Head of Enterprise Data Governance

Bank Julius Bär & Co. Ltd.; Zürich; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Julius Baer in Zurich seeks a Head Data Office to lead enterprise data management and governance, shaping a strategic roadmap across data quality, lifecycle, and regulatory compliance. You will coordinate with business, AI, risk, and IT stakeholders to embed governance by design and elevate data-driven decision making.

You will champion metadata, glossaries, data lineage, and data catalogues, while building a high-performing team and reporting to the Head Business Architecture & Experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15+ years of experience in data management, data governance, information management, data quality, or related disciplines within global financial institutions.
• Deep understanding of private banking or wealth management processes, regulatory requirements, and data-related challenges in a complex global environment.
• Proven experience establishing and managing enterprise data governance frameworks, data quality programs, and data management operating models.
• Strong knowledge of data management disciplines, including data governance, metadata management, master data management, data lineage, and data lifecycle management.
• Hands‑on experience with regulatory expectations related to data management, data protection, risk management, and reporting within the financial services industry.
• Experienced people leader with a proven ability to build and lead multidisciplinary teams in complex matrix organizations.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to drive outcomes across business and technology functions without direct authority.
• Demonstrated ability to translate regulatory, operational, and business requirements into practical data management solutions and sustainable governance practices.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior executives and governance committees.
• Excellent communication skills in English; German and additional languages are an advantage
• Education and skills requirements: Master’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, or a related field; relevant professional qualifications considered an asset
• Exceptional organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy combined with the ability to synthesise information into relevant and tailored insights
• Ownership in driving tasks forward independently and capable of proactively identifying opportunities and proposing solutions without awaiting direction
• High level of discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with collaboration platforms such as Webex, Teams or SharePoint
• Ability to prioritise effectively under pressure and adapt quickly to changing demands
• Proactive mindset with a solutions‑oriented approach and sound judgment

Responsibilities

• Define, own, and continuously evolve the Bank's enterprise data strategy, establishing the vision, business architecture target state, and strategic roadmap for data management, governance, quality, life cycle, records management, and accessibility, while ensuring alignment with the Bank's business objectives and digital transformation agenda (e.g. Future State Architecture)
• Define and continuously evolve the Bank's enterprise-wide data management and governance framework, establishing clear accountability, ownership, and stewardship across all business domains
• Establish data governance standards, policies, controls, and operating procedures to ensure consistent and effective management of data throughout its lifecycle
• Drive enterprise-wide data quality management, ensuring critical data is accurate, complete, timely, and fit for purpose
• Act as the primary interface between business functions (1st Line of Defence) and CRO functions (2nd Line of Defence), Legal & Compliance, Information Security, AI & IT on data governance matters, ensuring appropriate alignment of governance structures, effective challenge, transparent escalation of data risks, and timely remediation of data risk and control weaknesses
• Drive & support the implementation and adoption of data management capabilities, including metadata management, business glossaries, data lineage, data catalogue, reference data and master data management, and records management
• Provide oversight and challenge across key data domains, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, risk frameworks, and internal control standards
• Establish transparency through meaningful reporting, KPIs, and governance forums, enabling senior management to monitor data quality, data risks, and remediation activities
• Partner with business and technology leaders to support strategic transformation initiatives, ensuring data requirements and governance principles are embedded by design
• Drive compliance with data-related regulatory obligations, including data protection, record management, data retention, and reporting requirements across jurisdictions
• Promote & support a strong culture of data ownership, accountability, and literacy through training, stakeholder engagement, and change management initiatives
• Develop and lead a high-performing team of data governance and data management professionals, fostering continuous improvement, innovation and operational excellence

Skills

Data governance

Data management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Data quality

Metadata management

Master data management

Data lineage

Data lifecycle management

Education

Master’s degree in Business Administration

Relevant professional qualifications

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Webex

Teams

SharePoint

Job description

Julius Baer in Zurich seeks a Head Data Office to lead enterprise data management and governance, shaping a strategic roadmap across data quality, lifecycle, and regulatory compliance. You will coordinate with business, AI, risk, and IT stakeholders to embed governance by design and elevate data-driven decision making.

You will champion metadata, glossaries, data lineage, and data catalogues, while building a high-performing team and reporting to the Head Business Architecture & Experience.