Data Governance Manager

THE ROLEWe are seeking a Data Governance Manager to lead and evolve our data governance strategy across NextEnergy Group as we transition to a new cloud data platform. This role will be pivotal in ensuring data integrity, compliance, and accessibility across our business units, enabling high-quality decision-making and supporting our mission to lead the transition to clean energy.You will work closely with stakeholders across all business units, Legal & the Technology & Digital Services function to embed best practices and drive a culture of data stewardship.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESDevelop and implement an updated data governance framework aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirementsCoordinate activities such as data quality assessments, data cataloguing, data lineage, data stewardship & data ethicsPartner with Legal and Compliance teams to ensure GDPR and other regulatory adherence, including overseeing the completion of DPIAsEstablish Data Owner roles across the organization and consequently act as a trusted advisor to them, being approachable and pragmatic to ensure that all risks related to data are raised & dealt with quicklyWork with various business stakeholders to understand their business requirements and consequent data needs, applying these to our data governance framework identifying risks & challengesMonitor & report on the performance and compliance of data governance policies & metrics to identify & resolve any gaps or issuesEnsure a data risk framework is in place to capture, profile, risk assess & prioritise the remediation of data quality issues across the Group, working with the Data Owners to prioritise data related activities, ensuring outcomes are delivered to agreed standards and timelines.Define and maintain data policies, standards, and procedures across the organisationCommunicate the importance of data governance and promote a data-driven culture within the organization.Work closely with colleagues in Technology & Digital Services to ensure that our data architecture supports the data governance framework.Ensure standardization of data definitions, formats, and metadata across the organization.Provide strategic input into data architecture and tooling decisionsAct as a key point of contact for data-related audits and risk assessmentsSKILLS & COMPETENCIESTo be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:Regulatory awareness – familiarity with GDPR and other data protection regulations, and the ability to apply them pragmaticallyStrong understanding of data governance principles – including data quality, metadata management, data stewardship, and master data management.Regulatory awareness – familiarity with GDPR and other data protection regulations, and the ability to apply them pragmatically.Experience with data management toolsUnderstanding of master data & data governance principles & processesBusiness analysis or project management experienceTime management & prioritization skills – things can get a little hectic, so the ability to effectively manage yourself and your workload is criticalExcellent communication skills (in English or/and other European languages) – you must be able to organize your thoughts in a way that others find clear and compelling. You will be expected to together well-written, grammatically correct emails and other communications. When communicating verbally – whether over the phone, on video calls, in person or meetings – you will need to be articulate, warm and engaging.Excellent stakeholder engagement skills – you’ll be working across business units, so the ability to build trust and influence others is key.Clear and confident communication – you must be able to translate technical concepts into business language and vice versa, both in writing and in person.Process orientation – you’ll be expected to design and implement scalable governance processes that support business growth and compliance.Analytical mindset – attention to detail and the ability to spot inconsistencies, risks, and opportunities in data flows and usage.Comfort with technology – you don’t need to be a technologist, but you should be comfortable working with data platforms, governance tools, and AI-enabled solutions.Delivery focus – the ability to drive initiatives forward, manage competing priorities, and deliver outcomes at pace.Curiosity and initiative – we value people who ask questions, challenge assumptions, and bring fresh thinking to the table.Passion for our mission – to generate a more sustainable future by leading the transition to clean energy.Our values: be a leader, build trust, be responsible, be innovative and ‘bring your alpha’.EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONSProven experience in data governance and/or data managementStrong understanding of data protection regulations across EuropeMembership of data management groups/communitiesData Management qualification such as DAMA-DMBOK, ISO 8000, or DCAM.GDPR practitioner level or equivalent desirableExperience with data governance tools & frameworks5+ years of experienceThe right to work in the UKWHAT WE OFFERA busy role in a supportive team, with plenty of opportunities to learnInternational scope – we operate in over 8 countriesHybrid working – we will need you in the central London (Mayfair) office at least twice a week, but you will normally be able to work remotely for the remainder of the week30 days’ holiday per year (3 of which are taken during the festive shutdown in December)Private pensionBUPA Healthcare for you and qualifying dependentsCycle to work and electric vehicle leasing schemesAnnual discretionary bonus.HOW TO APPLYIf you are interested in this opportunity, please follow the link to apply or send your application to careers@nextenergygroup.com. If you have been shortlisted for the next stage, we will be in contact within 14 days.By selecting “Apply” or sending us your CV, you indicate you have read and acknowledged NextEnergy Group’s Candidate Privacy Notice.DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIONOur approach to diversity and inclusion is a natural extension of our values. Our entrepreneurial culture inspires us to try new things, be open to different viewpoints and be bold. Our Group is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of connectedness that values difference and gives space for individual expression. The collective sum of our individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, talent and hard work form the bedrock of who we are and who we aspire to be.We are committed to equal employment and advancement opportunity irrespective of race, colour, ancestry, social background, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability and gender identity.ABOUT USNextEnergy Group was founded in 2007 to become a leading market participant in the international solar sector. Since its inception, it has been active in the development, construction, and ownership of solar assets across multiple jurisdictions. NextEnergy Group operates via its three business units: NextEnergy Capital (Investment Management), WiseEnergy (Operating Asset Management), and Starlight (Asset Development).NextEnergy Capital manages the Group\’s investment activities and has invested in over 520 solar plants, exceeding 2GW in capacity across its institutional funds.NextEnergy Solar Fund (NESF): Listed on the London Stock Exchange, NESF manages 102 solar and energy storage assets in the UK and Italy, with a total installed capacity of 983MW and a gross asset value of £1,014m.NextPower II (NPII): A private fund of 105 solar plants (149MW) focused on Italy, successfully divested in January 2022, delivering net IRRs exceeding its 10-12% target.NextPower III ESG (NPIII ESG): A private fund targeting solar infrastructure in OECD countries (e.g., US, Spain, Italy), with $896m raised, exceeding its $750m target.NextPower UK ESG (NPUK ESG): A private fund dedicated to new-build solar plants in the UK, with ~£600m raised.NextPower V ESG (NPV ESG): A private OECD solar fund investing in solar and adjacent technologies like battery storage. To date, it has raised $745m, targeting $1.5bn ($2bn ceiling).