Data Governance Consultant / Lead

iO Associates is partnered with an agile, fast-growing defence consultancy delivering high-impact transformation programmes across UK defence, intelligence, and national security clients. We are looking for a Data Governance Consultant / Lead to embed enterprise-grade governance, data trust, and robust stewardship practices into complex, secure data environments. In this role, you will bridge the gap between technical delivery teams and senior client stakeholders, turning data governance into a clear driver of operational efficiency and mission value., Discovery & Assessment: Lead stakeholder interviews to evaluate current-state data maturity, audit existing enterprise data assets, and map critical business workflows. Strategy & Architecture: Collaborate with cross-functional delivery teams to design, iterate, and roll out practical governance operating models, policy frameworks, and lifecycle processes. Catalog & Lineage Deployment: Partner with client leadership to structure business glossaries, technical metadata schemas, lineage tracking, and automated asset scanning schedules. Data Quality Management: Establish proactive DQ programs-authoring validation rules, configuring baseline thresholds, orchestrating automated monitoring, and designing remediation paths. Master Data Solutions: Support MDM initiatives by mapping core domain entities, setting match/merge logic, and embedding clear data approval workflows. Stewardship Enablement: Coach and mentor emerging domain data stewards on operational policies, standard operating procedures, and compliant data consumption.

Demonstrated success architecting and delivering pragmatic governance strategies tailored to specific operational and commercial realities. Direct, hands-on configuration or delivery experience with modern governance platforms (e.g., Microsoft Purview, Databricks Unity Catalog, Collibra, Alation, Atlan, or equivalent tools). Deep functional understanding of metadata management, business glossary design, DQ telemetry, and golden-record MDM practices. Proven ability to translate abstract compliance and governance principles into measurable business value. Strong consultative and communication skills, comfortable guiding both executive stakeholders and technical data teams.