Senior Data Governance Manager

DWP Digital; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government digital service is seeking a Senior Data Governance Manager to enhance data governance practices. You will lead initiatives like implementing data quality frameworks and ensuring compliance across teams. The role offers a hybrid working model, competitive pay up to £68,205, and a generous pension contribution of 28.97%. Join a diverse team dedicated to improving business operations through effective data use and governance.

Benefits

28.97% employer pension contributions

Flexible working hours

Generous leave package starting at 26 days

Volunteering time off

Discounts on shopping

Interest-free loans for transport

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in designing and implementing governance frameworks and sub-frameworks.
• Proven ability to advise on governance approaches and standards.
• Excellent communication skills for non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead key initiatives for data governance in DWP.
• Implement data quality frameworks and ensure compliance.
• Mentor colleagues and champion governance practices.

Skills

Data Governance Frameworks & Standards

Strategic Direction & Stakeholder Collaboration

Clear Communication & Engagement

Analytical & Risk Management Expertise

Strategic Alignment & Interpersonal Skills

Industry Knowledge & Resilience

Job description

Senior Data Governance Manager

Pay up to £68,205, plus 28.97% employer pension contributions, hybrid working, flexible hours, and great work life balance.

We're looking for a Senior Data Governance Manager to help shape how DWP uses data to improve lives. You'll lead key initiatives like rolling out data ownership and quality frameworks, ensuring compliance and best practice across the organisation. Working with senior leaders and mentoring colleagues, you'll champion governance that enables smarter, safer use of data. If you're passionate about driving standards and influencing strategy, this is your chance to make a big impact.

DWP. Digital with Purpose.

We are looking for a Senior Data Governance Manager to join our community of tech experts in DWP Digital.

We're using fresh ideas and leading-edge tech to build and maintain digital solutions that will be used by nearly every person in the UK, every day and at key moments in their lives.

DWP is the UK's largest government department. We help people into work, and make payments worth over £195bn a year to support and empower millions of people.

The scale of what we do is extraordinary, and our purpose is unique. We'd love you to join us.

What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?

• Data Governance Frameworks & Standards - Extensive experience in designing and implementing governance frameworks and sub-frameworks, including Data Quality Frameworks, policies, and practices to ensure compliance and consistency.
• Strategic Direction & Stakeholder Collaboration - Proven ability to advise on governance approaches and standards, set strategic direction, and build strong networks while collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders across teams.
• Clear Communication & Engagement - Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, accessible language for non-technical audiences and embed governance practices effectively.
• Analytical & Risk Management Expertise - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of assessing complex information, identifying key issues, and supporting the reporting and mitigation of data-related risks.
• Strategic Alignment & Interpersonal Skills - Demonstrates ability to work within a strategic context, linking activities to organisational priorities, policies, and goals while maintaining strong interpersonal relationships.
• Industry Knowledge & Resilience - In-depth knowledge of industry-leading data management and governance practices, combined with experience managing multiple competing priorities with flexibility and resilience.

You and your role

We're looking for a Senior Data Governance Manager to help shape the future of data within DWP. Data is central to how we operate and deliver services that improve lives, and good governance is critical to making this happen. In this role, you'll work within the Chief Data Office (CDO) and Data & Analytics teams to implement the DWP Data Strategy, champion best practice, and enable the organisation to make the most of its data.

You’ll lead high-priority initiatives, such as rolling out the Data Ownership model, implementing the Data Quality Framework, and iterating governance processes to ensure compliance with policy and legislation. You’ll collaborate with senior leaders across DWP, provide expert advice, and contribute to strategic programmes, including government-wide data initiatives. You’ll also mentor colleagues, share expertise, and foster professional development within the data governance community.

Details. Wages. Perks.

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 up to £68,205

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 off 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.
• 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 Digital Awards

Process:

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

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

CLICK APPLY for more information and to start your application.