Data Governance Manager

Are you looking for more than just a job? Do you want to have a voice and feel a sense of belonging? At ICW Group, we hire innovative people who consistently adapt, grow and deliver. We believe in hard work, a fun work environment, and embracing creativity that only comes about when talented people collaborate to develop solutions. Our mission is to create the best insurance experience possible.
 

Headquartered in San Diego with regional offices located throughout the United States, ICW Group has been named for seven consecutive years as a Top 50 performing P&C company offering the stability of a large, profitable and growing company combined with a small-company entrepreneurial spirit. Our purpose-driven ethos provides team members with opportunities to contribute, develop, and belong. 

PURPOSE

The Data Governance Manager will serve as a strategic and technical leader, responsible for building and implementing a robust data governance framework across ICW Group. This role will drive data quality initiatives, establish and enforce policies, ensure compliance with relevant data regulations, and champion a culture of data stewardship. As a key leader, the Senior Data Governance Manager will work cross-functionally to align data management with business goals, maximizing the value of data assets while mitigating risks.

This position demands expertise in data management, data architecture, data modeling, metadata management, and implementing scalable governance processes. The role requires leadership in defining the strategic roadmap for data governance and ensuring seamless integration with ICW Group’s broader technology and business objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, build, and implement a scalable data governance framework aligned with ICW Group’s strategic objectives.

• Oversee the development and implementation of data quality standards, policies, and procedures to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of data across systems.

• Ensure compliance with industry regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and company policies. Proactively manage risks related to data usage and privacy.

• Collaborate with IT, data analytics, business units, and legal/compliance teams, and others, to ensure cohesive governance across all levels of data use.

• Act as a subject matter expert and change agent to foster a data-driven culture. Provide leadership, mentorship, and direction to data stewards across the organization.

• Lead the technical implementation of data governance tools, including metadata management, data lineage, and data catalog solutions.

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for data governance initiatives and provide ongoing reporting and insights to leadership on progress, issues, and opportunities for improvement.

• Stay ahead of industry trends and best practices in data governance, ensuring ICW Group’s approach is forward-looking and adaptable.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to align the data governance strategy with business and technology goals, driving initiatives that enhance data accessibility, quality, and value creation.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises a team of data governance professionals and ensures effective team operations in line with ICW Group policies and applicable laws. This role includes the following key supervisory responsibilities:

• Leads the interviewing, hiring, and onboarding process, ensuring new team members possess the necessary technical skills and align with ICW Group’s culture and values.

• Plans, assigns, and directs the daily work of the Data Governance team, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities. Proactively manages workload distribution, forecasting staffing needs, and planning for peak periods and absences.

• Conducts regular performance reviews, setting clear performance expectations and goals. Leads the salary review process, ensuring that compensation aligns with individual contributions and organizational standards.

• Recognizes high performers and fosters a culture of achievement through rewards and recognition. Addresses performance issues proactively and enforces disciplinary actions, when necessary, in compliance with company policies.

• Actively mentors and coaches team members, focusing on their professional growth and development. Creates and monitors individualized development plans to enhance skills and expand knowledge in data governance practices.

• Ensures adherence to departmental policies and procedures, fostering a compliant and productive work environment. Addresses complaints, resolves issues promptly, and maintains a culture of open communication within the team.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field.

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in data governance, data management, or similar roles required.

• Experience in the insurance industry preferred.

• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Certifications in relevant data governance technologies and methodologies are preferred, including but not limited to:

• CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional)

• MDMC (Master Data Management Certified)

• DGQP (Data Governance and Quality Professional)

• CIPM (Certified Information Privacy Manager)

• CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control)

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Strong understanding of data governance frameworks, tools, and best practices to lead and implement robust governance strategies.

• Technical Expertise:

  • Proficiency in data governance tools, particularly in data cataloging and metadata management (e.g., Alation) and data discovery and classification (e.g., BigID).

  • Advanced SQL proficiency for querying, data validation, and analysis.

  • Experience with ETL/ELT tools for data ingestion (e.g., Fivetran).

  • Deep familiarity with cloud-based data platforms (e.g., AWS Aurora, Redshift, Snowflake), especially in managing data across hybrid environments.

  • Experience with data quality and master data management tools for ensuring data integrity and consistency.

• Comprehensive knowledge of data privacy regulations, such as GDPR, CPRA, and CCPA, and their impact on data governance strategies.

• Communication and Stakeholder Management:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into easily understandable terms for various audiences.

  • Strong interpersonal skills to engage and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.

  • Proven ability to present information effectively to ICW staff, executive management, and external audiences.

• Analytical mindset with the ability to diagnose problems, identify solutions, and drive effective outcomes in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale data governance projects, including strong organizational, project management (Agile), and leadership skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and build consensus, with experience using collaboration tools like Smartsheet, Jira and Confluence to manage workflows and communication effectively.

• Must be able to read, write, and speak English effectively in business and technical contexts.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Office environment – no specific or unusual physical or environmental demands and employees are regularly required to sit, walk, stand, talk, and hear.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in an office environment and requires the frequent use of a computer, telephone, copier, and other standard office equipment. The noise level is usually quiet in the work area with moderate noise in the computer room.

The current range for this position is

This range is exclusive of fringe benefits and potential bonuses.  If hired at ICW Group, your final base salary compensation will be determined by factors unique to each candidate, including experience, education and the location of the role and considers employees performing substantially similar work.

WHY JOIN ICW GROUP?
•    Challenging work and the ability to make a difference
•    You will have a voice and feel a sense of belonging
•    We offer a competitive benefits package, with generous medical, dental, and vision plans as well as 401K retirement plans and company match
•    Bonus potential for all positions
•    Paid Time Off with an accrual rate of 5.23 hours per pay period (equal to 17 days per year)
•    10 paid holidays throughout the calendar year
•    Want to continue learning? We’ll support you 100%

ICW Group is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. ICW Group will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.