Data Governance Lead

We are seeking an experienced Data Governance Lead to be embedded with our customer. You will design and deliver an enterprise-scale Data Governance strategy and operating model, leading cross-functional teams to embed governance as a core enabler of business value, data quality and responsible AI adoption. This is a strategic, customer-facing role where you will partner closely with the customer's leadership, business stakeholders and technology teams to drive sustainable governance maturity and compliance across the organisation.

This is a hybrid role, so the successful candidate will be expected to attend the Dublin office twice a week.

Key responsibilities & duties include:

• Own and deliver the enterprise Data Governance strategy and roadmap, aligned to the customer's organisational objectives and evolving data governance programme, serving as the central point of accountability for data-related risks, issues and trade-offs across Privacy, Risk, Security, and Audit functions
• Define the scope, operating model and priorities of the Data Governance programme, establishing standard templates, tools and methodologies to ensure consistent standards for data ownership, stewardship, usage and accountability across the customer's enterprise
• Lead and direct the work of Data Governance subject matter experts, providing clear priorities, oversight and coordination to ensure delivery of agreed outcomes, while representing Data Governance across the customer's enterprise programmes and initiatives
• Establish, document and enforce data governance policies, standards and procedures to maintain data quality and consistency, ensuring compliance with relevant data protection regulations including GDPR, supported by regular audits, assessments and robust evidence management
• Drive the maintenance, adoption and operational use of the customer's enterprise data catalogue and business glossary, managing and optimising governance tools and technologies to improve workflow efficiency, reporting and measurable data quality outcomes
• Lead change management and adoption across the customer's organisation, translating strategy into a prioritised roadmap supported by clear communications, training programmes and readiness plans that embed a culture of trust, responsibility and data literacy
• Chair and lead governance forums and working groups embedded with the customer's teams, ensuring clear decision-making, escalation and communication of outcomes while collaborating with AI governance stakeholders to integrate responsible AI adoption into enterprise oversight and operating models

Required Experience:

• Relevant third-level qualification or equivalent experience with a strong technical or data focus
• 5+ years of experience delivering enterprise-scale Data Governance, Data Management and Data Quality initiatives, with strong expertise in governance frameworks, standards and best practices
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence, align and build trusted relationships at senior levels; high analytical judgement, organisation and attention to detail
• Proven experience implementing enterprise-scale data governance operating models, policies and controls, with hands-on use of governance, cataloguing, observability and analytics tooling to drive measurable outcomes
• Leadership experience managing cross-functional subject matter experts and governance forums, combined with proven capability to develop compelling business cases and manage budgets across CapEx and OpEx with accountability for forecasting, tracking and financial control
• Solid understanding of data protection regulations such as GDPR and evidence-based compliance approaches, with ability to produce executive-ready reporting of delivery progress, risks and outcomes
• Credible operator across both business and technology environments, with demonstrated ability to drive process improvement in finance, customer, or operational domains and deliver results under pressure to tight deadlines
• Experience working in agile or hybrid delivery environments
• Strong facilitation skills across workshops, decision forums and cross-functional sessions
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Visio and Project, combined with management reporting expertise using Excel and Power BI
• Practical experience with modern data platforms and tooling such as Snowflake, Databricks, SQL, Atlan and Monte Carlo
• Experience tracking delivery and maintaining artefacts using Confluence and Jira