Manager - Data Management (Governance, Privacy, Quality)

Company Overview

j. awan & partners is a dynamic international Governance, Risk and Compliance consultancy based in the Dubai International Finance Centre, with a technology division innovating RegTech solutions. Their global footprint spans multiple regions including the UAE, KSA, UK, Ireland, Singapore, Porto, Pakistan, Qatar, and South Africa, providing services such as Regulatory Governance, Risk, Compliance, Finance, Recruitment, and Technology to diverse clients including financial institutions and governments.

Role Purpose

The Manager of Data Management for the Riyadh office will spearhead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of Data Management capabilities aligned with Group frameworks and local regulatory obligations. Acting as the key liaison for Data Governance, Privacy, Quality, and Incident Management, this role ensures effective control embedding, regulatory compliance, and enhancement of the organization's reputation through integrity and regulatory excellence.

Primary Responsibilities

• Adapt and implement Group Data Management policies, standards, and procedures for local subsidiary use.
• Create and maintain subsidiary-specific governance documentation, operating procedures, and guidance materials.
• Lead Data Governance functions including preparing reports, escalating risks, and tracking remediation.
• Ensure regulatory compliance across UAE, KSA, and other jurisdictions by conducting gap analyses and managing remediation plans.
• Manage Data Privacy operations including Records of Processing Activities, Data Subject Rights, data transfers, and privacy notices.
• Oversee Data Incident Management by coordinating investigations, breach assessments, and regulatory notifications.
• Conduct vendor and third-party data privacy reviews, contractual assessments, and monitor compliance.
• Drive Data Quality Management through assessments, issue tracking, and reporting metrics for continuous improvement.
• Facilitate consent management process alignment with legal requirements and advise on customer data rights.
• Provide expert advisory support to business units on governance, privacy, and quality matters, including project reviews and audit support.
• Design and deliver training and awareness initiatives tailored to local regulatory and business needs.
• Contribute to the company culture by mentoring junior staff, supporting retention, and promoting the brand internally.

Key Deliverables

• Local Data Management framework and implementation roadmap specific to KSA.
• Risk and impact assessments including Privacy and Data Risk evaluations.
• Up-to-date Records of Processing Activities (ROPA).
• Incident investigation reports and regulatory gap remediation plans.
• Governance committee reports and dashboards.
• Vendor assessment documentation confirming regulatory compliance.
• Data Quality reporting and issue remediation status updates.
• Training materials, delivery records, and awareness program results.

Essential Competencies and Skills

• Expertise in designing and implementing data governance models, including accountability frameworks.
• Strong understanding of KSA and UAE data privacy laws, including PDPL, SDAIA, SAMA, and CBUAE requirements.
• Competence in incident and risk management related to data breaches and regulatory notifications.
• Capability to analyze data quality issues, root causes, and develop measurable controls.
• Experience in third-party vendor assessments and contractual data protection evaluation.
• Excellent communication, presentation, organization, and attention to detail skills.

Education and Experience

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in Law, Information Management, Computer Science, Business, Finance, or a related field. Candidates must possess a minimum of eight years industry experience, including at least four years in data governance, data privacy, or data quality roles within financial services. Proven experience in implementing data governance, privacy, and data quality frameworks is mandatory. Familiarity with KSA and UAE regulations is highly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPM, CDMP, DAMA, or CISM are desirable. Fluency in written and spoken English is required, with Arabic language skills considered an advantage.