Data Governance Lead

DAC Beachcroft; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

DAC Beachcroft is seeking an experienced Data Governance Lead in Birmingham to establish and lead our enterprise data governance framework. You will ensure data accuracy, trust, protection and regulatory compliance across claims, client and case data.

You will define standards, policies and controls, support analytics and AI use, and act as the central expert for data governance across business and technology functions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing, implementing or improving data governance in regulated environments.
• Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR and its practical application.
• Experience with data catalogue, metadata and data lineage tools such as Microsoft Purview or similar.
• Knowledge of master data management and data quality practices.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication across all levels, including senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the firm's data governance framework.
• Define and maintain data quality standards, ownership models, metadata management and data lineage documentation.
• Drive data classification and access control practices across key systems such as case management, finance and CRM.
• Establish and monitor data quality KPIs, working with stakeholders to resolve issues and root causes.
• Provide practical guidance, training and communication to enable data owners and stewards to fulfill governance obligations.
• Partner with the Data Protection Officer (DPO) to ensure effective governance and regulatory compliance.
• Support GDPR compliance activities, including DPIAs and governance of data used in data estate, AI, and ML solutions.
• Act as primary contact for data-related regulatory and governance matters.
• Define policies for third-party and AI vendor data handling.
• Chair cross-functional data governance forum and track decisions from inception to completion.

Skills

Data governance

UK GDPR

Data catalogue

Metadata management

Data quality

Stakeholder management

Data lineage

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Tools

Microsoft Purview

Job description

Department: CSG - Operations Hub (Data / Intelligence / Support)

Location: Birmingham

Description

We are seeking an experienced Data Governance Lead to establish, lead and continuously enhance our enterprise data governance framework. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring that the firm's claims, client and case data remains accurate, trusted, appropriately protected and compliant with regulatory requirements.

Working across business and technology functions, you will define the standards, policies and controls that underpin effective data management while supporting the organisation's growing use of analytics, automation and AI. You will act as the central point of expertise for data governance, helping colleagues understand and fulfil their responsibilities as data owners, stewards and custodians.

What you will do?

• Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the firm's data governance framework.
• Define and maintain data quality standards, ownership models, metadata management and data lineage documentation.
• Drive data classification and access control practices across case management, finance and CRM systems.
• Establish and monitor data quality KPIs, and work with business stakeholders to resolve data quality issues and root causes.
• Provide practical guidance, training and communication that enable colleagues, data owners and stewards to understand and fulfil their data governance obligations, adopting governance best practices.
• Partner with the Data Protection Officer (DPO), and relevant business owners to ensure effective governance and regulatory compliance.
• Support GDPR compliance activities, including Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and governance of data used within our data estate, and AI and machine learning solutions.
• Act as the primary point of contact for data-related regulatory and governance matters.
• Define policies and standards for third-party and AI vendor data handling.
• Chair a cross-functional data governance forum, ensuring decisions, actions, risks and accountability are clearly documented and tracked through to completion.

Who you are

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience designing, implementing or improving data governance frameworks in a complex or regulated environment.
• Good working knowledge of UK GDPR and its practical application within a regulated environment.
• Experience with data catalogue, metadata and data lineage tools, such as Microsoft Purview or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of master data management principles and data quality management practices.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills with the ability to engage colleagues at all levels, including senior leadership.
• Experience driving governance initiatives whilst balancing operational and business delivery requirements.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and relationship-building skills.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Familiarity with recognised data management principles or frameworks, such as DAMA-DMBOK or equivalent best practices.
• Experience working within insurance, legal services, financial services or other highly regulated sectors.
• Understanding of Responsible AI principles, AI governance frameworks and the risks associated with AI-enabled solutions.
• Experience supporting governance requirements for machine learning and advanced analytics initiatives.
• Knowledge of SRA data handling obligations, and insurer/corporate client data-sharing requirements are desirable but not mandatory.

Why Join Us?

• Play a leading role in building trust and confidence in the organisation's data assets.
• Influence strategy and decision-making at a senior level.
• Help enable the successful adoption of advanced analytics, automation and AI.
• Work collaboratively across business, technology, compliance and risk functions.
• Lead meaningful change that improves data quality, compliance and operational efficiency.
• Join a collaborative and forward-thinking Data & Analytics function.

Success Measures

• Improved data quality across key business datasets.
• Adoption and maturity of the firm's data governance framework.
• Effective implementation of data ownership, stewardship and accountability models.
• Compliance with GDPR and internal data governance requirements.
• Reduction in data-related risks, incidents and audit findings.
• Increased visibility of data lineage, metadata and data quality metrics.
• Successful governance of AI and third-party data usage initiatives.

What's in it for you?

• High levels of flexibility and a great work life balance - https://www.dacbeachcroft.com/en/Work-with-us/Whats-in-it-for-you
• A well-rounded remuneration package (which includes private medical insurance, income protection insurance and discounted gym membership, amongst many other benefits)
• Opportunities for growth and progression including professional funding
• In person and remote social events
• Opportunity to get involved in a range of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, which aligns closely to our cultural principles (Determined, Clear, Creative and Supportive). If you are excited about this role and being part of our culture, but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!

We are happy to talk flexible working with our Flex Forward scheme. We would encourage you to talk to us about our approach to flexible working during the hiring process if you would like to explore this further.

Note for Recruitment Agencies

DAC Beachcroft manages all vacancies via our in-house recruitment teams, prioritising direct sourcing and referrals. When external support is required, roles are released to selected agencies on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL).