Data Governance Lead – Programme Advance

The Data Governance Lead sits at the heart of Programme Advance; our bold and transformative HCM and Payroll modernisation initiative. This role ensures that every improvement we deliver is grounded in high‑quality, trusted, and compliant data. As the organisation moves into new operating models and technologies, the Data Governance Lead will design, implement, and champion the governance frameworks that protect the accuracy, integrity, and security of employee and payroll data across all business units.

This is a role that shapes the rules of the game. You will drive the development of the policies, standards, and processes that make seamless data integration, master data management, and regulatory compliance not only achievable but embedded into the way we work. By collaborating closely with HR, Payroll, IT, and business stakeholders, you will unlock the full potential of our HCM and Payroll systems - enabling smoother onboarding, more reliable payroll cycles, sharper workforce insights, and stronger strategic decision‑making across the organisation.

In this position, you will lead the creation, management, and ongoing enhancement of the company’s data governance framework. You will work closely with senior leadership to shape and execute the strategic roadmap for data quality, compliance, and stewardship, while overseeing the policies, standards, and processes that safeguard data across Smiths Group and its divisions.

This is a full‑time role based in our Central Birmingham office, operating on a four‑days‑in‑office working model.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain data governance policies, standards, and procedures to ensure high‑quality, trusted data across the organisation.

• Establish and govern master/reference data, data quality management, data cataloguing, data lineage, and traceability as foundational capabilities for all business units.

• Collaborate with business and technical stakeholders to define data ownership, stewardship, and accountability models.

• Lead initiatives to improve data quality, resolve data issues, and drive adoption of data governance best practices.

• Oversee compliance with legal, regulatory (GDPR), and company requirements for data privacy, security, and usage.

• Facilitate the creation and maintenance of business glossaries, data dictionaries, and metadata management tools.

• Provide guidance and training to data stewards, business users, and technical teams on data governance principles and practices.

• Monitor and report on data governance metrics, including data quality KPIs, policy adherence, and remediation progress.

• Support the integration of data governance into project delivery, change management, and BAU activities.

• Act as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex data governance queries and issues. • Foster a culture of data stewardship and continuous improvement across the organisation.

• Develop and design approval processes using workflows for master data.

• Define data quality metrics and drive continuous system and data improvement.