Data Governance Manager

Job summary

We are looking for experienced Data Governance Managers to join a dedicated and forward-looking team, helping to shape how data is governed, assured and enabled across the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO).

This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in a part of UKHO that is central to our future direction. You will help lead and operate the Data Governance Framework, support the governance of critical data assets, and build a trusted, reusable and scalable data capability. Working with the Head of Data, our Master Data Management team, technology and architecture specialists, and stakeholders across the business, you will help embed clear policies, standards and controls into day-to-day delivery.

You will join at a point where there is real momentum, a clear direction of travel and tangible opportunities to influence how data governance is developed and applied in practice. As part of a highly collaborative and evolving team, you will help deliver meaningful change and build the conditions for data to be used with confidence where quality, integrity and responsible use really matter.

At the UKHO, data sits at the heart of how we deliver the world’s most comprehensive range of marine geospatial information. That information supports safe navigation and global trade, underpinning wider marine activity including economic development, environmental protection, scientific research, resource use, and security and defence.

Hybrid working

This role requires regular contact, collaboration and discussions with a wide range of stakeholders across the UKHO and beyond. Whilst much of that could be successfully achieved via remote working communication channels, it’s anticipated that the role holder will attend the office for 40%-60% of their working time to maximise knowledge transfer, collaboration, information sharing and the provision of close support to the business.

Additional Information

Part-time hours may be considered for this role (minimum of 26 hours per week)

Job description

The Data Governance Manager will lead and evolve UKHO’s Data Governance Framework, helping to ensure data is governed, assured and used effectively across the organisation. Working closely with the Head of Data, the Master Data Management team, key technology and architecture specialists, and stakeholders across the business.

The role will help embed practical governance, clear accountabilities and trusted ways of working that support both immediate delivery needs and the longer-term development of UKHO’s standards-led, data product-focused operating model.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of the organisation’s Data Governance Framework, ensuring our data is governed and managed appropriately, is aligned to UKHO data strategy and business requirements, MOD and UK government policies, and recognised best practise.
• Be responsible for defining and supporting the implementation of a clear Data Governance Model, including:
  • ownership and stewardship responsibilities, ensuring that accountabilities are understood and applied consistently across the organisation,
  • enabling the identification and cataloguing critical data assets, and
  • enabling organisation-wide data quality management through effective processes, monitoring, and tools
• Ensure practical, risk-based data governance throughout the data lifecycle – from creation to disposal – by collaborating with delivery teams, data practitioners, and senior stakeholders to support business goals.
• Support the management of data related risks and escalate where necessary to appropriate decision-making groups. This includes balancing regulatory and policy compliance with the need to enable safe, effective and timely use of data.
• Develop organisational capability in data governance and management, including advocating for better use and management of data, improving data literacy and fluency, and supporting the effective adoption of data governance roles. This will be achieved through guidance, engagement, mentoring, training and targeted communications.
• Provide data governance and management advice, insight and assurance to governance forums and senior stakeholders, enabling consistent enterprise-wide, data led and customer centric decision making.
• Represent the organisation externally on data governance matters, contributing to cross-government and international forums as appropriate, sharing best practice and ensuring that external developments are reflected in internal policies, standards and ways of working.
• Help ensure UKHO’s AI use is built on trustworthy data, governed responsibly, and scaled safely so innovation can happen with confidence. Support continued UKHO adoption and use of AI by:
  • strengthening data foundations needed for AI readiness,
  • aligning data governance with AI governance and assurance,
  • providing clarity on data ownership, accountability, and risk,
  • embedding ethical, legal, and policy requirements into delivery, and
  • supporting AI innovation while maintaining trust and transparency.

Person specification

• Demonstrable experience of leading, developing or embedding data governance practices, frameworks, standards or controls in a complex organisation.
• Experience of working with stakeholders across business and technical areas to improve how data is governed, managed and used.
• Capable of translating governance, policy or strategic requirements into practical approaches, guidance or improvements that can be applied in delivery.
• Strong understanding of data governance concepts such as ownership, stewardship, data quality, risk, assurance and lifecycle management.
• Experience of providing clear advice, challenge and assurance to senior stakeholders, governance groups or delivery teams.
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences, building shared understanding and influencing positive change.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of multi-disciplinary teams, contributing to shared goals, supporting colleagues and fostering a culture of openness, trust and continuous improvement in how data is governed and managed

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £48,746, UK Hydrographic Office contributes £14,121 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

At the UK Hydrographic Office, it's very important to us that our people feel valued.

We offer a huge range of benefits such as training and development, well-being support, flexible/ homeworking, a fantastic state of the art building, high spec equipment, and so much more.

See our attached Candidate Information Pack for more details.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (p