Connections Data Governance Lead

About the Role

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable future. Due to continuous growth, we are looking for a Data Governance Lead to join us. This is an exciting and influential role within the Connections Data Strategy team.

The team is looking for a diligent and collaborative Data Governance Lead to establish, oversee, and mature our data governance framework. In this role, you will define data policies, standards, and metrics to ensure our data assets are high-quality, secure, compliant, and easily accessible across the organisation. As a Data Governance Lead, you’ll be a catalyst for progress. You’ll guide teams and individuals through significant shifts, championing new ways of thinking about data governance and ensuring transitions are smooth, positive, and purposeful.

Your work will unlock real business value by introducing clarity in data governance frameworks and road maps. Reporting to the Connections Data Strategy Manager, you’ll bring your expertise to ensure governance change is prioritised, well‑managed, and fully embedded. You’ll apply a structured, thoughtful approach to support coordinate a network of data stewards across the business and support implementation of policy compliance.

• Lead and support Data strategy and governance initiatives, developing clear and comprehensive change strategies.
• Produce stakeholder mapping, communication and engagement plans, training approaches, and reinforcement activities to ensure effective adoption and sustainable outcomes.
• Provide senior stakeholders with confidence that governance is well understood, planned, and set up for successful delivery.
• Design and implement a connection-wide data governance framework and roadmap.
• Establish data quality standards, master data management strategies, and data lineage workflows.
• Coordinate a network of Data Stewards across business units to enforce policy compliance.
• Partner with Legal and Information Security to ensure alignment with GDPR, CCPA, and industry regulations.
• Roll out data cataloguing and metadata management tools to improve data discoverability.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.

We’re looking for a proactive, and people‑focused Change & Delivery Specialist who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You will bring energy, clarity and a collaborative style and someone who enjoys connecting with others and making change feel exciting and achievable. You will fit this role if you:

• Proven ability to build consensus and drive data culture shifts across technical and non-technical teams.
• Strong understanding of global data privacy regulations and compliance risk management.
• Can design structured, practical approaches governance through to stakeholder engagement and delivery frameworks.
• Build trust quickly and influence confidently at all levels.
• Communicate with impact, creating clear and engaging messages and training that bring people with you.
• Naturally motivate and support individuals and teams through periods of transition.
• Bring strong analytical skills, including impact assessments, readiness checks and benefit evaluations.
• Can turn insight into clear, actionable guidance that helps people understand the “why” and the “how”.
• Are committed to learning, adapting and continuously improving.
• Have awareness of Agile/SAFe ways of working and how they support iterative delivery (advantageous).
• Are keen to evolve change practices and help build NESO’s organisational capability.

A competitive salary of £56,000 - £68,000 dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, NESO's core benefits are the essential perks and advantages that form part of your employee package.

• You will receive a bonus based on company performance
• 26 days annual leave as standard
• A…