Lead of Data Governance

Lead/Head of Data Governance

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Data Governance leader who will be responsible for establishing and developing an enterprise-wide approach to data governance. The role will focus on creating clear principles, responsibilities and standards that support reliable data, reporting, analytics and AI across the organization.

The person in this role will shape the governance model, define accountability for data and help embed governance into business and technology processes. The position combines strategic ownership with close cooperation across business and technology functions and requires a pragmatic approach that supports both control and business agility.

Key Responsibilities

Data Governance Strategy

• Develop and continuously improve the organization's Data Governance strategy and framework.

• Define the target governance model, including the balance between central standards and business ownership.

• Establish a long-term roadmap for developing governance capabilities and organizational maturity.

• Advise senior stakeholders on data-related risks, data reliability and governance priorities.

• Promote a consistent approach to treating data as a strategic business asset.

Policies, Standards & Governance Frameworks

• Develop and maintain policies, principles and standards covering data ownership, stewardship, quality and metadata.

• Define governance principles for master data and business terminology.

• Establish standards for reliable and consistent reporting, dashboards and KPIs.

• Define governance expectations for analytics and AI solutions, including accountability, documentation, transparency and monitoring.

• Ensure governance processes remain practical and proportionate to business needs.

Data Quality & Master Data

• Establish and oversee an enterprise Data Quality framework.

• Define data quality expectations, thresholds, ownership and remediation processes.

• Develop governance principles for Master Data Management, including ownership, stewardship and golden records.

• Support consistent data definitions and harmonization across business areas.

• Establish mechanisms for monitoring data quality and driving continuous improvement.

Reporting, Analytics & AI

• Establish governance principles for management and operational reporting.

• Define ownership and approval processes for key business metrics and KPIs.

• Support the use of trusted and agreed data sources across reporting and analytics.

• Define governance expectations for advanced analytics, machine learning and AI solutions.

• Ensure analytical and AI-driven outputs are appropriately controlled, documented and aligned with business and risk requirements.

Collaboration & Accountability

• Define responsibilities for Data Owners, Data Stewards and other governance stakeholders.

• Work closely with Data, Analytics, Reporting, Architecture, Security, Privacy, Legal, Risk and other relevant functions.

• Ensure governance principles are incorporated into technology platforms, projects and operational processes.

• Facilitate cooperation between business and technology teams around data-related topics.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and develop the Data Governance function and its capabilities.

• Establish governance KPIs, risk indicators and maturity measures.

• Prepare management-level reporting on governance progress, risks and areas requiring attention.

• Continuously adapt the governance model to changing business, regulatory and technology requirements.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in Data Governance, Data Management, Data Quality, MDM, Information Management, Reporting Governance, Analytics Governance or related areas.

• Proven experience developing and implementing enterprise-level governance frameworks and operating models.

• Strong understanding of data ownership, stewardship, data quality, metadata, lineage, business glossaries and master data.

• Experience with reporting governance, KPI management and governance of analytics or AI solutions.

• Experience working in complex organizations with multiple business units and stakeholders.

• Ability to translate business and technology requirements into practical governance standards and processes.

• Good understanding of modern data platforms, cloud environments and data governance or cataloguing tools.

• Strong strategic thinking, analytical skills and ability to make decisions in complex environments.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

• Experience facilitating discussions, resolving conflicts and building alignment across different functions.

• Pragmatic and delivery-oriented approach, with the ability to balance governance requirements with business flexibility.

• Fluent English and experience working in an international environment.