Key Skills

Job Description

As Head of Data Governance & Architecture, you will lead the team responsible for establishing and embedding effective data governance practices across the client's asset management group. This strategic leadership role focuses on developing, implementing, and operationalizing the frameworks, standards, and controls required to ensure trusted, high-quality data across the organization. You will play a key role in enabling data-driven decision-making and supporting the responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). By strengthening governance capabilities and aligning them with emerging AI governance requirements, you will ensure data is properly defined, owned, traceable, and compliant with both internal policies and external regulations. Working closely with business leaders, data professionals, risk and compliance stakeholders, and the AI Centre of Excellence, you will provide clear direction and governance while enabling teams to deliver business value in a practical and controlled manner. You will lead a multidisciplinary team covering data governance, data quality, metadata management, business data analysis, data architecture, and data modelling. Responsibilities Lead and further develop the Data Governance & Architecture function within APG Asset Management. Design, implement, and operationalize data governance frameworks, policies, standards, and controls. Ensure data is accurately defined, owned, traceable, governed, and maintained at the required quality levels. Drive the organization's Trusted Data agenda and support scalable data management practices. Integrate established data governance capabilities with evolving AI governance requirements. Establish governance around data ownership, metadata management, data lineage, lifecycle management, data quality, and responsible AI usage. Collaborate with Data Owners, Data Stewards, AI Leads, Data Product Teams, Business Owners, and other key stakeholders to ensure governance adoption. Partner with Risk, Compliance, Legal, and Enterprise Architecture teams to ensure regulatory compliance and adherence to governance standards. Provide strategic leadership while ensuring practical execution of governance initiatives. Ensure data architecture and data modelling activities align with Enterprise Architecture principles, governance frameworks, and Design Authority decisions. Create consistency and transparency across data management practices and drive the transition from fragmented processes to a governed and scalable data landscape. Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary team of data governance and architecture professionals. Requirements Proven leadership experience within Data Governance, Data Management, Data Architecture, or a related discipline. Strong expertise in designing and implementing enterprise-wide data governance frameworks and operating models. Deep understanding of data quality management, metadata management, data lineage, data ownership, and governance processes. Experience supporting or governing AI-related data initiatives, including responsible AI practices and AI governance principles. Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution and operational delivery. Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and cross-functional teams. Experience working with Data Offices, Data Owners, Data Stewards, Risk, Compliance, Legal, and Enterprise Architecture functions. Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements related to data governance within complex organizational environments. Understanding of data architecture and data modelling principles and their role within a broader governance framework. Excellent communication, leadership, and change management capabilities. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and driving organizational transformation in data maturity. Additional Information Full-time position (40 hours per week). Not suitable for freelance/ZZP candidates. The candidate may choose their primary office location but must travel to the alternate location approximately once every two weeks.

Core Responsibilities

Lead and develop the Data Governance & Architecture function, establishing and operationalizing frameworks, standards, controls, and practices for trusted, high-quality data. Guide a multidisciplinary team and collaborate across business, risk, compliance, legal, architecture, and AI stakeholders to strengthen governance, support responsible AI, and build a scalable data landscape.

Requirements

Requires proven leadership in data governance, data management, data architecture, or a related discipline, with strong expertise in enterprise governance frameworks and operating models. Candidates should bring deep knowledge of data quality, metadata, lineage, ownership, AI governance, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and multidisciplinary team leadership.