Data Governance Manager

Data Governance Manager

Full time, permanent

We are looking for a Data Governance Manager will lead all MSC UK-wide data governance activities. This role is responsible for managing the quality and protection of sensitive data and information assets.

The manager will adopt leadership of the multi-year Data Excellence change programme and the resulting Data Governance capability.

At MSC UK, we drive our success through strong teamwork and create and lead opportunities for our people to develop and grow with us.

How you will help us and what you can expect

• Data Governance Framework Development: Design and implement a data governance framework that aligns with MSC objectives, establish data ownership, stewardship, and custodian roles, and chair relevant Data Governance fora.
• Data Quality Management: Work with IT and data teams to design and implement data quality strategies and standards, develop and enforce data quality policies, and monitor data quality.
• Policies and Procedures: Develop, maintain, and communicate data governance policies, standards, and procedures, ensure documentation is up-to-date, and provide training and support to staff.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Working closely with existing subject matter experts, ensure compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR), ensuring our data governance strategy has appropriate focus on data security and privacy measures, whilst identifying and mitigating data-related risks.
• Data Lifecycle Management: Oversee the entire data lifecycle, define and maintain data standards, and implement best practices for data retention and disposal.
• Change Management: Lead the cultural and operational transformation required to embed data governance principles, develop and execute change management strategies, and facilitate communication and training initiatives.
• AI Enablement: Support the responsible use of AI by ensuring data used in AI models is accurate and well-governed, establish governance protocols for AI-related data, and collaborate with data science teams.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with IT, legal, compliance, and business units to establish data governance best practices, serve as a point of contact for data-related issues, and manage the issue resolution process.
• Performance Metrics and Reporting: Develop KPIs to measure the effectiveness of data governance initiatives and prepare regular reports on data governance status.
• Training and Awareness: Develop educational materials for stakeholders, facilitate training sessions, and promote data governance awareness across MSC.

Skills and experience you’ll bring to us

Education & Qualifications:

• A degree in Computer Science, Information Management, Data Science, or a related field.
• CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional) or equivalent (desirable).

Skills & Experience:

Technical & Strategic:

• 5–10 years in data governance, data management, or related roles (e.g. Data Management, Data Governance, CDO Office or BI & Analytics team). Prior experience of working within Commercially focused organisations.
• An understanding of Data Governance industry best practice is useful (such as DAMA’s DMBoK & CDMP, EDM Council’s DCAM), including but not limited to:
• Regulatory compliance (GDPR, CCPA)
• Data quality and metadata management
• AI data governance protocols
• Data lifecycle and classification
• Evidence, experience and understanding of data strategy, management concepts and associated business processes and tools - including Data Governance and Data Quality.
• Hands-on experience using Data Governance tools such as Data Catalogues and Data Quality Tools, to support development of trusted data for organisational purposes e.g. GenAI readiness.
• Solid understanding of data constructs and domains (e.g. structured and unstructured data), data technologies and core transactional systems (e.g. SharePoint) will be beneficial.

Organisational & Cultural:

• Proven leadership in cross-functional programmes
• Change management and stakeholder engagement
• Cross-functional collaboration (especially with IT, legal, and business units)
• Experience embedding governance into operational workflows and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills with proven experience in stakeholder engagement (including senior business and technical teams), training delivery and the ability to showcase the business benefits of Data Governance.

Tools & Platforms:

• Data cataloguing and lineage tools (e.g. Collibra, MS Purview)
• BI platforms (e.g. Power BI, Tableau)
• Data quality tools (Talend Data Quality, Ataccama one)

Mindset:

• The ideal candidate will have a goal-oriented mindset and enjoy working with cross-functional teams to deliver Data Governance capabilities and support exceptional Data Products.
• Strong customer and business focus with demonstrated ability to form effective working relationships and resolve conflicts.
• Structured approach: promoting data accountability and stewardship.
• Passion and interest in solving business-oriented data challenges end-to-end, with demonstrated precision and attention-to-detail.
• Embrace change proactively, adjusting governance frameworks to remain effective and future-ready.

What We Offer You

• Private Health and Dental Family cover
• Company car
• 25 days holiday (plus a day at Christmas)
• Personal travel insurance
• Buy or sell holiday scheme (opportunity to buy or sell up to 5 days)
• On-site artisan restaurant
• Discounted gym memberships
• Learning and development opportunities
• Generous pension scheme