Manager - Data and AI Governance

Virgin Atlantic; Crawley; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK airline is seeking a Manager - Data & AI Governance to shape data governance and AI practices. This role involves developing governance frameworks and collaborating across departments. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in Travel, Retail, or Hospitality, implementing Responsible AI practices. This position is hybrid, requiring up to 3 days at the office in Crawley, and aims to promote an inclusive culture.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience scaling Data and AI governance frameworks as an individual contributor across large scale organisations.
• Practical industry experience in Travel, Retail or Hospitality.
• Experience implementing Responsible/Ethical AI standards.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and evolve the Data & AI Governance Framework.
• Develop and maintain the Enterprise Knowledge Graph.
• Collaborate with teams to define data governance requirements and standards.
• Establish and govern data access personas and policies.

Skills

Data Governance

AI Governance

Collaboration

Influencing at VP+ level

Understanding of GDPR

Tools

Databricks

Microsoft data stack

Job description

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Job Description

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: 29th November 2025

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 Data Governance and AI Governance.
• Hands‑on experience scaling Data and AI governance frameworks from concept to reality as an individual contributor across large scale organisations.
• Practical industry experience in Travel, Retail or Hospitality.
• Experience implementing Responsible/Ethical AI standards.
• Strong understanding of metadata, lineage, data lifecycle, data quality and policy design.
• Knowledge of GDPR, EU AI Act and emerging AI governance frameworks.
• Ability to influence at VP+ level and partner with engineering, security, DPO and business stakeholders.

Advantageous

• Experience with Databricks, Unity Catalog, Purview or Microsoft data stack.

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.

Additional information (1)

At Virgin Atlantic, our leaders empower teams to thrive through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Explore our Leadership Recipe and discover the 20 core ingredients that define what it means to lead with us, driving our mission to be the most loved travel company and achieve sustainable profit. Want to learn more? Click here