Data Governance Manager

Data Science Festival; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible hybrid working

Private pension scheme

Ongoing training

Leadership opportunities

Job summary

Data Science Festival is seeking a Data Governance Manager to join their collaborative tech team in Bedford, UK. This role is central to ensuring data accuracy, security, and effectiveness across the business.

Your responsibilities will include developing data infrastructure, translating data into insights, and leading a talented team. The position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for career development and exposure to emerging technologies.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in data-focused teams.
• Strong experience in data strategy, governance, and quality initiatives.
• Technical expertise in SQL and non-SQL systems.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard and optimise data quality across the business.
• Develop and maintain data infrastructure for scalability.
• Translate complex data into meaningful insights.

Skills

Leadership in data-focused teams

Data strategy and governance

Technical expertise in SQL

Experience with cloud platforms

Communication skills

Knowledge of data security

Education

Degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Azure DevOps

Job description

We are currently looking for a Data Governance Manager to join our client’s fast-paced and collaborative tech team. Reporting directly into the CTO, this role is central to ensuring their data is accurate, secure, and used to its full potential. As the Data Lead, you will shape and evolve their data infrastructure, generate actionable insights, and partner across the business to drive smarter decisions. This role is integral to the success of the company, turning data into trusted insights that empower confident decisions and create real impact.

The Opportunity

As Data Lead, you’ll be at the heart of the mission to deliver a single source of truth for the business. You’ll work with stakeholders across multiple functions, identifying opportunities where data can deliver competitive advantage, and leveraging the latest technologies to keep at the forefront of innovation. You will also be a keen people manager and show a desire to grow and nurture a data team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Safeguard and optimise data quality, accuracy, and availability across the business.
• Develop and maintain data infrastructure to ensure scalability and efficiency.
• Translate complex data into meaningful insights for stakeholders.
• Partner with business leaders to deliver data-driven recommendations.
• Lead and coach a talented team of engineers, analysts, and BI specialists, fostering a culture of curiosity and growth.
• Champion emerging technologies to continually improve performance and efficiency.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary
• Flexible hybrid working
• Private pension scheme
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• Opportunity to lead and shape a high-performing team
• Exposure to emerging technologies and real-time data projects

Skills and Experience

• Proven leadership in data-focused teams (data engineering, BI, analytics).
• Strong experience in data strategy, governance, and quality initiatives.
• Technical expertise in SQL and non‑SQL systems, database architecture, and data lake/warehouse design.
• Experience with cloud platforms (Azure DevOps preferred).
• Excellent communication skills with ability to bridge technical and business teams.
• Strong knowledge of data security, privacy, and compliance.

Nice to have:

• Degree in Computer Science or related field.
• Background in Agile project management.
• Experience applying AI to data platforms (e.g., document intelligence, behavioural modelling).