At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data governance initiatives and collaborate across teams to enhance data quality.
- Company: Join Volkswagen Financial Services, a leader in the financial sector with a focus on data-driven strategies.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, car schemes, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique contributions.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming data into a strategic asset for a global company.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in data governance within banking or financial services is essential.
The predicted salary is between 86625 - 86625 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £86,625 pa dependent on experience as well significantly discounted car schemes, fuel card, generous pension, holiday and so much more.
Location: Milton Keynes
Hybrid Working: Our current hybrid working policy requires a minimum of 60% of working time to be based in the Milton Keynes office; flexibility is expected to meet the needs of the business and the role.
Hours / Contract Type: Full time permanent, 35 hours per week
Closing Date: 19/05/2026. We reserve the right to close the advert earlier if we receive a high volume of applications.
Are you passionate about turning data into a strategic asset? At Volkswagen Financial Services, we’re on a mission to become a truly data‑driven organisation—and we need inspiring leaders to make it happen. We’re looking for a data leader to champion data governance to maximise the value of data as a strategic business asset through education, influencing and delivery.
You’ll report to our Head of Data and you’ll lead collaboration across the organisation to implement and continually evolve our data governance framework, embed data ownership and stewardship, and optimise data quality.
What you’ll be doing:
- You’ll lead and scale the development of the Data Governance capability, as a key pillar of the organisation’s enterprise data strategy, establishing and embedding data governance as a core organisational capability which is integral to business decision making, regulatory compliance and change delivery frameworks.
- Collaborate with other enterprise data capabilities (e.g., Data Architecture, Business Analytics, Data Products, Data Engineering), business functions and strategic change programmes to provide end‑to‑end data and governance services.
- Own and lead the Enterprise Data Governance Framework, and supporting policies and standards, aligning with the enterprise data and business strategies, to enable the business to become a data‑driven company in line with VWFS global strategy.
- Develop, coach, engage, motivate and manage the teams to perform at their best, role‑modeling effective people leadership and enabling a positive and inclusive culture.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory (ECB, FCA, PRA, etc.) and HQ requirements, acting as the UK single point of contact (SPOC) for Data Governance and for BCBS239, interfacing directly with supervisory teams.
- Implement Data Ownership and Data Stewardship, partnering with role‑holders up to Director level to establish the roles and responsibilities that ensure effective management of critical data assets.
- In collaboration with our IT team, own and implement Data Governance technology that supports effective management of data assets and enables the business to fully utilise and benefit from the technologies via training and ongoing support.
What you’ll bring:
- You’ll be an experienced Data Governance Manager or Head of Data Governance with a proven track record working in the Banking or Financial Services sector.
- Essential experience & skills
- Expertise in enterprise data governance frameworks and regulatory compliance.
- Appreciation of the regulatory environment within Financial Services (ECB, PRA, FCA) and knowledge of BCBS239/RDARR and GDPR regulatory requirements.
- Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing talent and driving performance.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex data concepts clearly.
- Familiarity with Collibra and Informatica data governance tooling.
What’s in it for you?
- Bonus: Discretionary 10% on‑target bonus (based on personal and Group company performance)
- Pension: Employer pension contribution of 9% (based on employee contribution of 3%). VWFS will pay 6% if employee chooses a 2% employee contribution.
- Car schemes: Choice of Employee Car Ownership (ECO) scheme for petrol/diesel and hybrid vehicles plus car insurance and fuel card.
- Company Car scheme: for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) plus car insurance cover for you and a partner/eligible family member.
- Other benefits: From day 1 we provide income protection, life assurance (4× salary), retail discount vouchers, access to Care Concierge (a service to support carers of adults), along with other salary sacrifice options including a will writing service and cycle to work (subject to scheme restrictions).
- After successful completion of probation, you will have access to private medical insurance for you (with the option to buy additional family cover), access to our loan car scheme for up to 2 cars for your partner or eligible family members (subject to scheme restrictions) and during our annual benefit window you can purchase critical illness cover and dental cover, so you can select the benefits that matter to you.
- We invest in our people and are passionate about driving development. You’ll have access to LinkedIn Learning via our Degreed platform as well as a host of professional development programmes and opportunities to build your technical and soft skills so you can further develop your career.
- We also offer mentoring schemes and reciprocal partnerships recognising that we can all learn from each other in the flow of work.
About Us
VWFS is proud to be an inclusive employer and encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion isn’t just a statement for us, we encourage and aspire for all our colleagues to be their 100% self. If you need any reasonable adjustments to assist you with the application and/or recruitment processes, please contact our Resourcing Team.
This role does not meet the UKVI’s criteria for the skilled worker sponsorship route, therefore we are unable to accept candidates requiring sponsorship for this role.
Category Manager - Operations employer: VWFS
At Volkswagen Financial Services, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary of up to £86,625 and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous pension contributions, discounted car schemes, and private medical insurance. Our inclusive work culture fosters employee growth through access to professional development programmes and mentoring opportunities, all while working in a dynamic hybrid environment in Milton Keynes that encourages collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role of Category Manager - Operations. Keep it concise and impactful, highlighting your data governance expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Category Manager - Operations. Highlight your experience in data governance and leadership, and don’t forget to mention any relevant regulatory knowledge you have. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about data governance and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific examples from your past that demonstrate your expertise and leadership skills.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role is all about data, make sure to showcase your experience with data governance frameworks and tools like Collibra and Informatica. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve used these in your previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at VWFS
✨Know Your Data Governance Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in enterprise data governance frameworks and regulatory compliance. Brush up on your knowledge of BCBS239, GDPR, and the specific regulations relevant to the Financial Services sector. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in developing talent and driving performance. Think about times when you’ve motivated a team or influenced senior stakeholders. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively in this role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools
If you have experience with Collibra or Informatica, be ready to discuss it. If not, do some research on these tools and how they relate to data governance. Showing that you understand the technology landscape will give you an edge and show your commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to data governance and compliance. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them. This will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking during the interview.
