At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the organisation's data governance strategy and embed a culture of trust in data.
- Company: One of the UK's largest Housing Associations focused on data-driven decision making.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £75,000 to £80,000 plus great benefits and hybrid working.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence senior leadership and drive data quality improvements.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data governance and make a real impact on operational performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in data governance within complex organisations and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 € per year.
Are you looking for a strategic data role where you will shape an organisation's approach to data governance? In this position, you’ll deliver the vision for data governance. This role is focused on embedding a governance approach so that the organisation can trust the decisions it makes.
As Head of Data Governance for one of the UK’s largest Housing Associations, you’ll sit at the centre of a major enterprise-wide push towards trusted, connected, and genuinely usable data. The organisation has already invested heavily in data capability, so the platforms are there, the reporting capability is evolving, and the ambition around data is real.
What they now need is someone who can bring the governance, structure, and design discipline that turns fragmented data into a true organisational asset. You’ll be leading the organisation’s approach to data governance and data design, helping establish one version of the truth across a complex operational environment. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders, data owners, architecture teams, analytics, and engineering functions to improve how data is defined, managed, governed, and trusted across the business.
You’ll bring people with you, challenge where needed, create accountability, improve data maturity, and help embed governance into day-to-day operational reality rather than treating it as a compliance exercise. You’ll also oversee areas including:
- Data governance frameworks and data quality improvement
- Master and reference data management
- Data modelling and enterprise data design
- Regulatory return assurance and accuracy
- Data standards and definitions
- Data governance forums and stakeholder engagement
- Cross-functional collaboration with architecture, engineering, analytics, and platform teams
The environment itself is large-scale and complex, meaning this role suits somebody comfortable operating across both strategic leadership and practical delivery.
You’ll probably be someone who:
- Has led data governance within a complex organisation
- Has housing experience in a Housing Association or Local Authority (Good understanding of regulatory returns)
- Improves organisational data maturity
- Manages stakeholders across both business and technology teams
- Understands modern data environments, modelling, and enterprise data architecture
- Knows how to drive data quality improvements through people, process, and technology
- Can influence senior leadership teams and create accountability around data ownership
Housing experience would help around regulatory reporting and governance, but it’s not essential if you’ve operated in similarly complex environments. What is essential is the ability to create clarity, trust, and structure around data in an organisation where data is becoming increasingly critical to operational performance, customer outcomes, and future decision making.
If you want to shape how enterprise data governance actually works in practice rather than simply maintaining frameworks from the sidelines, this is the kind of role that gives you the platform to do it.
This is a London based hybrid role with some expectation to be in the office. The salary on offer is £75,000 to £80,000 with some great benefits.
If you don’t have an updated CV, no problem, send what you have, and we’ll take it from there.
Head of Data Governance employer: Recruit with Purpose
As a leading Housing Association in the UK, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our investment in data capabilities and the opportunity for you to shape the future of data governance within a complex operational environment. With a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including a hybrid working model, we offer a rewarding career path where your contributions will directly impact our mission to enhance community outcomes through trusted data.
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 people in your industry, especially those who work in data governance. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your previous successes in data governance. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your ability to deliver results.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings; reach out to companies you admire. Express your interest in their data governance initiatives and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Governance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Data Governance role. Highlight your experience in data governance, stakeholder management, and any relevant housing sector knowledge to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about data governance and how you can help us embed a governance approach that builds trust in our data. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve data maturity and drive quality improvements. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing your successes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit with Purpose
✨Know Your Data Governance Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in data governance principles, frameworks, and best practices. Brush up on how to embed governance into daily operations rather than just ticking boxes. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your ability to create accountability and trust around data ownership, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Vision
Be ready to discuss your vision for data governance and how you would implement it in a complex environment. Think about how you can turn fragmented data into a valuable organisational asset and be prepared to share specific strategies or initiatives you would pursue.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-world scenarios where you’ve improved data quality or maturity. Have concrete examples ready that illustrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to drive change through people, processes, and technology.
