Data Governance Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Data Governance Manager to join the Tech function at Yorkshire Water and be part of helping Yorkshire Water provide the best service to our customers. What we do: We ensure that over 5.4 million people in the region and visitors can rely on our services, have clean and safe drinking water on tap, and that wastewater is taken away. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire's water today, tomorrow, 24/7, 365 days a year. The IT function is a key part of how we plan to meet changing expectations from customers and regulators. Ready to lead a game changing transformation in how we govern data and processes? At Yorkshire Water, we’re looking for a visionary leader to drive our enterprise‑wide governance strategy, shaping the frameworks that underpin quality, compliance, and performance across the business. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders to embed a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. If you’re passionate about driving excellence, influencing at the highest levels, and delivering meaningful change, we’d love to hear from you.

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• Define strategic direction for Data Governance and Data Quality standards
  
• Develop and maintain Yorkshire Water's Data Governance & Quality Framework in collaboration with senior leaders
  
• Chair both the Data Owner & Data Steward forums, bringing together senior stakeholders to drive collaboration and make strategic data decisions
  
• Lead the enterprise Data Quality (DQ) programme, defining DQ rules, metrics, and thresholds for Critical Data Elements (CDEs)
  
• Provide training, support, and guidance to the Data Stewards community to empower them to manage data quality and compliance within their domains
  
• Champion the value of Data Governance and Data Management across the organisation
  
• Oversee metadata management and maintenance of a central Business Glossary and Data Catalogue, ensuring key data terms, definitions, business rules and data lineage are accurately documented and accessible
  
• Develop and deliver data literacy and Data Governance training programmes to raise awareness and capability
  
• Possess strong leadership skills with experience in managing change and driving cultural transformation
  
• Ensure the Data Governance Framework directly supports and provides assurance for regulatory reporting to Ofwat, the Environment Agency (EA), and the DWI
  
• Measure and report on maturity levels, setting clear targets with data/process owners
  
• Lead communication and engagement to embed Data Governance culture across all levels
  
• Monitor external trends and build partnerships to anticipate change
  
• Engage with external bodies to stay ahead of governance best practices
  
• Influence stakeholders at all levels to support transformation aligned with corporate values
  
• Establish and maintain sector-leading standards for data governance and quality
  
• Align frameworks with architectural design and other organisational structures (e.g. IMS, Audit, Risk & Controls, KPI tree)
  
• Proven experience in a senior Data Governance role, with a demonstrable track record of successfully implementing a Data Governance framework
  
• Exceptional stakeholder management, influencing, and communication skills, with the ability to engage with both technical and non-technical audiences at all levels
  
• Degree-level qualification in a numerate, data-focused, or equivalent professional experience
  
• Practical knowledge or experience with at least one ISO standard related to data, process, or quality (e.g. ISO 38505, ISO 9000, ISO 27000, ISO 8000, ISO 37170, ISO 16175, ISO 15944)
  
• Certification or equivalent experience with deep understanding of Data Governance principles, methodologies, and best practices (e.g., DAMA-DMBOK)
  
• Proven track record of leading transformational change in large organisations using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kepner-Tregoe
  
• Hands-on experience implementing Data Governance Frameworks in complex organisational environments
  
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, particularly with managers, senior leadership and directors
  
• Experience in drafting and implementing effective policies within large organisations, ideally aligned with ISO standards
  
• Demonstrates high standards of integrity and ethical conduct
  

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• We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience (up to £84,000)
  
• A company car lease/allowance scheme (£4,980 cash allowance)
  
• Annual incentive related bonus (up to 15% of annual salary)
  
• Private health care (Self and partner, if applicable)
  
• Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution)
  
• Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary
  
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays - plus an extra wellness day
  
• A great benefits package - choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover
  
• Retail savings scheme
  
• Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more
  
• Flexible working patterns and job share options where possible to support work-life balance
  

We operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and we are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer adjustments to make your application experience comfortable and straightforward. If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application. Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible. No agencies please.