Lead Data Governance Specialist

Job Description The Opportunity

At BC Ferries, data plays an increasingly important role in how we serve coastal communities, improve the customer experience, enhance safety, and make informed business decisions. As we continue our digital transformation journey, data is becoming one of our most valuable strategic assets. We’re looking for a strategic and collaborative Lead Data Governance Specialist to operationalize and mature enterprise-wide data governance practices that enable trusted, high-quality, and well-managed data across the organization.

Data governance and business are not often mentioned together, but we are looking for someone that can bring these two worlds together. You are someone who takes the time to understand the business needs and challenges at the operational level, and works with people to put in place realistic data governance practices that are effective without being an operational burden on teams.

You are a change agent, take the time to cultivate trusted relationships across the enterprise to support and influence our journey towards a data-driven culture.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead the evolution of enterprise-wide data governance practices, influence strategic decisions, and work with leaders across the business to build a sustainable data-driven culture.

• Designing, promoting, and maintaining enterprise-wide policies, standards, and processes related to data quality, metadata, classification, retention, privacy, compliance, and stewardship;
• Leading the implementation and continuous improvement of governance practices across data domains, including governance structures, role assignments, issue resolution, compliance monitoring, and stakeholder engagement;
• Establishing and overseeing a Data Governance Centre of Excellence, partnering with Data Stewards, Domain Owners, business subject matter experts, and cross-functional teams to build organizational capability and adoption;
• Driving the implementation and effective use of governance tools, frameworks, and operational practices that support scalable and sustainable data management;
• Partnering with business and technology stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and support data-related needs and initiatives that deliver measurable business value;
• Collaborating with the Data Governance Council, sponsors, and organizational leaders to align governance activities with strategic priorities while ensuring practical and effective execution;
• Championing a culture of data accountability, stewardship, and continuous improvement to strengthen data-driven decision-making across BC Ferries;

• A bachelor's degree in Data Analytics, Data Science, Business Analytics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Computer Science, or a related field; a master's degree is considered an asset;
• 7+ years of data governance hands‑on experience in data management and enterprise data strategy;
• 5+ years of experience leading the development, implementation, and adoption of enterprise data governance frameworks, policies, and standards, with expertise in data quality, metadata management, privacy, retention, stewardship, regulatory compliance, and organizational transformation;
• Experience working within public sector, government, transportation, logistics, or large-scale transformation environments is considered an asset.

• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide initiatives that drive organizational change, influence strategic priorities, strengthen data accountability, and deliver measurable business value;
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex challenges, evaluate impacts, and develop practical, data-driven solutions;
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and influencing skills, with the ability to build strong partnerships, engage stakeholders at all levels, and translate complex concepts into clear, actionable outcomes;
• Expertise in data governance and related disciplines, combined with a strong understanding of how business functions, technology, and strategic objectives work…