Data Governance Director (AVP Equivalent) - Client Onboarding and Reference Data Services

Morgan Stanley; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in Glasgow is seeking a Data Governance Director to manage client onboarding and reference data governance. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in data governance or financial services and strong skills in team management and relationship building. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to the governance quality of client reference data and requires a commitment to operational excellence and risk management.

Benefits

Comprehensive employee benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive and inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• At least 8 years' relevant experience in data governance or financial services.
• Experience with onboarding processes and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to enhance control, continuous improvement, and reduce operational risk.

Responsibilities

• Develop staff and manage resources while overseeing projects.
• Set expectations for teams and establish training plans.
• Build relationships with business units and external partners.
• Support implementation of data governance frameworks.
• Track and manage data-related incidents using structured tools.

Skills

Strong relationship building skills

Ability to think commercially

Experience in managing teams

Culture carrier and role model

Experience working with client reference data

Familiarity with data governance frameworks

Job description

We're seeking someone to join our team as a Data Governance Director in Client Onboarding and Reference Data Services (CORDS) to play a key role in supporting the governance and quality of client reference data.

In the Operations division, we partner with business units across the Firm to support financial transactions, devise and implement effective controls and develop client relationships. This is a Team Manager position at Director level within the Glasgow location.

Since 1935, Morgan Stanley is known as a global leader in financial services, always evolving and innovating to better serve our clients and our communities in more than 40 countries around the world.

What you’ll do in the role

• Develop staff, lead projects and control deployment of resources, owning management tools/methods such as work queues, checklists, depth charts and calendars
• Set direction and expectations for your team(s), defining training plans and transfer of expert knowledge to contribute to team output and development
• Contribute to business plan for area, establish risk/contingency plans, raise and address issues with urgency when required
• Build and manage relationships with business unit partners, other Morgan Stanley infrastructure departments, and external contact points in Client or Market organizations
• Support the implementation and operationalization of data governance frameworks across client onboarding and reference data domains.
• Participate in governance forums and working groups to represent onboarding data interests and ensure consistent policy application.
• Ensure client data attributes, ownership transfers, and third-party integrations align with firmwide data standards and policies.
• Act as a key point of contact for onboarding and reference data governance matters across business, technology, and compliance teams
• Support change management activities by tracking progress, identifying risks, and escalating issues related to data governance changes
• Facilitate communication and alignment between data owners and operational teams to ensure smooth execution of governance decisions.
• Track and manage data-related incidents and issues using structured tools, ensuring timely remediation.
• Contribute to the development and tracking of Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for data governance effectiveness

What you’ll bring to the role

• Strong relationship building skills serving as a role model for client service
• Ability to think commercially, understand the impact of initiatives, risks on the operational budget
• Experience in managing teams, enhancing control, continuous improvement and reducing operational risk
• Culture carrier and role model, representing and leading the Firm's core values to influence and motivate those around you
• Experience working with client reference data, onboarding processes, or data governance in a financial services or similarly regulated environment.
• Familiarity with data governance frameworks, policies, and regulatory requirements (e.g., KYC, AML, financial crimes).
• At least 8 years' relevant experience would generally be expected to find the skills required for this role

What you can expect from Morgan Stanley

We are committed to maintaining the first‑class service and high standard of excellence that have defined Morgan Stanley for over 89 years. Our values – putting clients first, doing the right thing, leading with exceptional ideas, committing to diversity and inclusion, and giving back – aren't just beliefs, they guide the decisions we make every day to do what's best for our clients, communities and more than 80,000 employees in 1,200 offices across 42 countries. At Morgan Stanley, you'll find an opportunity to work alongside the best and the brightest, in an environment where you are supported and empowered. Our teams are relentless collaborators and creative thinkers, fueled by their diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are proud to support our employees and their families at every point along their work‑life journey, offering some of the most attractive and comprehensive employee benefits and perks in the industry. There's also ample opportunity to move about the business for those who show passion and grit in their work.

To learn more about our offices across the globe, please copy and paste https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/global-offices into your browser.

Certified Persons Regulatory Requirements

If this role is deemed a Certified role and may require the role holder to hold mandatory regulatory qualifications or the minimum qualifications to meet internal company benchmarks.

Flexible work statement

Interested in flexible working opportunities? Morgan Stanley empowers employees to have greater freedom of choice through flexible working arrangements. Speak to our recruitment team to find out more.

Morgan Stanley is an equal opportunities employer. We work to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where all individuals can maximize their full potential. Our skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the global communities in which we operate and who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives, and experiences. Our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion is evident through our constant focus on recruiting, developing, and advancing individuals based on their skills and talents.