Data Governance Manager

Smiths Detection; Dacorum; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A global manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Data Governance Manager to lead data governance practices. The role involves defining and implementing governance frameworks, engaging stakeholders across various functions, and ensuring data quality and compliance. Candidates must demonstrate experience in developing data governance frameworks and managing data quality in a manufacturing setting. This role allows for flexible working in Hemel Hempstead or Bangalore and offers competitive compensation and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Career growth opportunities

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Experience in developing data governance frameworks and operating models.
• Ability to define global data standards and policies.
• Proven skills in implementing governance across multiple regions or sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a global data governance strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee day-to-day governance activities and drive data quality initiatives.
• Act as the primary liaison for data governance in cross-functional projects.

Skills

Data Governance Framework

Stakeholder Engagement

Data Quality Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

Leadership

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Data Governance Manager to lead and embed robust data governance practices across our global manufacturing organisation. This role is pivotal in supporting our Transformation Programme, ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, and compliant across all business functions and manufacturing sites worldwide.

This role can be based in Hemel Hempstead or Bangalore.

The successful candidate will define and implement governance frameworks, policies, and standards for master data domains (e.g., Materials, BOMs, Routings, Equipment, Vendor, Customer), enabling high-quality data to drive operational excellence and digital transformation.

This position requires strong leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and a global mindset to influence stakeholders and deliver sustainable change.

Willingness to travel internationally to build and sustain rapport with global stakeholders is important.

Key Responsibilities

• Data Governance Strategy & Framework
• Develop and implement a global data governance strategy aligned with business objectives and transformation goals.
• Establish policies, standards, and controls for master data management across key domains.
• Drive adoption of governance principles and ensure compliance across all sites.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee day‑to‑day governance activities, including data quality monitoring, issue resolution, and process adherence.
• Lead initiatives for data cleansing, enrichment, and migration during system upgrades or transformation projects.
• Implement tools and processes to improve data accuracy, consistency, and lifecycle management.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, and IT teams to embed governance practices.
• Act as the primary liaison for data governance in cross‑functional projects and change initiatives.
• Influence stakeholders to adopt global standards and best practices.

Transformation Support

• Play a key role in data‑related deliverables within the Transformation Programme.
• Support automation and digitisation initiatives by ensuring data readiness and integrity.
• Drive continuous improvement in data governance processes to enable future scalability.

Qualifications

Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate some or all of the following in their career history to date:

• Developed data governance framework / operating model.
• Defined global data standards / policies.
• Implemented governance across multiple regions or sites.
• Established data stewardship model.
• Set data quality KPIs and controls.

It is also key that your MDM experience is specifically within Manufacturing – Aerospace, Defence, Automotive, IoT or Medical.

Additional Information

To find out more about life at Smiths Detection check out our LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/smiths-detection/ and follow our story.

Join us for a great career and competitive compensation & benefits whilst keeping the world a safer place.

Diversity & Inclusion

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (www.smithsdetection.com/careers).