At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy for information and data governance across the organisation.
- Company: Join Nucleus, a top independent financial planning platform in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a high-performing team and drive strategic objectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data governance in a leading financial services firm.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in data governance and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
This role is accountable for defining information and data governance policies, standards and control expectations, and for providing independent oversight, challenge and monitoring of adherence across the organisation.
While first‑line business areas retain accountability for executing data controls, the Head of Information and Data Governance will influence senior stakeholders to ensure these responsibilities are effectively discharged. The role will lead a continuous improvement agenda to enhance the maturity of data governance practices across the business. This senior leadership position requires expertise in information and data governance and a proven track record of strengthening control environments within complex organisations. Experience working with material outsourcers and an understanding of emerging risks, including those associated with AI, are highly desirable. A strong background in financial services and familiarity with platform‑based business models, alongside knowledge of key regulatory bodies such as the ICO, FCA and PRA, is essential. The ability to translate complex governance concepts into clear, business‑relevant insights, enabling effective decision‑making at Executive Committee and Board level, and strong stakeholder engagement skills are critical. The role holder will oversee the effective operation of the data governance function within a regulated environment, including managing team performance, capacity, budgets, and associated risks and controls.
Responsibilities include business partnering, review and approval of impact assessments, and supporting change and transition initiatives. As an experienced people leader, the role holder will build and develop a high‑performing, engaged team to support the organisation’s strategic objectives.
Responsibilities
- Define and Lead Information and Data Governance Strategy
- Own and evolve the Group Information and Data Governance strategy, aligned to business priorities and transformation objectives
- Define the target operating model for information and data governance, including roles, accountabilities and federated ownership across the Group
- Establish policies, standards and principles covering data quality, ownership, lineage, metadata, retention and ethical use
- Ensure governance aligns with regulatory expectations while remaining commercially pragmatic and scalable
- Act as a thought leader on emerging data trends (AI, data products, cloud ecosystems) and their governance implications
- Work collaboratively with other members of our Technology leadership team to inform and deliver on our broader Data Strategy
Drive Adoption Through Influence and Engagement
- Build strong relationships with ExCo, SLT and senior business leaders to embed information and data governance as a business priority
- Influence business areas to take ownership of data controls and outcomes, rather than centralise delivery
- Develop and lead a data governance community / network (e.g. data owners and stewards)
- Champion a data‑led culture, promoting accountability, literacy and value realisation
- Act as a trusted advisor on data governance implications of transformation, M&A and strategic initiatives
Senior Leadership and Executive Engagement
- Lead the creation of clear, concise and insight‑driven reporting for Executive Committee and Board
- Translate technical and regulatory topics into business risk, customer impact and commercial outcomes
- Provide forward‑looking insight on risks, maturity and investment priorities
- Ensure consistent and compelling communication of information and data governance progress, gaps and value delivered
Governance Framework and Oversight
- Define, own and maintain the Group Data Governance Control Framework, including mandatory controls, control objectives and assurance requirements aligned to UK GDPR, FCA and PRA expectations
- Define information and data governance policies and standards that support lawful, fair, transparent and accountable processing across all Group entities
- Develop and track KPIs / KRIs for data quality, control effectiveness and adoption
- Oversee data governance maturity assessments and prioritise improvement initiatives
- Provide independent challenge to business areas on data‑related risks and control weaknesses
- Ensure data governance is effective across key suppliers and outsourced providers
Enable Business Change and Transformation
- Embed data governance into change lifecycle (design, delivery and transition)
- Ensure new initiatives align with data standards, ownership models and control expectations
- Provide guidance on data governance standards and expectations for our Platform Transformation programme
- Support the organisation in balancing speed of change with governance discipline
Build Capability & Ways of Working
- Lead and develop a high‑performing data governance team
- Develop team capability and succession through coaching and mentoring
- Define required capability uplift across the business (data owners, stewards, SMEs)
- Introduce practical tooling, frameworks and playbooks to enable adoption
- Promote continuous improvement and measurable uplift in data maturity
Key Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours)
Knowledge and Experience
- Strong experience defining and implementing information and data governance strategies
- Proven track record of operating within a regulated environment, preferably financial services
- Understanding of data operating models, data ownership frameworks and governance tooling
- Experience supporting enterprise‑wide transformation and large‑scale change programmes
- Sound understanding of technology and data processing within platform‑based financial services
- Knowledge of third‑party data protection contractual requirements
Skills and Behaviours
- Strong leadership and people management capability
- Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing at leadership level
- Ability to simplify complex concepts into clear, compelling messages
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial and pragmatic judgement
- Confident in challenging senior stakeholders constructively
- High levels of credibility, resilience and personal impact
- Collaborative team player who role‑models organisational values
- Strong commitment to continuous learning and improvement
- Competent user of MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Teams
Desirable
- Knowledge of platform propositions, including WRAP Platforms and SIPPs
- Professional certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPM or equivalent
- Degree or relevant professional qualification
Head of Information and Data Governance employer: Nucleus Financial
Nucleus is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration within the financial services sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Nucleus provides ample opportunities for professional development and leadership training, ensuring that team members are equipped to excel in their roles. Located in the UK, the company fosters a supportive environment where data governance is not just a function but a core business priority, allowing employees to make a meaningful impact on the organisation's strategic objectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Information and Data Governance
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Nucleus Financial. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Information and Data Governance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Nucleus Financial.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Nucleus Financial's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nucleus Financial
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Nucleus Financial.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Nucleus Financial employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
