Data Governance Manager at Department for Work & Pensions, Ponypridd/Remote, £Contract Rate

The Estates Data & Systems team serves as an agile enabler and assurer to DWP Estates, supporting the delivery of its strategy through the full data lifecycle - ensuring reliable, validated and assured data, systems and insights. This is achieved in part through the delivery of the Estates Data & Systems Strategy aligned with the broader DWP, DWP Digital and DWP Estate Strategies.

We are seeking an experienced Data Governance Manager to join our Estates Data & Systems Team. In this pivotal role you will ensure 

effective data management and governance across the organisation. Reporting to the Data Governance Lead, you will help implement data strategies, enhance data quality, and optimise data assets.

Based within the ESMA function of the Estates Directorate, you will strengthen data management capabilities across the organisation, including data quality assurance, metadata management, master data management, data modelling, and the creation of data standards across both business-as-usual (BAU) and Workplace Services (WPS) delivery.

As a Data Governance Manager your main responsibilities will be to:

• Ensure Policy & Performance Alignment - Oversee data activities to ensure alignment with policy, business objectives, and efficiency goals.
• Data Management & Compliance - Support the development and implementation of the data management strategy and governance framework, focusing on data standards and quality metrics.
• Drive Innovation & Continuous Improvement - Identify emerging trends to improve data management culture and contribute to strategic business and project plans.
• Support BAU Operations - Ensure effective delivery of reporting and data functions, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to align with DWPE's data strategy.
• Develop Strategic Reporting - Support new reporting initiatives aligned with business goals, working closely with senior management.
• Build effective relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

Essential:

• Extensive data governance experience, including data compliance, quality, metadata and master data management, data modelling, and the development of data standards, frameworks, and strategy.
• Proven leadership in data initiatives, with experience in developing and implementing data strategies, assessing capabilities, defining roadmaps, and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across complex organisations, including both internal and external stakeholders.
• Effective communicator, capable of producing technical and non-technical documentation, advising diverse audiences, and leading organisational change for data adoption.
• Strategic and adaptable thinker, able to align data initiatives with evolving business needs and drive continuous improvement.
• Technically proficient, with experience in digital delivery programmes, data ownership and governance, and strong command of Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DWP guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

DWP guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.