Data Governance Lead

Data Governance Lead (Contract)Location: London (2 days per week onsite)
Contract: Inside IR35
Start: Immediate
Duration:6 months initial contract

We're supporting a research company looking for an experienced Data Governance Lead to establish and mature its enterprise data governance capability.
This is a high-impact role, initially split 50% hands-on delivery and 50% strategic leadership, with responsibility for defining governance frameworks while also helping implement them.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the enterprise data governance strategy and roadmap
• Establish governance frameworks, policies, standards, and controls
• Lead data quality, metadata, lineage, and stewardship initiatives
• Support AI and analytics by ensuring trusted, well-governed data
• Drive governance across Azure-based data platforms, including Purview and Databricks
• Partner with business and technology stakeholders to embed governance into day-to-day operations
• Ensure compliance with data privacy, security, and regulatory requirements

Required Experience

• Strong background leading enterprise data governance programmes
• Experience with Azure, Microsoft Purview, Databricks, or similar cloud data platforms
• Expertise in data quality, metadata, lineage, and governance tooling
• Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on
• Excellent stakeholder management and transformation experience