Data Governance SME

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 models

What 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

Nice to Have

• 10+ Years Experience
• Experience with data governance tooling (e.g. data catalogues, lineage or quality platforms)
• Exposure to large‑scale data programmes across Front Office, Risk, Finance, or Regulatory Reporting
• Consulting or advisory experience in Financial Services or Investment Banking
• Familiarity with cloud‑native data platforms and modern data engineering practices

Why Version 1? 

 At Version 1, we believe in providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises their wellbeing, professional growth, and financial stability. 

• Share in our success with our Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme, where employees collectively benefit from a share of our company's profits 
• Strong Career Progression & mentorship coaching through our Strength in Balance & Leadership schemes with a dedicated quarterly Pathways Career Development programme 
• Flexible/remote working, Version 1 is tremendously understanding of life events and people’s individual circumstances and offer flexibility to help achieve a healthy work life balance 
• Financial Wellbeing initiatives including; Pension, Private Healthcare Cover, Life Assurance, Financial advice and an Employee Discount scheme 
• Employee Wellbeing schemes including Gym Discounts, Bike to Work, Fitness classes, Mindfulness Workshops, Employee Assistance Programme and much more. Generous holiday allowance, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, marriage/civil partnership leave and special leave policies 
• Educational assistance, incentivised certifications, and accreditations, including AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat 
• Reward schemes including Version 1’s Annual Excellence Awards & ‘Call-Out’ platform. 
• Environment, Social and Community First initiatives allow you to get involved in local fundraising and development opportunities as part of fostering our diversity, inclusion and belonging schemes. 

And many more exciting benefits… drop us a note to find out more.    

Version 1 is an equal opportunities employer. 
 
We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone feels valued and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences, and we value the different perspectives people bring. 
 
We want every candidate to have a positive and accessible recruitment experience. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process, please contact [recruiter email address] at Version 1. We will consider all requests carefully, respectfully and confidentially. 

Version 1 is an equal opportunities employer. 

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone feels valued and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences, and we value the different perspectives people bring including those shaped by disability and neurodiversity. 

We want every candidate to have a positive and accessible recruitment experience. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process, please contact your recruiter at Version 1. We will consider all requests carefully, respectfully and confidentially. 

Video links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_d3ELTH5zo