Data Governance Manager

We are looking for experienced Data Governance Managers to join a dedicated and forward-looking team, helping to shape how data is governed, assured and enabled across the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO).

This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in a part of UKHO that is central to our future direction. You will help lead and operate the Data Governance Framework, support the governance of critical data assets, and build a trusted, reusable and scalable data capability. Working with the Head of Data, our Master Data Management team, technology and architecture specialists, and stakeholders across the business, you will help embed clear policies, standards and controls into day-to-day delivery.

You will join at a point where there is real momentum, a clear direction of travel and tangible opportunities to influence how data governance is developed and applied in practice. As part of a highly collaborative and evolving team, you will help deliver meaningful change and build the conditions for data to be used with confidence where quality, integrity and responsible use really matter.

At the UKHO, data sits at the heart of how we deliver the world’s most comprehensive range of marine geospatial information. That information supports safe navigation and global trade, underpinning wider marine activity including economic development, environmental protection, scientific research, resource use, and security and defence.

This role requires regular contact, collaboration and discussions with a wide range of stakeholders across the UKHO and beyond. Whilst much of that could be successfully achieved via remote working communication channels, it’s anticipated that the role holder will attend the office for 40%-60% of their working time to maximise knowledge transfer, collaboration, information sharing and the provision of close support to the business.

Part-time hours may be considered for this role (minimum of 26 hours per week)

The Data Governance Manager will lead and evolve UKHO’s Data Governance Framework, helping to ensure data is governed, assured and used effectively across the organisation. Working closely with the Head of Data, the Master Data Management team, key technology and architecture specialists, and stakeholders across the business.

The role will help embed practical governance, clear accountabilities and trusted ways of working that support both immediate delivery needs and the longer-term development of UKHO’s standards-led, data product-focused operating model.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of the organisation’s Data Governance Framework, ensuring our data is governed and managed appropriately, is aligned to UKHO data strategy and business requirements, MOD and UK government policies, and recognised best practise.
• Be responsible for defining and supporting the implementation of a clear Data Governance Model, including:
• ownership and stewardship responsibilities, ensuring that accountabilities are understood and applied consistently across the organisation,
• enabling the identification and cataloguing critical data assets, and
• enabling organisation-wide data quality management through effective processes, monitoring, and tools
• Ensure practical, risk-based data governance throughout the data lifecycle – from creation to disposal – by collaborating with delivery teams, data practitioners, and senior stakeholders to support business goals.
• Support the management of data related risks and escalate where necessary to appropriate decision-making groups. This includes balancing regulatory and policy compliance with the need to enable safe, effective and timely use of data.
• Develop organisational capability in data governance and management, including advocating for better use and management of data, improving data literacy and fluency, and supporting the effective adoption of data governance roles. This will be achieved through guidance, engagement, mentoring, training and targeted communications.
• Provide data governance and management advice, insight and assurance to governance forums and senior stakeholders,…