Data Governance Manager

Location

Stoke-on-Trent/Hybrid Working - 4 days in office is mandatory

About the Opportunity

Neem Consulting is recruiting on behalf of our Client, a well-established and highly regarded commercial utilities company based in Stoke-on-Trent. Our Client is undertaking a significant business and technology transformation programme, modernising its core platforms, data capabilities, operating processes and customer experience. As part of this journey, they are seeking a Data Governance Manager to establish and lead their enterprise-wide data governance capability, ensuring that data is trusted, secure, accessible and effectively managed across the organisation. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced data governance professional to shape a critical business capability, influence senior stakeholders, and play a leading role in a major transformation programme.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Data and Information Security, the Data Governance Manager will be responsible for defining, implementing and embedding the organisation's data governance framework. You will work closely with business leaders, technology teams, security specialists and operational stakeholders to improve data quality, strengthen governance controls, establish clear ownership of data assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will combine strategic thinking with practical delivery capabilities, helping to build a culture in which data is recognized and managed as a valuable business asset.

Key Responsibilities

Data Governance Strategy

• Develop and deliver the enterprise-wide data governance strategy.
• Establish and lead governance forums and steering groups to drive accountability and decision-making.
• Define and maintain governance policies, standards, frameworks and controls.
• Ensure governance principles are Embedded into transformation programmes, projects and operational processes.
• Promote data governance as a business enabler across the organisation.

Data Ownership & Stewardship

• Establish clear ownership and stewardship models across business functions.
• Define accountabilities for critical data assets and business domains.
• Promote best practice data management behaviours and responsibilities.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure governance adoption and compliance.

Data Quality & Compliance

• Lead data quality improvement initiatives across the organisation.
• Define and implement data quality monitoring, measurement and remediation processes.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, data protection requirements and other relevant regulatory obligations.
• Work collaboratively with Legal, Risk, Audit and Technology teams to manage data related risks and issues.

Stakeholder Engagement & Data Culture

• Provide expert guidance on governance, stewardship and data management best practices.
• Champion data literacy and responsible data usage across the business.
• Translate complex governance concepts into practical and actionable business guidance.
• Support senior leaders in understanding the value and importance of effective data governance.

Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead and develop a small team of governance professionals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.
• Support capability development across the wider organisation.
• Act as an ambassador for data governance and ethical data management.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience establishing or leading data governance frameworks within a medium or large organisation.
• Strong understanding of data governance principles, operating models and industry best practices.
• Experience implementing data ownership, stewardship and accountability frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of data quality management and data life cycle management.
• Experience working with GDPR and wider data protection requirements.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.
• Experience working across both business and technology functions.
• Strong governance, risk management and policy development experience.
• Ability to operate effectively in complex and evolving organisational environments.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience working within regulated industries such as utilities, financial services, telecommunications or energy.
• Experience supporting large-scale business transformation programmes.
• Knowledge of cloud-based data platforms and modern data architectures.
• Experience with Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Fabric and Microsoft Purview.
• Understanding of data ethics and responsible AI principles.
• Agile project delivery experience.

Qualifications

• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)
• Certified Information Management Professional (CIMP)
• Certified Data Professional (CDP)

Benefits

• Hybrid working arrangements
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Birthday leave
• Opportunity to buy or sell up to 5 days of annual leave
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 wellbeing support
• Medicash healthcare plan
• Perkbox discounts and rewards platform
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Competitive pension scheme with employer-matched contributions
• Life Assurance cover
• Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to establish and shape an enterprise-wide data governance capability within an organisation that is investing heavily in data, technology and business transformation. You will have significant visibility across the organisation, the opportunity to influence senior decision-makers and the chance to create a lasting impact on how data is managed, governed and leveraged to support future business success.

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