Master Data Governance Lead

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

Smith+Nephew is hiring a Master Data Governance Lead

(fixed term contract until 31.10.2026)

We are looking for a Master Data Governance Lead to join our Global Data & Analytics team. In this role, you will be responsible for building and leading enterprise-wide data governance frameworks and solutions to ensure our data is high quality, well-managed, and compliant with internal and external standards. You will work closely with business units, IT, and leadership teams across the organisation to shape the strategy, policies, and tools that support effective data management.

What you will be doing?

• Establish and drive enterprise-wide data governance, data quality, and data management frameworks and roadmaps.

• Serve as a key liaison between business and IT to define, prioritise, and communicate data-related requirements and solutions.

• Develop and maintain governance policies, playbooks, and processes related to data quality, security, privacy, and lifecycle management.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory data protection requirements and lead implementation of data governance tools and systems.

• Support business units in resolving data quality and availability issues, collaborating with data engineers and analysts to improve connected datasets.

• Define and lead governance of analytics use cases and ensure proper oversight of the Enterprise Data Lake.

• Champion the strategic value of data across the organisation by leading change management, communication, and user adoption initiatives.

• Represent data as a strategic business asset in leadership discussions and identify opportunities to drive business value through better data practices.

What will you need to be successful?

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in data governance, data management, or data quality in large-scale organizations.

• Solid experience in complex data analysis and validation, using tools such as SQL, Python, Informatica PowerCenter, etc.

• Working knowledge of master data management and governance tools such as Informatica (EDC, Axon, DPM), Alation, Embarcadero, Winshuttle, EFLOW, Appian, or ServiceNow.

• Strong understanding of end-to-end data lifecycle, structured/unstructured data, and data quality improvement practices.

• Ability to work across diverse systems including SAP, Axapta, Eflow, Matrix, and Movex.

• Excellent Excel skills and proficiency in reporting and analytics tools (e.g. Power BI, Business Objects, SAP SQVI).

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics.

• Proven ability to lead change, build relationships across virtual teams, and act as a subject matter expert in data governance.

At Smith+Nephew we offer

Inclusion, Diversity and Equity: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website 

Your Future: annual bonus, life insurance, company stock saving plan 

Work/Life Balance: paid volunteering hours, flexible approach 

Your Wellbeing: private health care with dental care package, multisport card/my benefit platform 

Flexibility: possibility of working in hybrid model 

Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, subsidies for language classes, certifications and postgraduate studies 

Extra Perks: referral bonus, recognition program, mentoring program 

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