Manager & AI and Data Governance

Virgin Atlantic; Crawley; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An international airline is looking for a Manager - Data & AI Governance to lead the development of their governance framework. This role involves spearheading the creation of an Enterprise Knowledge Graph, establishing data access policies, and driving ethical AI standards within the organization. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience in Data and AI governance, particularly in the Travel, Retail, or Hospitality sectors. The position is hybrid located in Crawley, UK, and emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Experience in Data Governance and AI Governance in complex environments.
• Hands-on experience scaling Data and AI governance frameworks in large organisations.
• Practical industry experience in Travel, Retail or Hospitality.
• Knowledge of GDPR and AI regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to influence at executive levels and build effective partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and evolve the Data & AI Governance Framework.
• Collaborate across departments to define data governance standards.
• Roll out Responsible & Ethical AI standards.
• Maintain metadata and data quality management practices.
• Provide governance expertise across working groups.

Skills

Data Governance

AI Governance

Leadership

Ethical AI Standards

Data Quality Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Influencing Skills

Tools

Databricks

Microsoft Stack

Job description

Job Description

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Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday
Location: Hybrid working with up to 3 days per week at our VHQ, Crawley, West Sussex
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 19th January

In a nutshell

Are you ready to lead the charge in shaping how Data & AI are governed at Virgin Atlantic?

As the Manager - Data & AI Governance, you'll sit at the heart of our data ecosystem, responsible for developing, operationalising, and continuously evolving our enterprise-wide Data & AI Governance Framework.

You’ll spearhead the creation and evolution of our Enterprise Knowledge Graph, shape and govern data access personas and policies, and drive Responsible & Ethical AI standards, while embedding a strong governance culture across the organisation.

We're specifically seeking a candidate with hands‑on experience activating Data & AI Governance from concept to reality, creating the first fully working version of our Data & AI governance framework, ideally in Travel, Retail or Hospitality sectors, with practical experience implementing Ethical AI practices. Experience with Databricks and Microsoft stack is advantageous.

Day to day

• Design, implement and evolve the Data & AI Governance Framework.
• Develop and maintain the Enterprise Knowledge Graph.
• Collaborate with teams from various departments to define data governance requirements and standards.
• Establish and govern data access personas and policies.
• Roll out Responsible & Ethical AI standards and controls.
• Drive governance culture via training, workshops and communities of practice.
• Maintain metadata, catalogue, lineage and quality management practices.
• Partner with DPO, InfoSec, Engineering and Platform teams.
• Resolve data quality issues and support data stewardship.
• Provide governance expertise across working groups and forums.

About you

Essential:

• Experience in both Data Governance and AI Governance, with the ability to apply these disciplines in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Hands‑on experience scaling Data and AI governance frameworks from concept to operational reality as an individual contributor within large organisations.
• Practical industry experience in Travel, Retail or Hospitality, or similarly fast‑paced, customer‑centric sectors.
• Experience implementing Responsible and Ethical AI standards, including designing and operationalising controls that support safe and compliant AI use.
• Strong understanding of metadata, lineage, data lifecycle management, data quality, and governance policy design.
• Knowledge of GDPR, the EU AI Act, and emerging AI governance and regulatory frameworks, with the ability to interpret and translate these requirements into practical governance processes.
• Working knowledge of AI ethics, AI regulatory alignment, AI risk frameworks, AI lifecycle governance, monitoring of AI models and GenAI adoption considerations.
• Ability to influence confidently at VP level and above, and to build effective partnerships with engineering, security, DPO and business stakeholders to drive adoption and compliance.

Advantageous:

• Experience with Databricks, Unity Catalog, Purview or the broader Microsoft data ecosystem.
• Background in Responsible AI policy creation and implementation, including model monitoring and assurance practices.

Be yourself - Our differences make us stronger

Our customers come from all walks of life and so do our colleagues. That's why we're proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. At Virgin Atlantic, we believe everyone can take on the world - no matter your age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. We celebrate difference and everything that makes our colleagues unique by upholding an inclusive environment in which we can all thrive. So that everyone at Virgin Atlantic can be themselves and know they belong.

To make your journey with us accessible and individual to you, we encourage you to let us know if you'd like a little extra help with your application, or if you have any individual requirements at any stage along your recruitment journey. We are here to support you, so please reach out to our team, [e-mail] feeling confident that we've got your individual considerations covered.