At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Data Governance and Design teams to ensure high-quality, structured data.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to data excellence.
- Benefits: Generous salary, excellent pension, 28-31 days leave, and lifestyle perks.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by championing data quality and governance.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in data governance, modelling, and stakeholder collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 68571 - 78544 € per year.
Contract Type: FTC until 30th September 2027, Full-Time, 35 hours
Salary: Starting from £78,544 per annum (London weighted salary) or £68,571 per annum (Regional salary), dependant on experience
Grade: 12
Reporting Office: London, Stratford or Manchester, Trafford
Persona: Agile Worker: 20% - 40% of contractual hours to be worked from reporting office/working location (hybrid working)
Closing Date: 22nd May 2026
Interview Dates: 8th June 2026 (Please note that in person interviews will be held for at least one of the interview stages for this role.)
Benefits:
- Excellent pension plan (up to 6% double contribution)
- 28 days Annual Leave rising to 31 days with length of service + Bank Holidays
- Westfield Health Cash Plan
- Non-contributory life assurance
- Up to 21 hours volunteering paid days
- Lifestyle benefits
- Employee Assistance Programme
Your impact in the role:
- Leading our Data Governance and Data Design teams to deliver high quality, consistent, well structured data across L&Q.
- Driving the development and embedding of our data governance and data quality framework — ensuring one version of the truth.
- Overseeing enterprise data modelling (conceptual, logical and dimensional) and ensuring data products meet agreed standards.
- Partnering closely with Data Owners, IT, and senior stakeholders to improve organisational data maturity.
- Championing data quality improvement plans and ensuring timely, accurate regulatory returns.
- Chairing the Data Governance Forum and ensuring effective decision making, communication, and alignment across the business.
- Acting as an ambassador for data — building engagement, trust, and enthusiasm across all levels of the organisation.
- Supporting the Director of Data & Information in delivering our data strategy and ensuring it’s understood, adopted, and delivered.
What you'll bring:
- A natural ability to influence, inspire and “sell” the value of data — even to sceptical audiences — with a strong track record of working collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong technical credibility, including a strong experience across data modelling, master and reference data, data quality frameworks, and data governance best practice.
- Proven experience embedding data governance frameworks (DGF) and data quality processes (DQP) at senior and executive level, ensuring clear ownership, accountability, and decision-making.
- Demonstrable experience managing regulatory and statutory data returns, with a strong understanding of accuracy, assurance, and audit requirements.
- Experience within the housing sector or local government, with a solid understanding of the regulatory, operational, and cultural context.
- Proven experience leading high-performing data teams and working at senior level to solve complex, organisation-wide data challenges.
- A genuine passion for raising data maturity, improving data culture, and enabling better decisions through trusted, high‑quality data.
If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage during this process, including application stage, please email lqcareers@lqgroup.org.uk
Head of Governance & Design employer: L&Q Living
As an employer, L&Q offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including an excellent pension plan and generous annual leave, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, providing opportunities for staff to lead impactful projects in data governance while working in a hybrid model from vibrant locations in London or Manchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Governance & Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work in data governance or design. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s data strategy and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led data teams or improved data quality in previous roles. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your passion for data and how you can influence and inspire others. Role-play with a friend or use a mirror to refine your delivery. Confidence is key when you’re selling yourself as the ideal candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Let’s get you that dream job in data governance and design!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Governance & Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Governance & Design role. Highlight your experience in data governance and your ability to influence stakeholders, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've successfully led data teams or implemented data quality frameworks. We want to see the impact you've made in previous roles!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value genuine passion for data and a collaborative spirit, so don’t hesitate to express why you’re excited about this opportunity with us.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at L&Q Living
✨Know Your Data Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of data governance frameworks and data quality processes. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully embedded these in previous roles, especially at a senior level. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can also apply it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led high-performing teams and influenced stakeholders. Think about specific situations where you’ve inspired others to embrace data initiatives, particularly in challenging environments. This will demonstrate your ability to drive change and build engagement across the organisation.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory and statutory requirements relevant to the housing sector or local government. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed compliance and accuracy in data returns, as this is crucial for the role. Showing that you’re well-versed in these areas will set you apart.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Collaboration
Think about how you've partnered with various stakeholders, including IT and senior management, to improve data maturity. Prepare to share specific examples of successful collaborations and how they led to better decision-making. This will highlight your ability to work cross-functionally and champion data initiatives.
