Data & AI Governance Lead

Data & AI Governance Lead Stevenage - Hybrid Contract - Inside IR35

Our client is seeking an experienced Data & AI Governance Lead to establish and embed a practical, scalable data governance capability across a large, complex organisation.

This is a hands-on, outcome-focused contract role responsible for creating the foundations of Data & AI Governance, enabling effective data ownership, stewardship, governance decision-making, and the safe adoption of AI technologies, including Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish a minimum viable Data & AI Governance Framework
• Define and embed Data Ownership & Stewardship models
• Launch and facilitate a Data & AI Governance Forum
• Identify critical data domains and governance priorities
• Evaluate and activate Microsoft Purview (E5) capabilities
• Support governance readiness for M365 Copilot deployment
• Define governance KPIs and deliver a structured handover

Essential Experience

• Proven track record establishing data governance within large organisations
• Strong experience with Microsoft Purview (or similar governance platforms)
• Expertise in data ownership, stewardship and federated governance models
• Experience working across business, security and Microsoft 365 environments
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills

Desirable

• Experience supporting M365 Copilot or AI governance initiatives
• Background in federated operating models
• Experience within regulated or infrastructure-intensive sectors

We’re looking for someone who is pragmatic, delivery-focused and comfortable operating in evolving environments. Success will be measured by the implementation of a functioning governance capability that is adopted, operational and ready to scale.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply now with your updated CV in Microsoft Word/PDF format.

Disclaimer Notwithstanding any guidelines given to level of experience sought, we will consider candidates from outside this range if they can demonstrate the necessary competencies. Square One is acting as both an employment agency and an employment business, and is an equal opportunities recruitment business. Square One embraces diversity and will treat everyone equally. Please see our website for our full diversity statement.

• Proven track record establishing data governance within large organisations
• Strong experience with Microsoft Purview (or similar governance platforms)
• Expertise in data ownership, stewardship and federated governance models
• Experience working across business, security and Microsoft 365 environments
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills

Desirable

• Experience supporting M365 Copilot or AI governance initiatives
• Background in federated operating models
• Experience within regulated or infrastructure-intensive sectors

We’re looking for someone who is pragmatic, delivery-focused and comfortable operating in evolving environments. Success will be measured by the implementation of a functioning governance capability that is adopted, operational and ready to scale.

Square One is acting as both an employment agency and an employment business, and is an equal opportunities recruitment business. Square One embraces diversity and will treat everyone equally. Please see our website for our full diversity statement.