Explore a career at the intersection of data, strategy, and leadership with Data Governance Group Manager jobs. This senior-level position is critical for any modern organization that treats data as a strategic asset. A Data Governance Group Manager is primarily responsible for building, implementing, and overseeing the enterprise-wide framework that ensures data is accurate, available, secure, and used responsibly. They act as the central figure in translating high-level data strategy into actionable policies and practices that permeate the entire organization. Professionals in these jobs typically lead a team of data stewards, analysts, and specialists. Their core mission is to establish and enforce the rules of engagement for data. This involves defining and maintaining a common business vocabulary through a data glossary, documenting the journey of data from its source to its consumption (data lineage), and implementing robust data quality standards. They are tasked with identifying Critical Data Elements (CDEs) and ensuring they meet defined quality thresholds, which is fundamental for reliable reporting, analytics, and regulatory compliance. A significant part of their role involves managing the data risk and control framework, identifying potential data-related risks, and implementing measures to mitigate them. The responsibilities of a Data Governance Group Manager are vast and strategic. They are responsible for developing materials and reporting on the progress of the data governance program to senior leadership and, in highly regulated industries, to external regulators. They liaise with business units, IT, and legal departments to ensure data policies are understood and adopted. A key duty is fostering a culture of data ownership and accountability across the enterprise, which often involves significant change management and stakeholder influence. They also manage the performance and career development of their direct reports, approving budgets and making key hiring decisions for their team. Typical skills and requirements for these high-level jobs are extensive. Candidates generally possess 10-15 years of progressive experience, with a substantial portion in data management, governance, or a related field. Several years of people management and leadership experience are non-negotiable, as is a proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives. A deep understanding of data governance principles, frameworks, and industry best practices is essential. Strong technical acumen is highly beneficial, including familiarity with data governance tools (like Collibra or data catalogs), data lineage capture tools, SQL, and an understanding of data architecture. Beyond technical skills, exceptional soft skills are paramount: strategic thinking, superior communication and presentation abilities, adeptness at managing complex stakeholder relationships, and the capacity to lead organizational change. For those seeking impactful leadership roles, Data Governance Group Manager jobs offer a challenging and rewarding opportunity to shape an organization's data-driven future.
