Data Governance Operating Model Business Lead - Network IT : Job Details

The Data Governance Operating Model Business Lead will establish a data governance operating model that will understand the current state of data governance, clarify requirements and objectives, prove value through validation and build buy in.The role has three key objectives:

• To oversee the project, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives, managing risk and ensuring delivery.

• To act as an intelligent customer for the consultancy work, validating approaches and ensuring quality of delivery.

• Embed capability developed into the organisation. Define and agree an appropriate skills transfer and knowledge handover related to data governance frameworks, processes, and tools to ensure continuity and compliance post-contract.

• To advocate and promote the project, building consensus and developing internal skills.

Essential Experience1. Data Governance & Strategy Expertise 

• Strong understanding of data governance principles, frameworks, and best practices (e.g. DAMA, DCAM, CDMC). 
• Experience leading data governance initiatives within a public sector or geospatial organisation. 
• Knowledge of data management, data quality, metadata, and regulatory compliance. 

?2. Strategic Leadership & Business Change 

• Ability to align data governance with UKHO’s strategic objectives and articulate the business case for investment. 
• Working with Business Change (and capabilities) to manage cultural change, ensuring that data governance is embedded as a business priority. 

Programme & Supplier Management 

• Accustomed to working in programme/project management structures (MSP, Agile, or equivalent methodologies).  
• Ability to manage external suppliers, ensuring they deliver agreed milestones and outputs as specified in the DGOM business case.  
• Experience of budget management, risk assessment, and issue resolution to keep the project on track (to support project team). 

?4. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication 

• Experience of stakeholder engagement at executive and senior leadership levels across the organisation. 
• Experience of working with technology, data, and business teams to ensure alignment of governance with operational needs. 
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, capable of translating technical data governance concepts into clear business value. 

Desirable Experience 

• Experience in cloud data governance, managing data in hybrid cloud environments (in support of tech strategy). 
• Knowledge of AI/ML governance requirements and associated data readiness. 
• Experience of managing data operating model transformations at an enterprise level.