Data Governance SME at Version1

The Role We are looking for a Data Governance Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join our Data Engineering and Data & AI practice, supporting enterprise and regulated clients—particularly within Investment Banking and Financial Services. This is a senior, hands‑on role for an individual who has designed and implemented Data Governance frameworks in complex investment banking environments, balancing regulatory compliance with pragmatic delivery. You will operate as a trusted adviser to both technology and business stakeholders, shaping governance strategy while ensuring adoption across data platforms and delivery teams. What You’ll Be Doing • Leading the design and implementation of Data Governance frameworks across enterprise data platforms • Working with Investment Banking stakeholders (Risk, Finance, Operations, Compliance, Technology) to align governance with regulatory and business requirements • Defining and embedding governance capabilities including: • Data ownership and stewardship models • Data quality management and controls • Metadata management and lineage • Data classification and access controls • Policy, standards, and operating models • Translating regulatory obligations (e.g. BCBS 239, GDPR, risk and control frameworks) into practical, implementable governance controls • Partnering with Data Engineers, Architects, and Platform teams to ensure governance is built into data platforms, not layered on after the fact • Supporting adoption of governance tooling (e.g. data catalogues, lineage, quality tooling) and integrating them into delivery ways of working • Coaching delivery teams and client stakeholders on governance best practice and sustainable operating modelsWhat You’ll Bring • Strong, demonstrable experience implementing Data Governance in an Investment Banking environment (essential) • Deep understanding of data governance disciplines including data quality, lineage, metadata, ownership, and controls • Experience operating in highly regulated environments, working closely with risk, compliance, and audit functions • Ability to bridge business, regulatory, and technical perspectives—translating policy into delivery‑ready solutions • Experience working alongside modern data platforms (e.g. cloud data platforms, lakehouse architectures, analytics ecosystems) • Strong stakeholder management skills, with credibility at senior client and programme leadership level • Experience contributing to governance strategy, target operating models, and phased implementation roadmaps