Data Governance HYBRID - (EU NATIONALS)

We are seeking a Senior Data Governance & Transformation Consultant to join our Data Transformation team on a project basis. This role will work directly alongside the Head of Data Transformation, serving as a trusted advisor and hands-on practitioner to consolidate existing data governance initiatives and drive measurable business value.

The organization is transitioning from siloed, distributed data teams to a centralized model (with plans for future federation). With a data organization of 250+ people including data engineers, BI analysts, data architects, and external partners, significant groundwork has been laid including governance structures, target operating model concepts, and various initiatives. However, these exist as disconnected puzzle pieces. The organization needs an experienced consultant who can assess what exists, consolidate the good elements, identify and fill gaps, and make the system operational and effective.

Responsibilities:

Assessment, Consolidation & Integration

Conduct a comprehensive assessment and validation of existing data governance work, frameworks, processes, and initiatives already underway

Identify which elements are strong and valuable ("good puzzle pieces") versus what needs improvement or replacement

Synthesize and integrate disconnected initiatives into a coherent, functioning system

Identify critical gaps in the current approach and develop pragmatic solutions to address them

Help translate the target operating model (TOM) and governance structures from concept into operational reality

Ensure processes, tools, and ways of working align and function together effectively

Data Governance Framework Activation

Provide expert guidance in evolving and refining the organization's data governance framework based on what already exists

Actively participate in building out the framework, working collaboratively with the team rather than imposing external models

Help make the existing framework practical and operational rather than theoretical

Support the recently appointed Data Governance Officer in activating governance capabilities

Facilitate the adoption of governance processes and tools (including data catalogue) in day-to-day operations

Build on the already-defined governance structures (roles, responsibilities, RACI models) to ensure they function effectively in practice

Use Case Strategy & Business Case Development

Support the identification and prioritization of high-value use cases that demonstrate governance benefits, and if required participate in their execution

Develop compelling business cases for priority use cases to secure budget approval from management

Ensure use cases are selected strategically to show quick wins while addressing fundamental data challenges

Create clear ROI frameworks and success metrics for governance initiatives

Use Case Definition & Execution

Lead the definition and implementation of foundational use cases, including:

1. Employee data rationalization - identify critical data elements and establish quality rules

2. 2 Product data use cases 1 related to master data management, and the challenge related to master data vs. derived data management - address the challenge of managing master data versus calculated/derived data and establish clear principles and processes (use case specifics yet to be defined)

Coaching & Capability Building

Provide hands-on coaching to the Head of Data Transformation on data governance best practices and implementation approaches

Coach team leads and members on how to embed governance into their team's ways of working

Build capability across data team members through knowledge transfer, practical guidance, and mentoring

Support the development of data governance competencies throughout the data organization

Navigate organizational change challenges, including resistance to the new TOM and its ambitions (particularly around centralization of functions and competencies)

Facilitate forums and community-based working approaches to drive data ownership and accountability

Stakeholder Management & Communication

Demonstrate tangible value and progress to the management team through clear metrics, success stories, and business case outcomes

Support budget justification for continued data transformation investments through compelling evidence and storytelling

Help prioritize initiatives in an environment where multiple stakeholders have competing needs

Address resistance to centralization and the new target operating model through transparent communication and demonstrated value

Bridge communication between business and IT stakeholders

Essential Experience

10+ years of experience in data management, data governance, or data transformation roles

Proven track record of operationalizing data governance in complex, matrixed organizations

Strong experience in assessing fragmented initiatives and consolidating them into coherent, functioning systems

Demonstrated ability to work with existing organizational frameworks and make them practical rather than imposing new models

Experience developing business cases and securing budget approval for data initiatives

Experience working in international organizations with distributed teams

Strong analytical and synthesis skills with ability to identify patterns and connections across disconnected work streams

Technical Knowledge

Deep understanding of data governance frameworks (DAMA-DMBOK, DCAM, or similar) with ability to adapt them pragmatically

Familiarity with data architecture concepts, data modelling, and integration patterns

Understanding of master data management principles and the challenges of managing derived/calculated data

Experience with modern data platforms, tools, and technologies

Experience with change management in data transformation contexts

Managerial & Leadership Skills

Demonstrated ability to coach and develop both leaders and team members across various levels

Experience influencing without direct authority in complex organizational structures

Strong facilitation and workshop leadership skills

Ability to navigate organizational politics, competing priorities, and resistance to change

Experience managing stakeholder resistance to centralization and organizational restructuring

Personal Attributes

Pragmatic, action-oriented approach - able to work with "good enough" and improve iteratively

Comfortable with complexity and able to create clarity from fragmented situations

Excellent synthesis and pattern recognition skills - can see connections others miss

Hands-on mentality with willingness to "roll up sleeves" and work collaboratively

Cultural sensitivity for working in a family-owned, European-headquartered organization

Diplomatic and persuasive when addressing resistance to change

Strong business acumen with ability to articulate value in financial and strategic terms

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in distribution, logistics, manufacturing, or industrial sectors

Familiarity with agile and hybrid IT/business operating models

Understanding of regulatory requirements related to data (GDPR, etc.)

Experience with organizational transformations involving centralization vs. federation tensions

Multilingual capabilities (Dutch/English)