At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the data governance strategy and embed a culture of trust in data.
- Company: One of the UK’s largest Housing Associations with a focus on data innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and great benefits package.
- 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 in a complex environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in data governance and stakeholder management in complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 € per year.
Are you looking for a strategic data role where you will shape an organisation's approach to data governance? In this Head of Data Governance position, you’ll deliver the vision for data governance. This one isn’t just about data governance policies, frameworks, and committees, but focused around actually embedding a governance approach so that this 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.
This isn’t a role where you’ll sit on the sidelines writing governance documents that nobody reads. 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 Manchester based hybrid role with some expectation to be in the office. The salary on offer is £65,000 to £70,000 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 in Manchester 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 lead transformative data governance initiatives that directly impact operational performance and customer outcomes. With a competitive salary and excellent benefits, this Manchester-based hybrid role offers a unique chance to shape the future of data governance in a complex and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Governance in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn, especially those who work at the organisation you're eyeing. A friendly message can go a long way in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the company’s data governance challenges. Show them you’re not just about policies but can actually embed a governance approach that builds trust in their data.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss real-world examples of how you've improved data maturity in previous roles. They want to see that you can turn fragmented data into an organisational asset, so come armed with success stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out directly – we’re here to help you land that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Governance in Manchester
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 truly transforms our data into an organisational asset.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've led data governance initiatives in complex environments. Share specific examples of how you've influenced senior leadership and improved data maturity in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
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.
✨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.
