Section Head Data Governance

Role Overview

We are in search of a seasoned leader to take charge as Section Head of the Data Governance Unit. This pivotal position entails spearheading the formation, execution, and ongoing refinement of the Bank's Enterprise Data Governance framework. The role demands a strategic vision to foster data quality, regulatory adherence, and accountability across all data assets, aligning with the Bank's broader digital transformation and analytics ambitions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and advance the comprehensive Data Governance framework including policies, controls, and operating models.
• Champion the integration of data governance across business units, IT, risk management, and compliance teams.
• Formulate and roll out Data Ownership and Stewardship strategies articulating roles, duties, and accountability.
• Establish and manage governance bodies and escalation paths to support enterprise-wide data oversight.
• Lead initiatives targeting Data Quality enhancement, Metadata oversight, Data Lineage tracking, Data Cataloging, and management of Critical Data Elements (CDEs).
• Ensure adherence to compliance mandates and facilitate audit processes, both internal and external.
• Supervise the deployment and continual improvement of Data Governance technologies and platforms.
• Drive Master Data Governance to cultivate reliable, authoritative enterprise data sources.
• Harmonize Data Governance efforts with digital transformation, analytics, and artificial intelligence strategies.
• Build and nurture a specialist team focused on Data Governance, promoting a culture that prioritizes data-driven decisions.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in fields such as Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or closely related areas.
• Hold a minimum of 15 years’ experience in Data Management or Governance, preferably within the banking or financial services sectors.
• Proven track record of establishing and operationalizing Enterprise Data Governance frameworks from inception.
• Expertise in hands-on implementation of data governance initiatives beyond policy formulation.
• Experience crafting and adopting Data Ownership and Stewardship frameworks effectively.
• In-depth understanding of Data Quality management, Metadata Management, Data Lineage, Data Catalogs, and management of Critical Data Elements.
• Skilled in engaging and collaborating with diverse stakeholders across business, IT, risk, compliance, and audit functions.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing Data Governance teams and steering change management within organizations.
• Strong awareness of regulatory requirements, governance controls, and data risk mitigation strategies.
• Professional certifications like CDMP, DCAM, or DAMA are highly regarded.

Desired Candidate Attributes

We seek a strategic leader who has successfully built and executed comprehensive data governance programs in complex banking environments, established governance frameworks and accountability systems, and driven broad adoption of data governance practices organization-wide.