Head of Information and Data Governance in Edinburgh

This role is accountable for defining information and data governance policies, standards, and control expectations, as well as 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 also lead a continuous improvement agenda to enhance the maturity of data governance practices across the business.

This is a senior leadership position requiring 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.

A key aspect of the role is the ability to translate complex information and data governance concepts into clear, business-relevant insights, enabling effective decision-making at Executive Committee and Board level. Strong stakeholder engagement skills are critical to building confidence across the organisation, from the C-suite to delivery partners, and ensuring governance remains aligned to the needs of a growing business.

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. This role focuses on governance and oversight rather than operational data management and does not act as the Data Protection Officer. However, it works closely with operational teams, Information Security, and related functions to strengthen the overall control environment.

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.

Nucleus is one of the UK’s leading independent financial planning and retirement-focused platforms operating from offices in London, Bristol, Ipswich, Salisbury, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The business administers over £100bn of customer assets across Self-Invested Personal Pensions, Individual Savings Accounts, general investment accounts and other products for over 5,000 financial advisers and more than 250,000 underlying clients.

The Architecture, Governance and Oversight function are responsible for:

• Architecting scalable and innovative solutions that support both the growth and efficiency of our business.
• Setting standards and policy to protect our business and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Ensuring Information & Cyber Security controls, both internally and across our suppliers, are sufficient and effective.
• Defining Data Governance standards and maintaining oversight across the business and our material suppliers.
• Providing appropriate insight and reporting to the Leadership team and stakeholders including Board.

The key responsibilities for the role include:

• 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.
• 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.
• Build strong relationships with ExCo, SLT and senior business leaders to embed information and data governance as a business priority.
• Lead the creation of clear, concise and insight-driven reporting for Executive Committee and Board.
• 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.
• Embed data governance into change lifecycle (design, delivery, and transition).
• Lead and develop a high-performing data governance team.

Key Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours):

• 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.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing at leadership level.
• Ability to simplify complex concepts into clear, compelling messages.
• Strong commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

We care about inclusion and diversity, which are embedded in our culture and everything we do. More diversity means broader experience, a wider set of perspectives and a better collective ability to problem-solve.