Data Governance Lead

Arup; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit share

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Accident insurance

Income protection

Job summary

Arup is seeking a Senior Data Governance Leader to shape how data is governed, trusted and used across a global organisation. You will set direction with the Chief Data Officer and senior leaders, turning strategy into practical, enterprise-scale action that delivers value quickly.

You will influence stakeholders across technical and business teams, embedding governance into everyday decisions and enabling data-driven AI and better outcomes for projects and communities.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in implementing data governance at enterprise scale.
• Strong understanding of data governance frameworks and information architecture.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-scale data governance initiatives and drive measurable value.
• Shape governance, trust and usage across a global organisation to enable AI and better decisions.
• Partner with senior leaders to translate strategy into pragmatic, scalable actions.
• Influence stakeholders and embed governance into business outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Data governance

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Strategic thinking

Tools

Enterprise data platforms

Job description

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

Data Services sits at the heart of Arup’s digital capability, enabling the firm to make better, faster and more confident decisions through data. The discipline brings together data platforms, engineering, analytics, AI and governance to ensure data is trusted, accessible and used responsibly at scale across projects and corporate services.

From building and running enterprise data platforms to delivering advanced analytics and AI solutions, Data Services helps teams reduce risk, improve outcomes for clients and unlock new opportunities through data‑driven insight.

The Opportunity

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

This role is for a leader who wants real influence, not just remit. You’ll shape how data is governed, trusted and used across a global organisation, and see that work directly enable AI, better decisions and long‑term value.

Working closely with the Chief Data Officer and senior leaders, you’ll set direction, challenge norms and turn strategy into pragmatic, enterprise‑scale action. The focus is on governance that works in practice, creates trust, and delivers value quickly; not frameworks that sit on the shelf.

If you’re motivated by complex, global challenges and want to leave a lasting mark on how a firm uses data responsibly and effectively, this role gives you the space and mandate to do just that.

Did you know:

Our Digital Technology team are proud prior winners of the IT Team of the Year Award at the Chartered Institute of IT’s UK IT Industry Awards.

Is this role right for you?

• Proven leadership in implementing data governance at enterprise scale
• Strong understanding and pragmatic use of data governance and information architecture frameworks
• Ability to lead change, influence stakeholders and embed governance into business outcomes
• Technical understanding of data governance technologies and complex data environments
• Excellent communication and collaboration across technical and business team

What We Offer You

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We care about you and want you to perform at your best, which is why we offer one of the most competitive benefits packages in our sector.

As a member organisation, everyone shares in our success through a global profit share scheme (payments are dependent on the firm’s financial performance).

We also provide private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at Careers - Your Life at Arup .

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

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