Data & AI Governance Manager

Marks and Spencer; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in London is seeking an experienced Governance Manager to ensure effective data governance and ethical use of AI-related data. Responsibilities include developing and managing governance frameworks and guiding the organization on compliance with standards. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in data governance and AI-related regulations, alongside strong stakeholder management skills.

Benefits

20% colleague discount

Competitive holiday entitlement

Discretionary bonus schemes

Defined Contribution Pension Scheme

Wellbeing support including 24/7 Virtual GP

Charity volunteer day

Qualifications

• Solid experience in data governance or AI governance roles.
• Deep knowledge of data governance methodologies and regulations.
• Proven experience designing and implementing governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Act as a subject-matter expert for Data Governance and AI Governance.
• Deliver Data and AI Ethics principles and good practice guidance.
• Develop and maintain a Data and AI Governance framework.

Skills

Data governance

AI governance

Data protection

Stakeholder management

GDPR knowledge

Job description

Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Governance Manager to be responsible for ensuring M&S's data is governed effectively and securely, along with being used ethically – including the integration of AI‑related data policies working closely with various teams including Data Protection, Information Security, Architecture and the wider business. You will manage the Data Governance, AI Governance & Ownership frameworks, work to embed a strong data & AI governance culture, drive adoption of governance practices, and support compliance with policies and standards across the data lifecycle.

Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible.

Who you are

• Solid experience in data governance, AI governance or related roles
• Deep knowledge of data governance methodologies, emerging AI frameworks and data‑related regulation such as GDPR & the EU AI Act
• Proven experience designing and implementing data governance frameworks, data ownership frameworks and data literacy programmes
• Experience establishing and managing data policies, standards and guidance
• Ability to influence operational activities at both tactical and strategic levels, and to build strong partnerships and relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

What you will do

• Act as the Data Governance and AI Governance subject‑matter expert for the business
• Deliver Data and AI Ethics principles and good practice guidance for the business, and manage their rollout
• Develop and maintain an enterprise‑wide Data and AI Governance frameworks, at both the enterprise and operational level, guiding on and contributing to tactical forums where necessary
• Own and manage a Data Governance culture and awareness programme, consulting with relevant colleagues to deliver a cohesive and comprehensive set of content, appropriate for the business
• Design and implement an enterprise‑wide Data Ownership framework, including training and awareness across M&S, engaging the right colleagues where appropriate

What's in it for you

Being a part of M&S is exactly that – playing your part to bring the magic of M&S to our customers every day. We're an inclusive, dynamic, exciting, and ever‑evolving business built on doing the right thing and bringing exceptional quality, value, service to every customer, whenever, wherever and however they want to shop with us.

• After completing your probationary period, you'll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third‑party brands for you and a member of your household.
• Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days!
• Discretionary bonus schemes awarded based on how you achieve your personal objectives and our performance as a business.
• A generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and Life Assurance.
• A dedicated welcome to our teams with a tailored induction and a wide range of training programmes to develop your skills.
• Amazing perks and discounts via our M&S Choices portal to maximise your financial and personal wellbeing.
• Industry‑leading parental, adoption and neonatal policies, providing support and flexibility for your family.
• Access to a fantastic range of wellbeing support for all colleagues including access to our 24/7 Virtual GP and PAM Assist to support you and your family.
• A charity volunteer day to support a charity or cause you're passionate about through a dedicated day away from work.

Everyone's welcome

We are ambitious about the future of retail. We're redefining, innovating and leading the industry into a more diligent, inspiring digital era. We're reconsidering how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen.

We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together.

If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.