Description
Summary
Purpose:
The Governance and Data Lead is a key role within the Enterprise Applications team. As the IT Applications we use continue to rapidly evolve, offering exciting opportunities for new approaches and increased digital adoption across the organisation, this role ensures we continue to operate our systems in a safe and secure way. Responsible for defining, delivering and managing the governance approach used across some of our core systems, this requires applying expert knowledge of data management and IT governance best practice.Landscape:
The Governance and Data Lead reports into the Head of Enterprise Applications. The role line manages a Data Administrator and works closely with other roles in the team (e.g. Functional Leads, Product Owner), directing and influencing to ensure prioritisation and delivery of all aspects of governance. The role is also a key Subject Matter Expert (SME) business partner interface to stakeholders across the organisation. Working closely with teams such as Data Protection Office, Security & Risk and architecture is key for success.
The core systems are currently Microsoft Dynamics 365/ Power Platform/ copilot studio and related applications. Core principles also cover the wider Enterprise Apps corporate solutions (e.g. Workday, iTrent).
This remit is critical to ensure the provision of services that enable AQA’s ongoing alignment with legal/ regulatory requirements and standards such as UK GDPR, ISO27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus. Active risk management and robust continuity planning are key to this provision of reliable and secure applications.
Activities:
Deliver, own and manage the evolving governance framework across our growing product set. This includes aspects of our broadening approach such as AI deliverables and enabling citizen developers.
Ensure that the governance approach supports and enables both our digital adoption strategy and the optimal utilisation of our core systems to deliver maximum business value
Be the trusted Subject Matter Expert (SME) to stakeholders of all levels across the business on matters relating to data structure, security, management and quality within our products.
Inform and influence strategic decision making by leading and driving best practice initiatives
Drive cross-departmental improvements and be a leading voice to shape change when representing the Enterprise Apps product set within relevant organisation-wide governance and data forums.
Work with senior stakeholders to set strategic direction for exploitation of data
Be the champion of data integrity on the systems, applying solid understanding of data management principles and best practice, and business data needs.
Influence, steer and challenge data owners across the business to ensure they proactively engage with the best practice governance frameworks/ policies and own and manage their data accordingly.
Hold functional delivery teams and wider stakeholders to account to ensure system change deliveries and day-to-day working practices adhere to the defined governance approach at all times.
Utilise relevant data monitoring/ oversight tools and perform basic system configuration
Manage relevant external suppliers, ensuring support services remain optimal at all times.
Own and manage the processes relating to key governance aspects, e.g. user access, data retention.
Develop, manage, monitor and continually improve governance policies, procedures and practices to ensure the team is always audit ready. Ensure compliance with all relevant standards.
Own and proactively manage the departmental risk log, ensuring alignment with central framework.
Drive cost-effective system use by usage of appropriate licence profiles and ongoing tracking/ review of licence allocation and approach. Provide all budget inputs for licence and usage system costs.
Stay abreast of regulatory changes, best practice approaches and product updates to adopt a continuous improvement approach, ensuring the ongoing optimisation of our governance.
Train, coach and support end users and data stewards. Support functional delivery as required
Model leadership behaviours and get the very best from direct/ matrix managed reports and teams
Ensure AQA is safe and legally compliant by applying AQA’s policies and other legislative/ regulatory requirements and standards, including ISO9001/ ISO27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus.
Where business needs change, undertake other responsibilities of a commensurate level outside the terms of this role profile.
To be successful in this role, you will need to know:
Experienced governance manager with demonstrable track record of delivering and managing a robust data/ system governance approach
Expert knowledge of data management principles, approaches and IT governance best practice
Strong knowledge and experience of relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks including UK GDPR, ISO9001/ ISO27001, Cyber Essentials Plus
Experienced audit lead, used to successfully ensuring and demonstrating all required controls and processes are in place to meet and exceed audit requirements.
Be a skilled communicator, influencer and negotiator to manage senior stakeholders and ensure the appropriate governance is always at the heart of our decision making
Have a customer focused approach, ensuring processes are always designed to optimise customer experience and value
ITIL qualification preferred
Strong understanding of the functionality and applications of process automation, CRM and AI toolsets. Direct experience of Microsoft Dynamics/ Power Platform preferred.
Have a continuous improvement (CI) mindset and a solid track record of CI delivery
Experienced people manager, who can drive and inspire individual and team performance.
Operate in a structured way to prioritise competing demands and ensure effective fast paced delivery.