Data Governance Lead | Circa £75,000 negotiable + excellent benefits | Permanent | Hybrid  

At Thatcham Research, data underpins everything we do – from advanced analytics to collaboration with members, partners and customers across the automotive and insurance ecosystem. We’re now looking for a Data Governance Lead to define, embed and evolve our enterprise-wide data governance strategy at a pivotal moment of growth and innovation.

This is a high-impact leadership role where you’ll ensure our data is trusted, well-managed and used responsibly, whilst unlocking business value. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, Data Owners, legal, compliance and technical teams to establish clear accountability across the data lifecycle – including how new datasets are introduced, governed and shared.

You’ll also play a key role in shaping governance for advanced analytics, AI and LLM-based solutions, ensuring data used in emerging technologies aligns with ethical, contractual and regulatory standards.

As the Data Governance Lead, you'll be responsible for:

• Defining and leading an adaptive, business-aligned data governance strategy

• Establishing a value-focused governance operating model with Data Owners and Stewards

• Developing clear, pragmatic policies, standards and processes that support both business agility and compliance

• Governing the acquisition and introduction of new data sets, balancing opportunity and risk

• Leading governance for direct data sharing with members, partners and customers

• Implementing and embedding a data cataloguing solution to improve transparency and discovery

• Driving strong metadata, data quality and lifecycle management practices

• Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on data risk, value and governance trade-offs

• Supporting audit readiness through proportionate, embedded governance controls

• Setting principles for data used in analytics, AI and LLMs, in collaboration with technical leaders

Skills & experience that will set you up for success in this role:

You’ll bring deep experience of enterprise data governance and the confidence to influence at senior level. You’ll be practical, commercially minded and comfortable navigating complexity.

Essential experience and skills include:

• Proven experience defining and delivering enterprise-wide data governance strategies

• Thorough understanding of adaptive or risk-based governance approaches

• Experience embedding data ownership and stewardship models

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to balance business value, risk and compliance

• Experience governing the lifecycle of new and existing data sets

• Knowledge of data governance for advanced analytics and LLM-based solutions

• Hands-on experience with data governance or cataloguing tools such as Microsoft Purview, Informatica or Collibra

Desirable:

• Experience supporting external data sharing initiatives

• Experience in working with Legal teams and data sharing contracts

• Exposure to automotive, insurance or related sectors

• Experience contributing to data literacy or cultural change programmes

• Relevant data governance or data management certifications (e.g. DAMA, DCAM)

Did you know...

Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don't apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.

We know the perfect candidate doesn't exist! If you think you have what it takes but don't tick every box, we'd still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit!

Perks & Benefits

Salary - Circa £75,000 negotiable dependent on skills & experience.

• 10% non-contributory pension

• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays

• Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)

• Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)

• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)

• Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure

• Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform

• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)

• Benenden Health Care (opt-in benefit)

• Reward & Recognition Programme

• Discounted gym membership

• Sports & Social club

• Payroll charitable giving

• Subsidised on-site restaurant

• Free on-site parking

When we work

Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – we take work-life balance seriously. Part-time hours also considered.)

How we work

We understand the benefits of remote and in-person collaboration and therefore have a hybrid working model – you’ll be expected to work from our office in Thatcham at least two days per week.

What we do

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.

Our Gamston facility is one of the UK’s leading sites for active safety, trialling and assessing the latest crash avoidance and driver assistance technologies.

Our Values

As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual's authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.

Beyond our partnerships with the Automotive 30% Club and Women in Data (WiD), we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.

Recruitment process

We’re proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.

What can you expect from our recruitment process?

• Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application

• An initial telephone screening call with a Talent Acquisition Partner

• First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams

• Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)

• Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!

• An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above

Check out our post on using AI during your application and interview!

We’re committed to removing barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.

If you're experiencing any issues with our career site or application from, please let us know here: careers@thatcham.org ⁠