Data & AI Governance Lead

Network Finance; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance seeks an experienced Data & AI Governance Lead to shape governance strategies and risk management across the organisation. You will drive responsible AI practices, oversee AI use cases from intake to monitoring, and partner with senior teams to embed strong data governance and regulatory compliance.

You will guide data quality, metadata, risk controls and governance remits across privacy and security, while mentoring practitioners and steering strategic data initiatives.

Qualifications

• Degree in Information Studies or related field.
• 8+ years' experience across data/information management and governance.
• Strong experience in financial services or similarly regulated environments.
• Knowledge of data risk, governance, compliance and information management.
• Familiarity with DAMA, COBIT, King IV and regulatory requirements.
• 3–5 years' exposure to AI Governance, Responsible AI, Model Governance or AI Compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive Data & AI Governance strategies, frameworks and roadmaps.
• Establish Responsible AI governance and AI risk management practices.
• Oversee AI use cases from intake and approval through monitoring.
• Drive AI readiness across strategic data products and datasets.
• Strengthen data quality, lineage, ownership, metadata and governance controls.
• Provide governance assurance across risk, privacy, security and compliance.
• Engage with senior stakeholders, Internal Audit, IT and business teams.
• Identify governance gaps and drive remediation and continuous improvement.
• Provide thought leadership on emerging AI, data and regulatory trends.
• Mentor and guide Data & AI Governance practitioners.

Skills

8+ years experience

Education

Degree in Information Studies

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Data & AI Governance Lead to drive governance frameworks, responsible AI practices, data risk management and regulatory compliance across the organisation.

This is a strategic opportunity for someone who can operate at the intersection of Data, AI, Risk, Governance and Business and who is passionate about building mature, future-focused governance environments.

What you’ll be doing:

• Develop and drive Data & AI Governance strategies, frameworks and roadmaps
• Establish and embed Responsible AI governance and AI risk management practices
• Oversee AI use cases from intake and approval through to monitoring
• Drive AI readiness across strategic data products and datasets
• Strengthen data quality, lineage, ownership, metadata and governance controls
• Provide governance assurance across risk, privacy, security and compliance
• Engage with senior stakeholders, Internal Audit, IT and business teams
• Identify governance gaps and drive remediation and continuous improvement
• Provide thought leadership on emerging AI, data and regulatory trends
• Mentor and guide Data & AI Governance practitioners

What we’re looking for:

• Relevant degree in Information Studies or a related field
• 8+ years' experience across data/information management and governance
• Strong experience within financial services or a similarly regulated environment
• Strong understanding of data risk, governance, compliance and information management
• Knowledge of frameworks such as DAMA, COBIT, King IV and relevant regulatory requirements
• 3-5 years' exposure to AI Governance, Responsible AI, Model Governance, Model Risk Management or AI Compliance would be highly advantageous

Why this opportunity?

This is more than a traditional Data Governance role. You’ll have the opportunity toshape the governance landscape around AI and data, influence strategic decision-making and help build an environment where emerging technologies can be adopted responsibly and securely.