Data Governance Specialist

SUMMARY:
Purpose Summary:

• The Data Governance Specialist plays a key role in embedding data governance practices across the firm, ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, secure, and compliant with regulatory, contractual, and ethical obligations. This role works closely with business units, IT, risk and compliance, and data owners to maintain high standards of data quality, integrity, and stewardship, supporting both operational needs and strategic decision-making. Key responsibilities include defining roles and processes, creating policy documentation, implementing Master and Meta Data Management, and analysing data solutions to optimise costs and align practices with strategic goals

POSITION INFO:
Job description:
Data Management Assessments:

• Evaluate data management maturity to identify improvement areas in compliance and efficiency

• Support the execution of the firm's Data Governance Framework in line with DAMA, DCAM, and internal policies
• Collaborate with data owners, stewards, and custodians to adhere to data governance policies, standards, and processes
• Maintain and update data governance artefacts, including data dictionaries, business glossaries, and metadata repositories
• Define roles for data stewards and data owners, along with processes, tool recommendations, and KPIs that address the firm’s data quality, protection, and regulatory needs

• Create comprehensive documentation for data policies, procedures, and compliance guidelines to ensure consistency across teams, particularly in handling client information, matter data, and sensitive records

• Monitor, assess, and report on data quality using agreed metrics and KPIs
• Work with business and technical teams to identify, document, and remediate data quality issues
• Support the rollout of data-quality controls and continuous improvement initiatives

• Establish MDM and Metadata Management practices to ensure consistency and accuracy across the firm’s data landscape, enabling streamlined access to up-to-date information across the firm

• Apply and maintain data classification schemes aligned to ISO27001, POPIA, GDPR, and other relevant regulations
• Ensure proper handling of sensitive, confidential, and personal data in line with firm and regulatory requirements
• Assist in data lifecycle management, including retention and disposal processes

• Build relationships across the firm to promote a culture of data stewardship and accountability
• Develop and deliver training materials, awareness sessions, and guidance on data governance policies and best practices

• Collaborate with technical teams to configure and maintain data governance and quality tools (e.g., Collibra, Informatica, Alation, or equivalents)
• Support integration of governance capabilities into BI platforms, data warehouses, and data lakes

• Prepare and present reports to the Data Governance Committee / Steering Committee
• Contribute to risk registers, audit reports, and compliance assessments related to data governance

• 4-year Degree / NQF level 7

• Professionally qualified and experienced specialists and mid-management

• Up to 6 years