Enterprise Data Governance Leader

Motability Operations Limited; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Motability Operations is seeking a Data Governance Manager to lead the enterprise governance capability, defining strategy, operating model and framework to treat data as a trusted business asset.

You will partner with Executive Leadership across Information Security, Risk, Legal and Analytics, chair governance forums and drive accountability for data ownership, quality and lifecycle management, delivering measurable governance maturity.

Qualifications

• Significant experience establishing, leading and maturing enterprise Data Governance capabilities within a complex organisation.
• Proven experience defining and implementing enterprise Data Governance strategies, operating models, frameworks and policies.
• Strong knowledge of industry Data Governance frameworks and best practice, including DAMA-DMBOK and other recognised governance standards.
• A thorough understanding of data-related regulatory and compliance obligations, including GDPR, the Data Protection Act, FCA regulatory expectations and information security standards such as ISO 27001.
• Experience building effective governance operating models that establish clear accountability for Data Owners, Data Stewards and business stakeholders.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage confidently with Executive leadership, business leaders and technical teams.
• Experience chairing governance forums, driving organisational change and building a culture of accountability for data across the enterprise.
• A strong understanding of modern data platforms, cloud technologies and governance tooling, with the ability to sponsor technology strategy and work effectively with technical specialists.
• An appreciation of emerging technologies, including AI and automation, and their implications for Data Governance, information management and regulatory compliance.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with pragmatic delivery, maintaining a relentless focus on business value, regulatory compliance and continual improvement.
• Significant experience leading and maturing enterprise Data Governance capabilities within a complex, regulated organisation.
• Proven experience defining and implementing enterprise Data Governance strategies, operating models, frameworks and governance policies.
• Demonstrable success influencing senior leaders and driving organisation‑wide adoption of governance practices, delivering measurable improvements in governance maturity and business outcomes.
• Experience establishing governance operating models, including Data Owner, Data Steward and governance forum structures that embed accountability across the organisation.
• Strong knowledge of recognised Data Governance frameworks and best practice, including DAMA-DMBOK or equivalent industry standards.
• Sound understanding of regulatory, legal and information security requirements relating to data, including GDPR, the Data Protection Act, FCA regulatory expectations and ISO 27001.
• Experience partnering with Data, Technology, Information Security, Risk and Architecture functions to deliver enterprise governance capabilities.
• Strong understanding of modern data platforms, cloud technologies and governance tooling, with the ability to sponsor technology direction and make informed strategic decisions.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage confidently at Executive and senior leadership level.
• Experience leading organisational change, driving cultural adoption and embedding governance practices across multiple business functions.

Responsibilities

• Own the Enterprise Data Governance Capability by defining, implementing and continually evolving the organisation’s Data Governance strategy, operating model and framework, ensuring governance supports the organisation’s strategic objectives, regulatory obligations and risk appetite.
• Lead Governance Strategy and Policy, establishing enterprise-wide governance policies, standards and guidance covering data ownership, classification, quality, metadata, retention, lifecycle management and regulatory compliance, ensuring these remain aligned to business priorities and industry best practice.
• Drive Organisational Adoption by embedding Data Governance across all business functions, developing governance communities, promoting clear accountability for data ownership, and fostering a culture where data is managed as a strategic business asset.
• Provide Executive Leadership and Influence by acting as the organisation’s senior business lead for Data Governance, building trusted relationships with Executive Leadership, senior business stakeholders, Information Security, Risk, Legal, Enterprise Architecture and Data & Analytics to drive governance priorities and informed decision-making.
• Chair Governance Forums by establishing and leading enterprise governance councils and working groups, providing effective oversight of governance risks, policy compliance, ownership decisions, issue resolution and strategic prioritisation.
• Own Governance Maturity by defining governance objectives, maturity measures and key performance indicators, regularly assessing organisational capability and driving continuous improvement initiatives that increase governance effectiveness and business value.
• Sponsor Governance Technology by defining the business outcomes required from governance technologies and working in partnership with the Principal Data Governance Engineer to ensure governance platforms, metadata management, lineage, data quality and automation capabilities support the organisation’s governance strategy.
• Lead Regulatory and Risk Alignment by ensuring Data Governance supports compliance with regulatory obligations, information security standards and organisational risk management objectives, working closely with Risk, Compliance and Information Security teams to manage governance-related risks.
• Develop Organisational Capability by establishing governance roles and responsibilities, supporting Data Owners and Data Stewards, delivering governance communications, training and awareness activities, and embedding consistent governance practices across the organisation.
• Represent Data Governance internally and externally, maintaining awareness of emerging legislation, regulatory expectations, industry frameworks and best practice, ensuring the organisation’s governance capability continues to evolve in line with business needs and the wider data management landscape.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Influencing skills

Communication

Strategic leadership

Tools

Governance platforms

Metadata management tools

Data lineage

Job description

Motability Operations is seeking a Data Governance Manager to lead the enterprise governance capability, defining strategy, operating model and framework to treat data as a trusted business asset.

You will partner with Executive Leadership across Information Security, Risk, Legal and Analytics, chair governance forums and drive accountability for data ownership, quality and lifecycle management, delivering measurable governance maturity.