Lead Data Governance Manager

DWP Digital; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible hours

Pension contributions 28.97%

Discounts & savings

Interest-free transport loans

Sports and social activities

Professional development

Job summary

DWP Digital is hiring a Lead Data Governance Manager to join the Chief Data Office Leadership Team. You will lead governance across the organisation, influence senior leaders and deliver governance services that enable ethical, secure data use and trust in data as a strategic asset.

With hybrid working and a focus on delivering value for citizens, you will shape data governance in one of the UK’s largest public sector bodies, driving change and adopting governance practices at scale.

Qualifications

• Experience establishing, implementing and leading data governance frameworks, policies, standards and controls in a large organisation.
• A strong understanding of balancing data value with legal, ethical, security and privacy considerations.
• Ability to identify and manage strategic risks and complex issues with practical solutions.
• Experience developing and delivering strategic change translating objectives into governance products or operating practices.
• Proven track record of leading people and delivery through uncertainty.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and build cross‑organisational partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead evolution of data governance across the organisation and drive adoption of governance practices.
• Deliver governance products, services, policies and frameworks enabling ethical, legal and effective data use.
• Influence senior leaders, build trust in data and shape decision‑making across government partners.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams and oversee continuous improvement of governance services.
• Ensure data delivers maximum value for the department and citizens.

Skills

Data governance

Stakeholder management

Policy development

Risk management

Leadership

Change management

Job description

Pay of £75,026, plus 28.97% employer pension contributions, hybrid working, flexible hours, and great work life balance.

Please note this role requires you to pass Security Check clearance.

DWP. Digital with Purpose.

We are hiring a Lead Data Governance Manager to join the Chief Data Office Leadership Team.

At DWP Digital, we're transforming into a truly data-driven organisation. Data is at the heart of everything we do, informing policy, improving services and helping deliver better outcomes for millions of citizens.

As a Lead Data Governance Manager, you'll lead the evolution of data governance across DWP, influencing senior leaders, driving the adoption of governance practices and delivering products and services that enable data to be used ethically, securely and effectively. You'll work at the heart of our Data Strategy, helping to build trust and confidence in the data that underpins critical services used by people across the UK.

The scale of our challenge is extraordinary. The opportunity to shape the future of data governance at this scale is unique. If you're passionate about leadership, innovation and unlocking the value of data to improve lives, we'd love you to join us.

What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?

• Experience of establishing, implementing and leading data governance frameworks, policies, standards and controls within a large and complex organisation, driving adoption and embedding effective governance practices that deliver organisational outcomes.
• A strong understanding of balancing the value of data as a strategic asset with legal, ethical, security and privacy considerations, providing advice and guidance that enables data to be used responsibly and effectively.
• A proven ability to identify and manage strategic risks and complex issues, balancing competing priorities and stakeholder needs to deliver practical, sustainable solutions.
• A proven record of developing and delivering strategic change, translating organisational objectives into effective products, services, governance frameworks or operating practices that deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Demonstrable success in leading people and delivery in a changing organisational landscape, maintaining focus and momentum through periods of uncertainty.
• Strong ability to influence senior stakeholders and build effective partnerships across organisational boundaries, using clear and persuasive communication to establish common purpose, secure commitment and overcome barriers to delivery.

You and Your Role

You will be a senior leader within DWP's Chief Data Office (CDO), helping to shape how one of the UK's largest and most complex organisations governs and uses data.

You'll lead the development and delivery of governance products, services, policies and frameworks that enable data to be used ethically, legally and effectively, while building trust in data as a strategic asset.

Working with senior leaders across DWP and wider government, you'll influence decision-making, champion a strong data culture and drive the adoption of effective governance practices. You'll lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee the continuous improvement of governance services and help ensure data delivers maximum value for the department and the citizens we serve.

Location: You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield, whichever is most convenient for you.

Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model - you'll spend some time working at home and some time collaborating face to face in a hub.

Pay: We offer competitive pay of £75,026.

Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%.

Holidays: A generous leave package starting at 26 days rising to 31 days over time.

You can also take up to 3 extra days a month on flexi-time. You'll also get all the usual public holidays.

We have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:

• Flexible working including flexible hours and flex-friendly policies
• Time off volunteering and charitable giving
• Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'
• Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more
• Interest-free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket, so it's even easier for you to get to work and start making a difference
• Sports and social activities
• Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.

And we have an award-winning environment and culture:

• DWP have been recognised as 2024 Diversity Employer of the Year at the Computing Women in Tech Excellence awards
• Diverse and Inclusive Leadership at Digital Leaders Awards 2024
• Commended as Best Place to Work in Digital category in the Computing Digital Technology Leaders awards 2025
• Recognised as one of the Best Public Sector Employers at 2025 Women In Tech Employer Awards

Process:

We know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just two stages:

• Apply: complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.
• Interview: a single stage interview online.