Data Governance

iO Associates; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

iO Associates is seeking a Data Governance SME to support a critical data and digital transformation initiative within the UK defence sector. You will help establish robust data standards, metadata management, and compliance frameworks, ensuring data estates are secure, structured, and audit-ready.

The role requires active SC clearance, hands-on governance tool experience, and strong stakeholder engagement, with prior defence or central government exposure highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Active SC Clearance required.
• Proven experience as Data Governance Specialist, Consultant, or IAO.
• Hands-on experience with enterprise governance tools (Collibra, Purview, Alation, Informatica).
• Experience in UK defence or central government environments desirable.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement data governance frameworks, policies, and operating models for secure environments.
• Manage data cataloguing, data lineage, and metadata using enterprise tools.
• Collaborate with IAOs to ensure compliance with defence data standards and classifications.
• Drive data quality improvements and remediation for digital and data transformation programmes.

Skills

SC Clearance

Data governance

Stakeholder management

IAO experience

Tools

Collibra

Microsoft Purview

Alation

Informatica

Job description

Clearance Requirement: Active SC Clearance (Strictly Required)

About the Role

We are looking for a Data Governance SME to support a critical data and digital transformation initiative within the UK defence sector. In this role, you will help establish robust data standards, metadata management, and compliance frameworks, ensuring that critical data estates remain secure, structured, and audit-ready.

Key Responsibilities

Define and implement data governance frameworks, policies, and operating models tailored to secure environments.

Manage data cataloguing, data lineage, and metadata using enterprise tools (such as Collibra, Microsoft Purview, or Alation).

Work alongside stakeholders and Information Asset Owners (IAOs) to ensure compliance with defence data standards and classification rules.

Drive data quality improvements and remediation plans to support ongoing digital and data transformation programmes.

Requirements & Essential Criteria

Active SC Clearance: You must hold a current, active Security Clearance (SC). Please note: We will not be considering candidates with lapsed or non-active clearances.

Proven commercial experience as a Data Governance Specialist, Consultant, or Information Asset Owner (IAO).

Hands-on experience with enterprise governance tools (e.g., Collibra, Microsoft Purview, Alation, or Informatica).

Prior experience working within UK defence or central government environments is highly desirable.

Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to translate technical data rules into operational practices.