Head of Data Governance

Head of Data Governance at a Major Global Bank

An excellent opportunity to advance data management capabilities within a prominent international financial institution based in London. This senior leadership role focuses on implementing strategic data governance programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and aligning with global data standards.

A large international bank based in London offers a collaborative and professional working environment in the heart of London.

Role Overview

The Head of Data Governance plays a critical role in advancing the bank's data management capabilities across the EMEA region and supporting global initiatives. This position is responsible for implementing strategic data governance programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering alignment with the bank's global standards on data governance.

To strengthen the bank's data governance framework, the following global programs are underway:

• Data Maturity Enhancement 3-Year Plan: Elevating governance maturity level for Key Data Usage.
• BCBS239 Compliance Project: Ensuring consistent regulatory compliance across the bank globally. Data governance is one of the most important workstreams in the BCBS239 compliance project.
• ECB Onboarding (FY27): Preparing the bank for ECB requirements, including implementing robust data governance for all regulatory reports mandated by the ECB.

Head of Data Governance Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Lead the team in implementing the Data Maturity Enhancement Plan, focusing on establishing data governance across all Key Data Use Cases (KDUs) identified by EMEA within various domains, and elevating the Key Data Elements (KDEs) within each KDU to the targeted maturity level.
• Lead the implementation team of Collibra, CDQ, and ServiceNow (SNOW), ensuring robust frameworks for data accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and consistency.
• Collaborate with global and regional BCBS239 delivery teams to meet all data governance requirements.
• Collaborate with the ECB onboarding coordination team to ensure compliance with all data governance requirements mandated by the ECB for our EU entity.
• Support the development of the Global Coordination Centre (GCC) and ensure its seamless integration into the global data governance framework.
• Contribute to the design, creation, and maintenance of the Data Management Framework, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements.
• Manage budget planning and resource allocation for the Data Management function to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate closely with data architecture, modelling, and platform teams to manage the migration from on-premise systems to a cloud-based data platform, while establishing robust data governance mechanisms within the platform.
• Manage complex vendor and implementation partner relationships, ensuring successful delivery and alignment with strategic goals.
• Engage directly with the board and regulators/supervisory authorities, providing transparency and assurance on data governance initiatives.
• Participate in the design and implementation of data specific solutions to ensure compliance with the regional Data governance policies, processes, and standards.

The Successful Applicant

The ideal candidate for the Head of Data Governance role will possess:

• In-depth knowledge of global Data Governance concepts applicable to financial services institutions.
• Ability to cooperate with senior global stakeholders to ensure global alignment on the implementation of global initiatives.
• Experience in leading innovation and advisory functions across multiple regions.
• Strong understanding of Data Quality frameworks and team leadership.
• Practical experience in data architecture and data modelling.
• Familiarity with BCBS 239 requirements and ECB readiness programs.
• Detailed understanding of business architecture, technology, governance, and change management.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills to drive cultural change.
• Demonstrable leadership and team development experience.
• Ability to manage large budgets and optimize resource allocation.
• Ability to translate complex data challenges into business language and align data and business goals.
• Knowledge of emerging trends and issues within the Data Governance landscapes.
• Experience working with data platform & data architectures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as Information Management, Computer Science, Business, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications in data governance, data management, or project management are advantageous.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

What's On Offer

• Competitive salary plus benefits and bonus.
• Standard benefits package, including pension and healthcare options.
• Collaborative and professional company culture.

Key Skills/Competency

• Data Governance Expertise
• Regulatory Compliance (BCBS239, ECB)
• Financial Services Knowledge
• Data Quality Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Team Leadership & Development
• Budget & Resource Management
• Data Architecture & Modelling
• Cloud Data Platforms
• Change Management