Head of Data Governance & Quality

University of East London

We’re the University of East London (UEL) founded in 1898 and proud to change lives through education. Our goal is to advance industry 5.0 careers-first education and provide a clear path to the jobs and opportunities of the future. We’re committed to driving diversity in the 5.0 talent pipeline, working in partnership to promote talent wherever it is found and creating a balanced, inclusive, and green future.

But we can't achieve this goal alone. We need forward-thinking, innovative, and curious individuals like you to join our community and help us craft our future. As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people who share your passion for creating positive change. We’re an inclusive and welcoming community that is constantly moving forward, never satisfied with the status quo.

About the Job

As Head of Data Governance & Quality, you’ll provide leadership for the University’s Data Governance and Quality agenda, ensuring that governance structures, ownership models and quality standards are clearly defined, embedded, and continuously improved. Working across academic and professional services areas, you’ll shape and oversee the institutional framework, providing senior oversight and assurance that data used for decision-making, reporting, and compliance is trusted, well-managed, and fit for purpose. The role will also champion a culture of data integrity to support delivery of Vision 2028.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the University’s Data Governance & Quality Framework
• Define and embed a clear operating model for data ownership, stewardship, and accountability across academic and professional services areas
• Establish institutional data quality standards, thresholds, and assurance approaches aligned to regulatory, operational, and strategic needs
• Oversee the development of data quality monitoring and reporting mechanisms, ensuring they provide meaningful visibility and drive behavioural change
• Chair or lead relevant data governance forums, ensuring effective decision-making, prioritisation, and escalation of risks
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders on data risk, quality, compliance, and governance maturity
• Champion a culture of data accountability and integrity at senior level, influencing behaviour beyond the BI function

About You

You have experience in a data, information, governance or reporting role and enjoy improving how organisations manage data as a trusted asset. You’re confident working with a wide range of stakeholders to investigate and resolve data quality issues and you can explain standards and expectations clearly to non-technical colleagues. You’re practical and solutions-focused, organised and methodical, and comfortable producing data quality / exception reporting (e.g., in Power BI) and using tools such as SQL to validate and interrogate data.

Benefits Package

At UEL, we believe that a great role is about more than just a salary. It’s about the complete package, including our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture. 

We offer a genuinely competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), and a range of excellent benefits. 

You can explore our full benefits package here: 

https://uel.ac.uk/benefits-professional-services-positions

Equal Opportunities

As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we’re committed to closing the" diversity pay gap". We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and honest that there’s more to do. We’re determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive.

So, if you’d like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and committed to success, we want you to apply today!

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

To contact the recruitment team please phone +44 20 8223 3000 x 4600 or e-mail jobs@uel.ac.uk

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.