Lead Data Governance Manager

Office for National Statistics; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK government agency is seeking a lead within the Data Acquisition Division in Manchester. The role requires strong stakeholder relationship building, influencing skills, and knowledge to enhance data maturity. Responsibilities include developing agreements, applying data ethical frameworks, and advising on data protection aspects. The position offers a flexible working model with hybrid options and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

Market leading pension scheme

Flexibility in working patterns

26 weeks full pay maternity/adoption leave

Opportunities for learning new skills

Employee Assistance Programmes

Diversity Network Groups

Generous holiday allowance

Qualifications

• Strong stakeholder relationship building and ability to influence.
• Ability to work effectively with subject matter experts across the organisation.
• Knowledge to improve data maturity and set best practice across the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead role within Data Acquisition Division, developing agreements with external parties.
• Apply relevant data and ethical frameworks and standards.
• Provide advice on technical, ethical, data protection, and security aspects of using administrative data.

Skills

Stakeholder relationship building

Influencing skills

Knowledge of data maturity

Job description

Location

The locations for this role are Newport, Titchfield (Fareham), London and Manchester.

Hybrid Working

We operate a flexible hybrid working model across the UK, with colleagues linked to one of our contractual locations and working between office and remote throughout the week. As part of the hybrid working arrangement there is a 40% minimum office attendance requirement.

Salary

£56,020 min (National) / £59,311 min (London)

Working Patterns

All our vacancies are offered as a flexible option of Full time, Part time, Flexible working, Job Share.

Closing Date

Apply before 11:55pm on Tuesday 25th November 2025.

Role Summary

We're looking for someone to take a lead role within our Data Acquisition Division, leading and supporting on the development of agreements with external parties and enabling these data to be brought into ONS, working to deliver mature data governance processes that deliver sustainable data for ONS’ need.

You will apply relevant data and ethical frameworks and standards to your work, understanding data governance good practice. Specifically, you'll provide advice to users on the technical, ethical, data protection and security, and legal aspects (e.g. GDPR) of using administrative data, and the benefits of using it.

What are we looking for?

• Strong stakeholder relationship building and ability to influence
• Ability to work effectively with subject matter experts across the organisation
• Knowledge to improve data maturity and set best practise across the organisation

Benefits

• Hybrid working and flexi-time so you can work around your life, not the other way around!
• A market leading pension scheme - our employer contribution rate is around 29%
• A choice of working patterns *for every role* full-time, part-time, job-share.
• Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of 26 weeks full pay (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Opportunities to learn new technology & skills on the job, utilising blocked out Protected Learning Time in your weekly schedule and taking advantage of the support of our Communities of Practice
• Employee Assistance Programmes
• Diversity Network Groups
• Mental Health Allies
• Civil Service Sports and Social club
• Generous holiday allowance – 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years service in addition to 9 public holidays