Head of Data Governance & AI

Location: Bishopsgate

Head of Data Governance & AI

Location:

London (Hybrid / Flexible Working)

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent Salary: £150,000-£160,000 Overview An established, large-scale organisation operating within a regulated, nationally significant sector is seeking a Head of Data Governance & AI to lead its enterprise data and AI agenda. This senior leadership role sits within the Technology and Digital function and plays a critical part in enabling data-driven decision-making, innovation, and compliance  successful candidate will be responsible for defining and delivering data governance and AI strategy, ensuring data is treated as a trusted, high-value enterprise asset while enabling advanced analytics and responsible AI adoption.

The Role This position offers the opportunity to shape how data and AI are governed, integrated, and leveraged across a complex, matrixed organisation. The role combines strategic leadership with oversight of delivery, working closely with executive stakeholders, technology leaders, and business teams. Key focus areas include data governance frameworks, data quality and integration, analytics enablement, ethical AI, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities Strategy & Leadership Own and lead the enterprise data governance and AI strategy, aligned to organisational priorities and transformation objectives. Promote a data-driven culture, embedding the use of trusted data and AI insights across business processes. Provide leadership to a federated, multi-disciplinary data community including governance, engineering, analytics, and AI specialists. Data Governance & Management Define and operate enterprise data governance frameworks covering ownership, stewardship, quality, and lifecycle management.

Ensure data assets are managed securely, ethically, and in line with regulatory and business requirements. Oversee data modelling and architectural standards to support consistency, scalability, and interoperability. AI, Analytics & Innovation Lead the responsible adoption of AI and machine learning, embedding ethical principles, transparency, and control. Enable advanced analytics and data science capabilities to support insight-led decision-making and innovation. Guide the evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies, including GenAI, where they deliver measurable value.

Platforms, Integration & Engineering Provide strategic oversight of enterprise data platforms, integration tooling, and data pipelines, including real-time processing. Support the evolution of data fabric, metadata management, and integration platforms. Ensure solutions meet performance, resilience, and security standards. Risk, Security & Compliance Manage risks associated with data usage, sharing, and AI deployment. Ensure compliance with data protection, privacy, and relevant regulatory obligations.

Partner with security, risk, and legal teams to embed governance and controls by design. Stakeholder & Financial Management Act as a senior advisor to executive stakeholders on data governance and AI matters. Translate complex technical concepts into clear business outcomes. Own resourcing, budgeting, and financial planning for the data governance and AI portfolio. Candidate Profile Proven experience in senior data, analytics, or AI leadership roles within large or complex organisations.

Strong expertise in data governance, enterprise data management, and federated or data mesh operating models. Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in highly matrixed environments and influence at executive level. Deep understanding of governance, risk, compliance, and controls relating to data and AI. Strong communication skills with the ability to bridge technical and business audiences. Track record of building and leading high-performing, future-ready teams.

Package & Benefits Competitive base salary Performance-related bonus Comprehensive benefits package Flexible and hybrid working arrangements Ongoing professional development and learning support Additional Information This is a permanent, full-time position with hybrid working. Travel to UK office locations will be required based on business needs. The organisation is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.