Data Governance Lead

Location: Kingston upon Hull

Data Governance Lead

12 months initial duration - potential to extend

Predominantly Remote with Infrequent team meetings in Hull

Are you passionate about data, governance, and driving high‑quality standards across an organisation? We're looking for an experienced Business Unit Data Governance Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping, improving, and embedding data governance excellence within a key business unit.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of governance strategy, influence senior leaders, and make a meaningful impact on the way data is controlled, protected, and leveraged across the organisation.

About the Role

In this role, you will strengthen and mature the Business Unit's Data Governance Framework-improving processes, defining controls, and ensuring regulatory compliance. You'll be the link between data owners, architects, senior leaders, and governance committees, ensuring that data risks are understood, documented, and mitigated.

You will act as the trusted voice of data governance for the business unit and contribute directly to enterprise‑wide governance initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Enhance and evolve the Data Governance Framework, including standards, procedures, and long‑term governance plans.
Monitor governance performance, KPIs, risks, and controls, and provide insight and recommendations for continuous improvement.
Build strong, proactive relationships with key governance stakeholders-data owners, architects, SMEs, and senior leaders.
Provide updates and reporting to the Senior Leadership Team for the Data Governance Steering Board.
Identify and assign Data Owners across applications and data subject areas within the business unit.
Ensure the business unit's full data estate is accurately documented and classified, including PII, SPI, and employee data, aligned to regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with architects to document data retention periods for all systems, applying RAG status for clarity and action‑planning.
Raise and manage risks for any applications holding data beyond lawful retention periods.
Produce and maintain data control documentation, highlighting risks, issues, and gaps within the Data Governance Framework.

What We're Looking For

Strong experience in Data Governance, Data Management, or a similar discipline.
Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements relating to PII, SPI, and retention policies.
Proven ability to influence at all levels and build strong relationships across stakeholders and technical teams.
Experience working with Data Owners, Architects, SMEs and senior leadership in governance environments.
Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills.
Excellent communication (written and verbal), particularly in presenting risks, controls, and governance updates.
Highly organised, proactive, and comfortable owning frameworks and governance processes end‑to‑end.

Why This Role?

Drive meaningful change and uplift in data quality and compliance.
Operate at the heart of governance-shaping frameworks, influencing strategy, and driving accountability.
Work closely with senior stakeholders, giving you visibility and impact across the business.
Play a key role in building a strong data governance culture for the future.

Adecco is a disability-confident employer. It is important to us that we run an inclusive and accessible recruitment process to support candidates of all backgrounds and all abilities to apply. Adecco is committed to building a supportive environment for you to explore the next steps in your career. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention