Data Governance Manager

Data Governance Manager

Location: Newforge
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
Salary: £56,863 per annum

About the Role

AFBI is seeking a strategic and driven Data Governance Manager to lead the development and implementation of our cloud-first Data Governance Framework. This is a pivotal role in delivering AFBI's data strategy, ensuring best practices in cloud data management, migration, metadata management, and secure governance are embedded across the organisation. You will shape how AFBI manages, protects, and leverages its data, enabling both scientific research and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and early implementation of AFBI's cloud data governance framework, ensuring seamless migration and integration across platforms.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to establish and embed policies, standards, and processes that support metadata management, cataloguing, and lifecycle control.

• Define and maintain data standards to improve quality, security, and discoverability.

• Promote and communicate the benefits of effective governance, ensuring buy-in across scientific, technical, and business teams.

• Drive adoption of data catalogues to improve transparency, accessibility, and trust in AFBI's data assets.

• Support agile delivery of cloud and data-related projects, particularly within Scrum and Kanban environments.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience leading cloud data governance and migration initiatives in a complex organisation.

• Strong knowledge of cloud platforms and their application in research and enterprise contexts.

• Demonstrated success implementing governance frameworks, aligned with DAMA principles and best practices.

• Proven experience in metadata management and the implementation of data catalogue solutions.

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to sell the benefits of governance to technical and non-technical audiences.

• In-depth knowledge of data architecture, relational databases, data warehouses, and master data management.

• Experience working in agile teams (Scrum/Kanban).

• DAMA-aligned experience is essential (DAMA-DMBOK framework, practices, or methodology).

• Accreditation with a relevant professional body (IRMS, CILIP, CDMP, BCS), or equivalent professional experience.

• Associate Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) qualification or equivalent.

Why Join AFBI?

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is a leader in scientific research supporting agriculture, the environment, and the economy in Northern Ireland. This role offers the opportunity to shape AFBI's cloud data future, while working in a forward-thinking and impactful public sector organisation.

• Work at the strategic heart of cloud data transformation.

• Apply your expertise in data governance, migration, and metadata management to support sustainable agriculture, food safety, and environmental protection.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams committed to innovation and public value.

• Enjoy competitive public sector benefits and a healthy work-life balance.

Apply Now!
Take the next step in your career and join a rewarding role with AFBI. Apply today or contact Hannah Fitzsimons at [email protected]