Data Governance Lead

Reporting to the Head of Data Engineering & Insight, the Data GovernanceLead is responsible for establishing and embedding best-in-class datagovernance frameworks, policies, and practices across the organisation.This role ensures that data assets are well-defined, well-managed, andcompliant with internal and regulatory standards, enabling high-quality,trusted data for business decision-making.

The Data Governance Lead will act as a subject matter expert, providingguidance on data ownership, stewardship, and governance best practices.They will work closely with data stewards, engineers, analysts, andbusiness stakeholders to develop a culture of accountability and improvedata literacy across the organisation.

In addition to hands-on governance implementation, this role is expected to influence strategic decisions by ensuring that data is governed in linewith regulatory requirements and business needs. They will contribute tothe continuous improvement of data governance maturity, ensuringalignment with industry standards and the organisation's overall datastrategy., * Own, define, and implement NGED's data governance framework,ensuring alignment with business objectives, regulatory requirements,and best practices in data management.

• Support the Head of Data Engineering & Insight in shaping the futureroadmap for data governance, driving adoption of industry-leadingstandards, tools, and methodologies to improve data quality andcompliance.
• Lead the development and enforcement of data policies, standards, andprocedures, ensuring a structured approach to data governance thatenhances data integrity, security, and accessibility.
• Establish and maintain data ownership and stewardship models,defining clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability structures toensure proper data management across the organisation.
• Drive the adoption and optimisation of data governance tools andtechnologies, supporting data cataloguing, metadata management, anddata lineage tracking to improve data transparency and accessibility
• Collaborate with data engineers, analysts, data scientists, and businessstakeholders to embed data governance best practices into day-to-dayoperations, ensuring consistency and compliance across all data assets.
• Implement and oversee data quality management processes,proactively identifying and resolving data inconsistencies, gaps, andinaccuracies to improve trust in business-critical data.
• Provide training and support to promote data literacy, governanceawareness, and best practices, ensuring all teams understand their rolein maintaining high-quality data.
• Monitor and report on data governance effectiveness, producinginsights on data quality, compliance, and governance maturity, anddriving continuous improvement initiatives.

Do you have experience in SDLC?, * Strong influencing skills and ability to communicate technicalinformation to both technical and non-technical audiences, clearly andconcisely.

• Excels at working with people and developing teams (coaching, training,facilitating and collaborating).
• Detailed knowledge/experience of the NGED product suite.
• Able to work under pressure and adapt to shifting priorities, demandsand timelines and quickly update stakeholders on impact (potential oractual) to the defined delivery timecales.
• High self-awareness and emotional intelligence, able to recognise theimpact of their own behavior on others.
• Eagerness to continually develop self through high quality training andthe latest industry trends with regular, guided self-reflection and"mentoring".
• Knowledge and experience of implementing and leading a systemsengineering strategy, SDLC strategy, and working with cloudtechnologies (AWS, Azure and GCP).
• Experience in implementing data governance tools and platforms, suchas AWS DataZone, Collibra, or Informatica.
• Deep understanding of data quality, metadata management, and datalineage tracking methodologies.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage andinfluence technical and business teams.
• Experience in defining and implementing data ownership andstewardship models within large organisations.

• Competitive Salary: circa £62,000 - £73,000 per annum (dependent on location, capability, and experience).

Additional benefits:

• Flexible benefits such as a cycle scheme, share incentive plan, technology schemes
• Ongoing career development and support to help you cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, course fees, books, examination fees and time off for study leave - so long as it is relevant to your role
• Access to apps such as digital GP service for round the clock access to GP video consultations and NHS repeat prescriptions, wellbeing app to support your health and fitness
• Access to Work + Family Space, providing support and resources for work and family life, including paid emergency childcare and eldercare

At National Grid, we keep people connected and society moving. But it's so much more than that. National Grid supplies us with the environment to make it happen. As we generate momentum in the energy transition for all, we don't plan on leaving any of our customers in the dark. So, join us as a Data Governance Lead and find your superpower. National Grid is hiring a Data Governance Lead for our Electricity Distribution (NGED) team. This role is designated as hybrid, with an expectation of one or two days per month in one of our offices. Requirements may vary based on business needs and company policy.