Data Governance, Compliance & Security Lead

ao.com; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known appliance retailer is seeking a Data Governance, Compliance & Security Lead in Bolton. This role will lead the charge on shaping data governance and compliance strategies, ensuring the organization is data-driven and secure. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in governance and security, plus the ability to influence stakeholders and implement standards. This hybrid role offers a range of benefits, including generous holiday and health perks.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

5% pension contribution

Discounted gym membership

On-site parking and breakfast

Exclusive product discounts

Qualifications

• Deep experience in governance, security and compliance from a similar role.
• Led data projects achieving clear ROI and results in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to define and implement standards, tools, and manage audit points.

Responsibilities

• Lead data governance, security & compliance strategies for a data-driven future.
• Shape data protection and management across the business.
• Engage with stakeholders to maintain scalable data capabilities.

Skills

Governance

Security

Compliance

Stakeholder influence

Risk management

Job description

Overview

Over the past 12 months, AO has seen incredible growth, and with ambitious plans ahead, now’s the perfect time to bring in our first-ever Data Governance, Security & Compliance Lead. This is a brand-new, game-changing role that sits at the heart of our data strategy. Reporting into our Head of Data, you’ll take the lead on shaping and delivering our group-wide approach to Data Security, Compliance and Governance. Your work will help AO unlock the full potential of our data—making sure it’s high-quality, reliable and trusted across the business.

You’ll bring together strategy, stakeholders and solutions under one roof, creating a future-fit data foundation that supports AO’s next chapter. It’s a hands-on leadership role where you’ll define the roadmap, deliver the solutions, and make the case for scaling the team as we grow.

If you’re ready to make a real impact and own something big, this could be the role for you.

Responsibilities

• Lead the charge on defining and delivering AO’s Data Governance, Security & Compliance strategies—making sure we’re set up for a data-driven future.
• Shape how AO protects and manages data across the entire business, from Data Science and Engineering to Analytics.
• Embed best practice into 24/7 operations and every change project, working closely with other Data leads and partner teams across AO.
• Define the roadmap, lead change, and manage a portfolio of projects that improve how we govern data—across people, processes and technology.
• Engage with stakeholders, vendors and third parties to keep our data capabilities sharp and scalable.

A Bit About You

• Deep experience in governance, security and compliance, ideally from a similar role or team.
• Led data projects, delivered clear ROI, and driven results in a fast-paced environment.
• Creative problem-solver with an eye for detail, able to translate complex ideas into clear messages for both technical and senior audiences.
• Ability to define and implement standards, tools and third-party tech; hands-on when needed.
• Experience managing audit points, risk registers and security requirements for a Data team.
• Strong stakeholder influence across senior leaders, relationships with teams across AO, and capability-building through training and upskilling.
• Collaborative with Data Science, Engineering, Platform and Analytics teams to keep governance front and centre.
• Experience managing partnerships with vendors and third-party providers to keep data capabilities sharp.

Benefits

• Holidays: 25 days, plus bank holidays (increasing to 27 days after 2 years).
• Pension: Company contributes 5% of annual salary plus your own contribution.
• VIP access to AO Arena tickets and pre-sale opportunities.
• Health & wellbeing: discounted gym membership, onsite spa and access to virtual GP and mental health support.
• Exclusive product discounts across AO ranges.
• Enhanced family leave: Maternity, Paternity and Adoption leave.
• Two fully paid charity days per year.
• On-site perks: free parking, complimentary breakfast and subsidised coffee.

About AO

When it comes to appliances and electricals, we’ve got the lot. We’re known for helping our customers brilliantly—and it’s no different for AOers. We care about more than what’s on your CV, because together we can do extraordinary things.

To see all our benefits and perks, visit our AO Benefits page.

Job Details

Job Title: Data Governance, Compliance & Security Lead
Location: Bolton Hybrid

Apply Now

Please fill out the form to submit your application. You can upload your CV and provide details as requested.