Data Governance Lead

Data plays a critical role in helping us understand our global audiences, enhance customer experiences, and drive sustainable growth. As we continue to evolve our data platform, expand self-service capabilities, and scale the use of data and AI, we are looking for a Data Governance Lead to shape and deliver our governance strategy.

The role sits within the Privacy, AI and Data Governance function, led by the Chief Privacy Officer. As Data Governance Lead, you will lead the delivery of data governance across BBC Studios, establishing clear ownership, embedding best practices, and ensuring governance is practical, risk-based, and effective. You will manage the data governance team and work closely with data owners, stewards, platform and product teams, and colleagues across analytics, privacy, security and AI., You will provide expert advice, monitor the effectiveness of the framework and escalate material risks and issues to the Chief Privacy Officer.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

This is an opportunity to take an established data governance framework into its next stage of maturity. You will have the scope to improve how governance works in practice, help embed it into a developing data platform and enable the business to use data and AI with greater confidence. The role combines team leadership, technical credibility and organisation-wide influence, while working within an established Privacy, AI and Data Governance function., Framework Development and Delivery:

• Lead the continued development and implementation of the data governance framework, translating agreed data governance priorities into practical delivery plan for the data governance team.
• Drive the implementation of clear data ownership, stewardship, decision-making and accountability across the organisation.
• Work with data owners and stakeholders to identify critical data and establish appropriate quality standards. Track governance adoption, data quality and control effectiveness to drive continuous improvement. *

Data Platform & Self-Service:

• Work with platform, product, engineering and architecture teams to embed governance into data platforms, products and delivery processes.
• Develop practical standards for data access, classification, metadata, lineage, retention and usage.
• Support safe self-service through scalable controls and reusable governance practices. Lead the implementation and adoption of governance tools and capabilities, including data catalogues and data quality solutions. *

Leadership & Influence:

• Manage and develop the data governance team, fostering high performance and collaboration.
• Build and support a strong community of data owners and stewards through guidance and training.
• Provide clear, evidence-based advice to senior stakeholders and delivery teams.
• Represent data governance in key data and AI initiatives, ensuring risks are identified and managed early. Manage specialist suppliers where required and build sustainable internal capability. *

• Strong experience in a data governance role implementing data governance frameworks, policies and standards within a complex organisation.
• Experience in line management and developing a team.
• A strong command of data governance disciplines, including ownership and stewardship, metadata, lineage, data quality, data risk and policy development.
• Experience embedding governance into modern data platforms, data products or self service analytics, working closely with engineering, architecture and product teams.
• Experience Implementing or effective use of data catalogues, metadata platforms, lineage tools or data quality technology.
• A practical understanding of how privacy, security, legal and regulatory obligations affect the collection and use of data. Experience working effectively partner with senior stakeholders across business and technology functions. *

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:

• Governance of data used in AI, machine learning or automated decision making, or experience working alongside an AI governance function.
• Data product operating models, federated governance or data mesh principles.
• Experience working in media or another organisation with diverse data domains and stakeholder groups.
• Experience of operational risk management in large and complex organisations Working knowledge of cloud data platforms, SQL, Python or analytical tools sufficient to engage credibly with technical teams. Hands on engineering experience is not required. *

• A flexible 35-hour working week with 26 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and the option to buy an extra five days.
• Defined pension (up to 10% employer contributions).
• Caring and parenting support, 24/7 remote GP access, life assurance and accident benefit.
• BBC Studios is a world leader in operating sustainably both on and off screen. Find out more about BBC Group’s science-based Net Zero targets here .
• Career development in a values-led purpose-driven culture.

Benefits may vary if you are joining on an FTC basis.

Learn more about life at the BBC and our values in our candidate pack. Candidate pack

You belong

We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, so all our employees feel that they can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.

We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

Find out more about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our strategy below. Diversity, inclusion & belonging strategy

A globally renowned media company borne of the BBC. We make and distribute the world’s most sought-after TV, audio and digital content. Our ambition is to be the home of the most powerful, entertaining, and inspiring stories for people all around the world.