Data Governance Analyst

As a Data Governance Analyst, you will support the Data Governance Manager in implementing and maintaining the organisation’s data governance framework. Your role will involve ensuring data quality, consistency, and compliance across various data domains. You will work closely with data owners, data stewards, the Records & Retention Officer, and IT teams to enforce data governance policies and procedures and support Master Data Management (MDM) and Records Management initiatives.

What you’ll be doing as a Data Governance Analyst:

• Assist in developing and articulating the organisation’s data governance vision, strategy, and roadmap.
• Support the activation and enforcement of the data governance program vision.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders, including IT teams, business units, data owners, and records management teams.
• Ensure that master data is accurately represented, consistently defined, and easily accessible across the organisation.
• Provide training and guidance to employees on data governance and records management principles, policies, and procedures.
• Assist in establishing mechanisms for governance oversight, including regular reviews and audits.
• Ensure compliance with data-related regulations and manage data-related risks.
• Support the Data Governance Manager in leading and facilitating council meetings, driving decision‑making processes, and ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Implement metadata management processes to capture and maintain data lineage, definitions, and dependencies.
• Establish and maintain data dictionaries, glossaries, and cataloguing tools to support data discovery and documentation.
• Contribute to defining and maintaining data governance and records management policies, standards, and procedures.
• Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to align data governance practices with organisational and technology objectives.

Base Location: Reading, Clearwater Court – Hybrid Working Pattern: 36 Hours

What you should bring to the role:

Essential Experience:

• Strong understanding of data governance principles and practices, including data quality management, data stewardship, and data lifecycle management.
• Experience with MDM initiatives, ensuring data consistency and accuracy across the organisation.
• Familiarity with tools such as Azure Purview for data cataloguing and metadata management.
• Knowledge of records management and retention practices, with experience using tools such as SharePoint or other lifecycle management systems.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to data governance and data protection.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with data owners, stewards, IT teams, and business units.
• Proficiency in data management tools and technologies, including data integration, data quality, and database management systems.
• Strong analytical skills to monitor and manage data quality, perform root cause analysis, and address data‑related issues.
• Experience in agile, iterative project management methods.
• Experience in big data cloud approaches.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience within the water or utilities industry.

Desirable Technical Skills & Qualifications:

• SQL scripting and experience with database management systems such as SAP or SQL Server.
• Familiarity with data analysis and visualisation tools such as Power BI or Python.
• Experience with data quality tools such as MDM Profisee, SharePoint, and Purview.
• Understanding of big data technologies such as Databricks and Data Factory.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary between £47,000 and £71,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Annual Leave – 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Working at Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits. If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet. Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.