulatory requirements.
- Professional certifications such as DAMA CDMP, TOGAF, CISSP, CISM or equivalent.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to build and mature a strategic capability at the heart of the organisation.
You’ll work closely with senior leaders across Information Security, Data & Analytics, Risk, Legal and Technology, helping to strengthen compliance, improve data quality, enhance decision-making and enable innovation through trusted data.
If you’re passionate about creating a data-driven culture and want to shape how data is governed across the enterprise, we’d love to hear from you.
Consultant - Abigail Moss
Telephone: 0207 392 7516
Email: abigail.moss@spencer-rose.com
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