At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of data governance frameworks for Channel 4.
- Company: Join Channel 4, a dynamic media organisation focused on innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to change through entertainment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data governance in a fast-paced, creative environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in data governance and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 104781 - 104781 € per year.
Channel 4 generates data from millions of viewer interactions every day across broadcast, streaming and digital advertising. Without clear ownership, standards and structure, this data becomes fragmented and unreliable, undermining trust and decision making. The Head of Data Governance plays a critical role in establishing the frameworks, standards and controls that ensure data across Channel 4 is trustworthy, consistent and compliant, enabling the organisation to move faster, make confident decisions and extract greater value from content and audiences. This role reports into the Director of Data and represents the first dedicated leadership position focused on data governance at Channel 4. Initially an individual contributor, the role is expected to grow into a broader capability area as part of our evolving data strategy and maturity roadmap.
The data team is a new team for Channel 4, it brings together teams from technology & insight into one dedicated capability. The team comprises of c40, a mix of directly employed by Channel 4 and then leveraging a partner for engineering resource. The team sits adjacent to the technology team and services the data needs for internal customers, including product, advertising, insight, finance, 4 studio & distribution.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of Channel 4’s data governance framework, ensuring data is reliable, observable and fit for purpose.
- Establish standards for data quality, metadata, cataloguing, lineage and stewardship across all functions.
- Define and implement data quality measures, controls and automated monitoring.
- Drive adoption of data observability practices to ensure issues are identified and addressed quickly.
- Own the data governance tooling ecosystem, including the data catalogue.
- Ensure metadata is complete, accurate, discoverable and actively maintained.
- Define and embed clear data ownership structures across the organisation.
- Champion accountability through stewardship models and governance processes.
- Partner with business and technical teams to ensure frameworks enable creative and business value.
- Ensure data processes and outputs meet regulatory, contractual and externally reported compliance requirements.
- Work closely with Legal, Compliance and Information Security to uphold governance standards.
- Design and implement data contracting capabilities to support transition to a data mesh framework.
- Act as the primary point of contact for data governance across Channel 4.
- Educate teams on best practice and evangelise a culture of responsible data use.
- Work cross‑functionally to align governance with business needs, technology strategies and data product development.
Essential Experience and Skills
- Proven experience establishing or maturing data governance capabilities within a data‑rich organisation.
- Strong understanding of data management disciplines, including data quality, metadata, ownership and observability.
- Strong understanding of data governance frameworks and regulations applicable to media and broadcasting.
- Experience implementing or owning data governance tooling (e.g., catalogues, quality platforms).
- Experience with vendor management with data governance and technical products and services.
- Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels internally and drive accountability.
- Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills.
Compensation
Basic salary per annum starting from £104,781.00.
Benefits
- Private medical insurance
- Free Virtual GP access for employees
- Free female health hormone test each year
- Free Tastecard membership
- Financial guidance 1‑2‑1’s available each quarter
- Discounted gym memberships
- Pension
- Life assurance
- Income protection
- Holiday purchase
Hybrid Working
From September 2023, C4 has operated a 60/40 working pattern, equating to three office days per week. Having everyone in the office three days a week gives us more opportunity to build our high performing, inclusive culture; to collaborate and to learn and share with each other, as well as helping to coordinate a regular pattern of home and office working days. Employees then have the flexibility to decide where they spend the rest of the working week. All our offices are open five days a week.
Equal Opportunities
Channel 4’s purpose is to create change through entertainment; by representing unheard voices, challenging with purpose and delivering content which reflects the diversity of different communities across the UK. We are only able to deliver on this remit by having a workforce rich in diversity of thought, background and lived experience. As an employer we encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on disability, age, gender reassignment, gender expression, criminal history, length of time spent unemployed, marriage or civil partnership status, national origin, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Disability Confident Scheme
Channel 4 is a member of the Business Disability Forum (BDF) and has also maintained the highest level of the Department of Work and Pension’s Disability Confident scheme – Level 3: Leader.
Care Leaver Friendly Employer
Channel 4 is a Care Leaver Friendly Employer, supporting an immensely talented yet often under‑served and under‑represented community of young people and adults. We commit to offering an interview (and constructive feedback) to applicants who identify as care experienced and meet the essential criteria for the role as outlined on the job description.
Workplace Adjustments
We are committed to providing disabled applicants a level playing field when applying for a job and support whilst employed to perform to the best of their ability and develop their careers. If you have a neurodiverse condition, impairment or long‑term condition and require any adjustments, additional support or alternative arrangements during the recruitment and wish to discuss this confidentially, please let us know via recruitment@channel4.co.uk.
Head of Data Governance employer: Channel 4
Channel 4 is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, making it an ideal place for the Head of Data Governance role. With a commitment to employee well-being, the company offers comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and opportunities for personal growth within a dynamic data team. Located in London, Channel 4 not only prioritises diversity but also empowers its workforce to drive meaningful change through innovative data governance practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Governance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those at Channel 4. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into data governance topics. Brush up on frameworks and regulations relevant to media and broadcasting. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but a data governance guru!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your past successes! Bring examples of how you've improved data governance in previous roles. Numbers and results speak volumes, so let’s make sure they hear yours loud and clear.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Channel 4 team. Let’s get you in there!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Governance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in data governance. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of data management disciplines and governance frameworks in your application. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve tackled similar challenges before.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us see your potential quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Channel 4
✨Know Your Data Governance Frameworks
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of data governance frameworks and regulations, especially those relevant to media and broadcasting. Be ready to discuss how you've established or matured these capabilities in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your analytical and organisational skills. Think about specific instances where you implemented data quality measures or drove adoption of data observability practices, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Understand the Business Needs
Familiarise yourself with Channel 4's business model and how data governance can drive value. Be prepared to discuss how you would partner with various teams to align governance with their needs and enhance creative and business outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex data governance concepts. Remember, you’ll need to influence stakeholders at all levels, so confidence is crucial!
