Lead Data Governance and Quality Manager in Leeds

Are you ready to shape the future of data governance and quality in a charity embarking on a bold digital transformation? Do you have the expertise to establish authority, control, and shared decision-making across all data assets in a newly created, pivotal role? Will you lead StepChange into its 5-year strategy as we become a truly data-led organisation with digital and data at the core?

StepChange is launching a bold 5‑year strategy with digital and data at its core, and we’re seeking a Lead Data Governance & Quality Manager to help drive this transformation. In this newly created role, you’ll establish authority and oversight across all data assets, shaping the charity’s data governance function from the ground up and enabling us to become a truly data‑led organisation that delivers greater impact for those we support.

What you’ll be doing

As Lead Data Governance & Quality Manager, you will own and drive the design, implementation, and maturity of StepChange’s data governance framework across the charity. Working closely with data architecture, analysis, and wider stakeholders, you’ll establish clear, accessible practices that balance innovation with the critical regulations of the financial services industry. You’ll author and maintain principles, policies, and standards, track governance maturity for senior reporting, and embed consistent data definitions and metadata management across the organisation. From shaping greenfield policies and processes to co‑designing Master Data Management practices, you’ll ensure our data catalogue is accurate, accessible, and fit for purpose.

This is a leadership role at the heart of our digital transformation. You’ll champion key governance tools such as the Enterprise Data Catalogue, chair forums to drive committee success, and collaborate with peers in Risk and Compliance and Architecture to maintain strong controls while accelerating technical value. As part of the leadership team, you’ll build and mentor an emerging function, working with the senior leaders including the Exec to identify data advocates, stewards and owners to build a critical support network to strengthen our data‑led culture. With a proactive approach to personal development and a passion for translating governance concepts into practical impact, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping StepChange’s future.

About you

We’re looking for a leader with hands‑on experience building data governance from the ground up, backed by strong, principled expertise. You’ll bring deep knowledge of governance tools and solutions, with proven experience in enterprise data catalogues and master data management. Confident in navigating data protection regulations within financial services, you’ll be adept at working with large datasets to assess quality and context. A solid grasp of cloud platforms, data warehouses, integration, and modern security principles will ensure you can shape and sustain a robust, future‑ready data environment.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are incredibly important to us; we have a culture of belonging. We’re always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce to ensure we can provide the best service possible for everyone. It’s not just about the professional experience you bring – we’re interested in who you are and your potential. If there’s an adjustment to our recruitment process that would help you to be your best, speak to our team and they’ll be happy to help.