Data Governance Manager in Manchester

At AJ Bell, data is a strategic asset that underpins customer outcomes, regulatory compliance, operational resilience and business decision-making.

As we continue to strengthen our data capabilities, we're looking for an experienced Data Governance Manager to lead a multi-disciplinary team responsible for data governance, data quality and data privacy.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader who is passionate about improving how organisations manage, protect and use data.

You'll play a key role in delivering AJ Bell's Data Strategy, working with stakeholders across the business to embed robust governance practices, improve data quality and ensure compliance with data protection requirements.

What you'll be doing

As Data Governance Manager, you'll lead the operational delivery of AJ Bell's data governance framework and oversee a team comprising Data Analysts, BI Developers, Data Business Analysts and Privacy Analysts.

Your responsibilities will include

• Leading and developing a high-performing Data Governance team, providing clear direction, coaching and support.
• Driving the implementation and continuous improvement of data governance frameworks, standards and controls.
• Embedding effective data ownership and stewardship across business domains.
• Overseeing data quality monitoring, reporting, issue management and remediation activities.
• Managing governance processes relating to metadata, business glossary, data lineage and critical data elements.
• Identifying, assessing and reporting on data risks, governance gaps and improvement opportunities.

• Leading operational data privacy activities, including

• Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
• Records of Processing Activities (ROPAs)
• Data retention schedules
• Data protection controls and compliance activities
• Building strong relationships with business and technology stakeholders to promote data ownership, accountability and governance by design.
• Providing meaningful management information and insights to support regulatory compliance and strategic decision-making.
• Supporting the Head of Data Governance in the delivery of the AJ Bell Data Strategy.

What we're looking for

You'll be a collaborative and influential leader with experience delivering governance and data management capabilities within a regulated environment.

• Proven experience managing and developing teams within data governance, data quality, data privacy, analytics or related disciplines.
• Strong understanding of data governance frameworks, controls and best practice.
• Experience implementing and operating data ownership, stewardship and data quality management processes.
• Experience managing data risk, data issues and governance improvement initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and engage at all levels of the organisation.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a practical approach to delivering business outcomes.
• Experience working in a regulated environment.

Essential knowledge and skills

• Strong knowledge of

• Data Governance
• Data Quality Management
• Data Ownership and Stewardship
• Metadata Management
• Business Glossaries
• Data Lineage
• Data Risk and Issue Management
• Data Lifecycle Management
• Hands-on experience using SQL, Power BI and other analytical tools to analyse, monitor and report on data.
• Understanding of UK GDPR and operational privacy requirements, including DPIAs, ROPAs, retention management and data protection controls.
• Experience delivering data quality monitoring, root cause analysis and remediation activities.
• Strong communication, reporting and presentation skills.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of how effective data management supports business performance.
• Experience within financial services.
• Knowledge of Consumer Duty, operational resilience, technology risk and regulatory reporting.
• Experience with governance, analytics or data management tooling.
• DAMA CDMP or another recognised data management qualification.
• Qualifications in privacy, risk management, project management or business analysis.
• About AJ Bell

At AJ Bell, we believe investing should feel good.

Whether you're looking for an ISA, pension or dealing account, whether you want to invest with the help of a financial adviser or do it yourself, we have easy-to-use solutions to suit people from all walks of life.

We're one of the UK's fastest-growing investment platform businesses, trusted by everyone from professional financial advisers to first-time investors.

Today, over 762,000customers trust us to manage more than £121.5billion of assets.

By continually striving to make investing simpler and more accessible, we're helping more people take control of their financial futures.

We're proud to be recognised as one of the UK's Best 100 Companies to Work For for six consecutive years, and a Great Place to Work in 2025 and 2026, a reflection of our supportive and collaborative culture.

What we offer

• 27days holiday, increasing with service + buy/sell scheme + bank holidays
• 8% Pension with matched contributions
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Share schemes (including free shares and BAYE)
• Health Cash Plan and discounted private healthcare
• Free gym
• Enhanced family leave (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Travel and bike loan schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life at AJ Bell
• Regular social events including summer and Christmas parties
• Learning and development opportunities tailored to you
• Casual dress code
• Friendly, supportive team environment
• Our ways of working

At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture.

We believe in building strong connections by working together.

That's why we offer a hybrid working model, where you'll spend a minimum of 50% of working time per month in the office.

For new team members, an initial period will be spent full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues.

Inclusion & diversity

We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, supported and able to be themselves at work.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and make hiring decisions based on skills, experience and potential.

Agency information

This vacancy is being managed exclusively by our in-house Recruitment team.

We are not partnering with recruitment agencies on this opportunity and will only accept applications submitted directly by candidates.

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