Head of Data Governance

The British Standards Institution (BSI); Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading standards organization is seeking a Head of Data Governance in London/Milton Keynes. This hybrid role is responsible for leading the enterprise data governance function, ensuring that data is well-managed and aligned with business objectives. The successful candidate will have proven experience in data governance, strong leadership skills, and familiarity with governance tools like Collibra and Informatica. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible working, health insurance, and generous leave policies.

Benefits

27-days annual leave

Health insurance

Life insurance

Pension plan with company contribution

Car allowance (dependent on role)

Paid parental leave

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading data governance or management functions in regulated environments.
• Deep understanding of governance principles and practices.
• Strong knowledge of compliance and information security integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the data governance framework aligned with strategic goals.
• Manage the data stewardship model ensuring clear accountability among business units.
• Oversee data cataloguing and metadata management capabilities.

Skills

Data stewardship

Metadata management

Data quality principles

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Collaborative leadership

Strategic thinking

Outcome-driven

Tools

Collibra

Alation

Informatica

Purview

Job description

We exist to create positive change for people and the planet. Join us and make a difference too!

Job Title: Head of Data Governance

Location: London/Milton Keynes - Hybrid (once a month in London office)

Type: Permanent

We are hiring for a Head of Data Governance to lead the enterprise data governance function and be responsible for ensuring that data across the organisation is trusted, well‑managed, and strategically aligned to business objectives.

In this role you will report directly to the Chief Data Officer (CDO), this role owns the data stewardship framework, manages the delivery of data catalogues and governance tooling, and partners closely with business and technology leaders to embed governance principles into the enterprise data strategy and operating model.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Ownership

• Lead the development and continual improvement of the enterprise data governance framework in alignment with the CDO's strategy and organisational goals.
• Own the data stewardship model, ensuring every business unit and function has defined data owners and stewards with clear accountability.
• Manage and develop a team of data stewards and governance professionals, providing coaching and leadership.
• Collaborate with the CDO and the Head of Data Strategy to deliver key artefacts, including the Data Governance Strategy, Data Management Policy, and Enterprise Data Standards.
• Act as the organisation's subject matter expert for data ownership, stewardship, and governance best practices.

Operational Delivery

• Oversee and evolve the organisation's data cataloguing and metadata management capabilities, ensuring data assets are well‑documented, discoverable, and governed.
• Define and maintain data quality metrics, lineage, and classification standards, supporting accountability through business data owners.
• Partner with architecture, platform, and analytics teams to embed governance controls and metadata management into data pipelines and platforms.
• Drive consistency and standardisation of data definitions and taxonomy across the enterprise.

Collaboration & Engagement

• Chair or support Data Governance Councils and Data Stewardship Forums, providing clear direction and follow‑up on governance initiatives.
• Collaborate with compliance, information security, and legal teams to ensure governance policies align with data privacy and regulatory frameworks (GDPR, ISO27001, etc.).
• Partner with business unit leaders to promote a culture of data ownership, trust, and accountability.
• Provide executive‑level reporting on governance maturity, data quality trends, and stewardship performance to the CDO and Data Leadership Team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading data governance or data management functions within complex or regulated environments.
• Deep understanding of data stewardship, metadata management, and data quality principles.
• Proficiency with data governance and cataloguing tools (e.g., Collibra, Alation, Informatica, Purview, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of data policy frameworks, including data privacy, compliance, and information security integration.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills; able to influence across business, technology, and executive levels.
• Track record of delivering scalable data governance operating models and measurable improvements in data quality and literacy.
• Strategic yet pragmatic: balances governance control with business enablement.
• Collaborative leader: empowers others and builds cross‑functional alignment.
• Outcome‑driven: focuses on measurable impact and business value.
• Trusted advisor: credible partner to executives and data leaders.

Grow your career and expand your skills and knowledge. At BSI, we offer opportunities to work across industries and across the globe. You'll benefit from the different perspectives and experiences of your international colleagues, as well as ongoing training and development.

We offer flexible working, as well as 27‑days annual leave, paid sick leave, bank holidays, health insurance, life insurance, pension plan with company contribution, car allowance (dependent on role), income protection, paid maternity leave, paid paternity leave, paid parental leave, adoption leave, compassionate leave, paid bereavement leave, learning and development opportunities, and a wide range of flexible benefits that you can tailor to suit your lifestyle.

BSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

BSI is committed to ensuring the diversity of our workforce reflects that of our clients and the communities in which we operate. Our goal is to create a sense of belonging for all employees by providing opportunities to develop, grow, and engage with our global organization all while having fun doing great work. BSI is a community where everyone can thrive.

If you require any reasonable accommodations to be made on account of a disability or impairment throughout our recruiting process, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner.