Data Governance Manager (12‑month contract)

About the role

We are seeking a Data Governance Manager on a 12‑month contract to shape and embed data governance practices across a leading UK legal organisation. Working in a hybrid model from London, you will partner with senior leadership to build a structured governance framework that improves data quality, clarity and control throughout the data lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Support the development and delivery of the organisation's data governance programme and roadmap.
• Partner with business stakeholders to establish and embed governance best practices.
• Define and maintain standards, policies and processes covering the full data lifecycle.
• Develop clear business definitions and promote a common understanding of critical data.
• Document the enterprise data estate, including ownership, accountability and stewardship models.
• Lead or support the implementation and adoption of data cataloguing capabilities.
• Establish and monitor data quality practices, metrics and controls.
• Engage and influence stakeholders across multiple functions to drive governance initiatives.
• Contribute to privacy and data‑protection activities, aligning governance with compliance objectives.

Required profile

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a Data Governance Specialist, Manager or similar role.
• Hands‑on experience delivering data governance initiatives and frameworks.
• Practical knowledge of DAMA principles and recognised data‑governance best practices.
• Experience implementing or supporting data‑catalogue solutions.
• Understanding of strategic direction for a data‑governance function.
• Exposure to data‑quality management and related controls.
• Experience defining and documenting enterprise data estates, including ownership and stewardship concepts.
• Excellent stakeholder‑management skills, able to engage both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Required skills