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
One or more of the following would be highly desirable:
Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)
Certified Information Management Professional (CIMP)
Certified Data Professional (CDP)
Benefits
Our Client offers a competitive benefits package including:
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.