Head of Data Governance

Animal Friends; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK insurance organization is seeking a Head of Data Governance to define and lead data governance strategies. You will build governance frameworks, champion compliance, and influence senior stakeholders to promote a culture of data literacy. The ideal candidate has proven experience in a data governance role and understands DAMA principles. Join us in transforming data into a key enterprise asset.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a data governance manager or leadership role.
• Strong background in designing and embedding enterprise-wide governance frameworks.
• Deep understanding of metadata management, data lineage, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Define and own our enterprise-wide data governance strategy.
• Build governance from the ground up across people, process, and technology.
• Align our governance vision with DAMA DMBoK principles and frameworks.

Skills

Data governance

Leadership

Data literacy

DAMA principles

Compliance knowledge

Tools

Databricks

Job description

Overview

Are you a data governance leader ready to take ownership of something transformational?

Do you thrive in building frameworks from the ground up - and influencing an entire organisation's approach to data?

We're building a brand-new Data Centre of Excellence, and we're looking for an experienced, hands-on Head of Data Governance to lead the charge.

This is more than a governance role - it's your opportunity to define the vision, strategy, and culture of data at one of the UK's fastest-growing, purpose-led organisations.

If you're passionate about DAMA-aligned best practices, know how to turn policy into practice, and have the strategic clout to embed data as a true enterprise asset - we want to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Define and own our enterprise-wide data governance strategy
• Build governance from the ground up - across people, process, and technology
• Lead the creation of a scalable data ownership and stewardship model
• Champion compliance and best practices across GDPR, FCA, and other regulations
• Create and maintain a trusted business glossary and data catalogue
• Influence senior stakeholders and lead a culture shift in data literacy and accountability
• Align our governance vision with DAMA DMBoK principles and frameworks
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure data is accurate, accessible, and aligned with business goals
• Be a key player in a transformational data journey - with potential to evolve into a broader data leadership role

What You Bring

• Proven experience in a data governance manager or leadership role
• Strong background in designing and embedding enterprise-wide governance frameworks
• Deep understanding of metadata management, data lineage, and compliance
• Alignment with DAMA principles and familiarity with DMBoK methodologies
• A hands-on mindset - you know how to build, not just manage

Experience working with or integrating governance models into Databricks or similar modern data platforms would also be great to have.

Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging at Animal Friends

At Animal Friends, we take inclusion seriously. This means nurturing a culture that respects everyone as an individual and values the unique perspectives we all bring through our background, characteristics, and lived experiences.

We know that harnessing our differences makes us stronger and helps us to deliver better outcomes for our customers and each other. That's why we are committed to ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and without discrimination, and we are passionate about creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.

Our recruitment process

As an FCA regulated business, we require successful applicants to clear our pre-employment screening process which includes a credit check and references checks. Under the latest UK Right to Work regulations, we will require successful applicants to evidence their right to work in the UK, either in person, online, or digitally via a third party subject to circumstances.

Please be aware this advert will remain open until the vacancy has been filled rather than the advertised closing date. Interviews will take place throughout this period; therefore, we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.