Data Governance Lead

Data Governance Lead

Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Anglian Water Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead data governance strategies and ensure data quality across the organisation.
  • Company: Join Anglian Water, a purpose-driven organisation focused on data excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, flexible working, and a competitive pension scheme.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and influence.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping how data is trusted and used.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Data Management or related field; expertise in data governance required.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Circa £60,000 (dependent on skills & experience) Permanent / 37 hours per week / Full-time (with flexibility for part-time working) Huntingdon, Lincoln or Peterborough - Hybrid

Are you passionate about turning data into a trusted, high-value asset? At Anglian Water, we are looking for a Data Governance Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping how data is governed, protected and unlocked across our organisation. This is a high-impact specialist role within a small, expert data governance team, where you will act as the technical authority for data governance and management.

You will lead the design, implementation and continuous evolution of enterprise-wide data governance strategies, drawing on external best practice in a fast-moving data landscape. Reporting to the Enterprise Data Governance Manager, you will own the development of governance approaches for key business areas, creating and enforcing data policies, standards and stewardship models that deliver real business value.

You will work at the heart of major programmes and projects, partnering with senior leaders, accountable data owners, process owners and data stewards to drive improvements in data quality, compliance and usability. As a trusted advisor, you will influence at senior levels and help build capability across the organisation. This includes shaping and delivering engaging education and training (working closely with People Development), and supporting other technical roles to embed strong data ownership and stewardship practices.

You will bring deep expertise in data governance and data lifecycle management, with strong experience in advanced and automated data quality profiling, analysis and remediation. You will be confident navigating complex regulatory environments, with a solid understanding of legal and compliance frameworks such as GDPR and NIS.

Beyond Anglian Water, you will represent the organisation externally - coordinating data sharing and open data products with Government bodies, regulators (including the Environment Agency and DWI), supply chain partners and industry peers. This will require strong judgement, clarity in defining complex data requirements, and the ability to balance stakeholder needs with governance and compliance expectations.

If you are excited by the challenge of shaping enterprise data governance, influencing at scale and helping unlock the full value of data in a purpose-driven organisation, we would love to hear from you.

What you will be doing:

  • Designing, implementing and continuously improving data governance frameworks across multiple business and data domains
  • Translating enterprise data policies into practical standards, guidance and processes that work for the business
  • Embedding data ownership, stewardship and accountability across the data lifecycle
  • Leading improvements in data quality, including defining metrics, monitoring performance and resolving issues at source
  • Supporting the rollout and effective use of data governance tools such as data catalogues, metadata management and lineage tracking
  • Partnering with business leaders, data owners, stewards, architects and data product teams to ensure data is trusted, compliant and fit for purpose
  • Acting as a trusted advisor and first point of contact for data governance across assigned business areas
  • Building data capability through training, awareness sessions and data literacy initiatives
  • Coordinating open data and external data products, ensuring clear standards, ownership and regulatory compliance
  • Supporting compliance with data regulations including GDPR and environmental data standards
  • Driving continuous improvement through maturity assessments, insight-led reporting and sharing best practice

What does it take to be a Data Governance Lead?

  • Degree or equivalent experience in Data Management, Information Systems, or related field
  • Extensive experience in the development and execution of enterprise data strategy
  • Substantial experience and expertise in data governance, data management data quality roles
  • Ability to influence key stakeholders at all levels
  • Deep expertise in designing and developing data governance practices across complex organisations
  • Ability to make strategic decisions and balance priorities in an agile and flexible way
  • Lead the development of successful business cases for the improvement of business data
  • Owning and evidencing of benefits realisation from data improvements
  • Experience in data governance or data quality roles
  • Familiarity with SFIA Level 4 capabilities
  • Experience in change management frameworks and ideally ADKAR
  • Extensive experience and understanding of data management and governance tools

What’s in it for you?

  • Private healthcare and physiotherapy
  • 24-hour Virtual GP service for you and your household
  • 26 days annual leave (rising with service)
  • Competitive pension scheme - Anglian Water double-matches your contributions up to 6% (up to 18% combined)
  • Bonus scheme
  • Flexible benefits and working culture
  • Life Assurance (8x salary) and Personal Accident cover
  • Enhanced family leave policies
  • Great discounts and perks

Why apply?

Shape how data is trusted, governed and used across Anglian Water, making a real impact in a purpose-driven organisation. You will work at enterprise scale as a recognised data governance expert, influencing senior stakeholders and helping unlock the full value of data for customers, communities and the environment.

Closing date: 27 January 2026

Data Governance Lead employer: Anglian Water Group

At Anglian Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation and collaboration in the field of data governance. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training and development opportunities. With competitive benefits including private healthcare, a generous pension scheme, and a supportive work culture, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact on the communities and environment we serve.
Anglian Water Group

Contact Detail:

Anglian Water Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Data Governance Lead

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Anglian Water on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building connections can give us insider info and might even lead to a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching data governance trends and challenges. We want to show that we’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about making data a trusted asset in organisations.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice our storytelling skills! We need to articulate our experiences in data governance clearly, focusing on how we've influenced stakeholders and improved data quality in past roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows that we’re genuinely interested in being part of the Anglian Water team.

We think you need these skills to ace Data Governance Lead

Data Governance
Data Management
Data Quality
GDPR Compliance
Stakeholder Engagement
Data Lifecycle Management
Data Profiling
Data Analysis
Regulatory Compliance
Change Management
Training and Development
Data Stewardship
Enterprise Data Strategy
Data Governance Tools

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in data governance and management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Expertise: When writing your application, emphasise your deep expertise in data governance and compliance frameworks like GDPR. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex regulatory environments, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we appreciate clarity just as much as you do!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Anglian Water Group

✨Know Your Data Governance Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of data governance frameworks and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous roles, especially in relation to GDPR and compliance. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can also apply them effectively.

✨Prepare Real-World Examples

Think of specific instances where you've led data governance initiatives or improved data quality. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you articulate your experience clearly and demonstrate your impact on previous organisations.

✨Understand Their Business Needs

Research Anglian Water’s current data challenges and their strategic goals. Tailor your responses to show how your skills can directly address their needs. This will not only impress them but also position you as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.

✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills

As a Data Governance Lead, you'll need to influence various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments in the past. Highlight your communication strategies and how you’ve built relationships to drive data governance initiatives forward.

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