DATA GOVERNANCE MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

In the digital age, data is the backbone of every organisation and, with increasing regulations plus privacy concerns, it has become more important than ever for companies to properly manage their data assets. 

In general, Managers are in charge of developing and implementing rules and processes for managing your organisation's data assets. You collaborate closely with stakeholders from all levels of the organisation to guarantee data quality, accuracy and security.

Here are some of the key duties and responsibilities:

Developing and implementing a data governance framework: You are responsible for creating a data governance framework that aligns with your organisation's overall strategy and objectives. This involves developing data policies, processes and standards and ensuring their implementation throughout the organisation.

Creating and implementing data quality standards: You are in charge of making sure that data is accurate, complete and consistent. You will work with stakeholders across the organisation to establish data quality standards, processes, procedures, implement data validation and cleansing procedures.

Monitoring and reporting on data compliance: You will ensure that your organisation's data management practices comply with relevant laws and regulations, such as GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act. It is also a requirement to regularly monitor and report on data compliance to senior management and stakeholders.

Fostering a data-driven culture: You are responsible for promoting a data-driven culture across the organisation. This includes creating and executing employee training programs to encourage data literacy and ensuring that everyone knows the significance of data management.

Collaborating with IT and security teams: You work closely with IT and security teams to ensure that data is secured and that data privacy and security policies are in place and enforced. Identifying and mitigating data-related risks: You work with stakeholders across the organisation to identify and mitigate data-related risks. This includes working with departments such as compliance, legal and risk management to ensure that data management practices comply with relevant laws and regulations.

Defining and maintaining data dictionaries and metadata repositories: You are responsible for establishing and maintaining data dictionaries and metadata repositories that provide a comprehensive view of your organisation's data assets. This ensures that data is easily searchable and provides an understanding of how data is being used across the organisation.

To be successful, you must possess a combination of technical, legal and business knowledge. An understanding of data concepts, methodologies, technologies and knowledge of relevant laws and regulations is required. Lastly, communication and interpersonal skills, plus the capacity to influence stakeholders within the organisation are key. 

One common path is to gain experience in data roles within a specific industry or organisation. This can help you develop an in-depth understanding of the particular data needs and challenges within that industry or organisation, which can be valuable in future roles.

Another path is to pursue advanced education or certifications in data governance, or related fields. This can help you stay up to date with the latest industry trends and technologies plus also help you stand out in a competitive job market.

You could also seek out opportunities to lead larger and more complex data governance projects within your organisation. This can help you develop project management skills, build a network of contacts and demonstrate your ability to successfully implement data governance initiatives.

When you gain more experience and skills in the field of data governance, you may be able to progress to more senior leadership positions to lead strategic projects within your organisation, such as Director of Data Governance or Chief Data Officer. Alternatively, you may choose to pursue opportunities with other organisations, or even start your own Data Governance consulting firm.

You will require a blend of technical, legal and business abilities to succeed in your work. The following are some essential abilities you will require: technical skills. You will need a strong understanding of data concepts, methodologies and technologies. This involves familiarity with data modelling, data security, data integration and data quality. You should also be familiar with data governance frameworks and tools.

Legal skills: You should have a good understanding of relevant laws and regulations related to data, such as GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act. Additionally, you need to be aware of the laws' standards for data security and privacy.

Business skills: A strong understanding of the business processes and goals of your organisation is a must. This will assist you in coordinating data governance initiatives with the organisation's overarching strategy.

Communication Skills: Communicating clearly with all types of stakeholders inside the company, including senior management and technical workers is key. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, plus outstanding verbal and written communication skills. You will need to be able to communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders and to build relationships with stakeholders across the organisation.

Project management skills: Strong project management abilities, particularly the capacity to organise and oversee complicated projects are required. The ability to prioritise tasks and manage competing demands is normally expected for this type of role.

Analytical skills: Ideally, you should possess adequate analytical skills, including the ability to identify and mitigate risks related to data. Also, analysing data to find patterns and insights that might guide initiatives for adherence to an enterprise data governance framework is usually required.

Leadership skills: Strong leadership qualities and the capacity to persuade key players throughout the organisation is key. In addition, you should be able to encourage and motivate your team to accomplish their objectives.

If you're interested in this role, here are some steps you can take to get there:

Gain relevant education and experience: Employers typically require a degree in a related field, such as computer science, data management or information systems. Ideally, you should also have several years of experience in a related role, such as a data analyst, data engineer or data architect.

Gain relevant certifications: There are several certifications related to master data management and governance, such as the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP). Your experience and dedication to the industry can be demonstrated with the aid of these credentials.

Look for suitable job openings and apply: Once you have the relevant education, experience and skills, start looking for job openings. The following options are available to you including searching for jobs online, attending job fairs or seeking referrals from colleagues. It's worth spending the time tailoring your CV resume and cover letter to the specific functional requirements of each advertised job vacancy to highlight your relevant experience and skills.

Although obtaining a position may need time and effort, you can position yourself as a great candidate and increase your chances of success with the correct training, experience and abilities.