Lead Data Governance Manager

Job summary

Please note this role requires you to pass Security Check clearance. For further information, please see 'Selection process details'.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Data Governance Manager to join the Chief Data Office (CDO) Leadership Team at a critical stage in DWP’s transformation into a data-driven organisation.

Data is one of DWP’s most important strategic assets. It underpins decision-making, service delivery, innovation and our ability to improve outcomes for citizens. The Chief Data Office leads the department’s Data Strategy and Data Governance Framework, providing the policies, standards, advice and guardrails that enable data to be used ethically, legally and effectively across DWP.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for delivering and evolving key governance products and services and driving greater adoption of data governance practices across DWP. We are looking for a collaborative leader who enjoys working as part of a wider leadership team, can adapt to changing priorities in a fast-moving environment and is passionate about finding new and better ways to solve problems. The Chief Data Office is evolving its approach to data governance, focussing on user needs, iterative improvement and delivering practical products and services that provide measurable value across DWP.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape how data governance operates within one of the largest government departments, influence senior leaders across DWP and help create the conditions for trust in data that enable the department to maximise the value of its data assets for the benefit of citizens.

Job description

The Lead Data Governance Manager is a senior leadership role within the Chief Data Office. As a member of the CDO Leadership Team, you will provide strategic direction for data governance across DWP and lead the development and delivery of the products, services, policies and frameworks that support the department’s Data Strategy.

You will play a key role in ensuring data is governed effectively, ethically, legally and in a way that builds public trust. Working collaboratively across DWP, Digital and Data and wider government, you will develop strong partnerships that enable effective data decision-making.

As the Chief Data Office continues its transition towards a product-led operating model, you will help shape how data governance products and services are designed, delivered and continuously improved. You will be comfortable responding to changing business needs and priorities, encouraging experimentation and innovation and fostering a culture of collaboration, learning and continuous improvement across your teams.

Specific data governance responsibilities will change over time. Typical responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic leadership for the Data Governance function as part of the Chief Data Office leadership team.
• Sponsor and oversee the delivery of key data governance products and services, ensuring they are user-centred, scalable, continually improved and responsive to changing departmental priorities.
• Lead engagement with senior leaders, business areas and delivery teams to understand governance needs and ensure governance solutions enable, rather than inhibit, the effective use of data.
• Provide expert advice to senior stakeholders on data governance, such as data ethics, data quality, data maturity or data sharing.
• Establish mechanisms to monitor compliance, evaluate effectiveness and report on progress against governance objectives and strategic outcomes.
• Lead and support organisational change activities that strengthen DWP's data culture, encourage innovation and continuous improvement and reinforce the treatment of data as a strategic asset.
• Build productive relationships with key stakeholders across DWP, government and the wider data community, influencing strategic decision-making and driving collaboration.
• Develop and nurture a high-performing, inclusive team, creating an environment where people can learn, develop and thrive.
• Produce high-quality briefings, reports and recommendations for the Digital and Data Board, Executive Team and other senior governance forums.

Person specification

See selection process for further details.

If you would like to learn more about the role, please contact [email removed].

Technical skills

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

• Data Governance (Expert)

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £75,026, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £21,735 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).

We also have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:

• Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
• Generous annual leave – at least 25 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro–rata for part time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave.
• Support for financial wellbeing, including interest-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme.
• Health and wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme for specialist advice and counselling and the opportunity to join HASSRA a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly).
• Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year’s continuous service.
• Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career. This includes industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes.
• An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks including Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more.

Hybrid Working

This role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work.

If a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for the role and for you, you will normally be required to spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted working hours from your DWP office.

If you have a disability, caring responsibilities, or other circumstances that may affect your ability to meet the minimum office attendance requirement, please discuss this with us using the contact details in this advert.

Salary Information

New entrants to the Civil Service will join on band minimum.

Existing Civil Servants who secure a new role on lateral transfer will maintain their current substantive salary.

Existing Civil Servants who gain promotion will move to the bottom of the grade pay scale or receive a 10% increase applied to their current substantive salary, whichever is greater.

Any temporary allowances that you are currently in receipt of will not