Head of Data Governance

Job Description

Join our Chief Data Officer on his leadership team as our new Head of Data Governance! In this role you will be responsible for providing strategic guidance and leadership in all data governance matters. Your primary goal will be to uphold high standards of data usage, ensuring compliance with regulations and ethical guidelines.

In this role, you will be responsible for establishing the strategy and framework for data management and governance across our UK&I operations. Duties will include fostering a consistent understanding and application of this framework, policies, and standards to mitigate risks and maintain data use standards throughout the business.

At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers. You'll work at least 40% of your week away from home, moving to the majority of your working week from September 2025. Away from home means either attendance at one of our office locations, visiting clients or attending industry events.

What you’ll be doing:

• Own, define and embed data management, policy and standards for AXA UK&I
• Responsible for establishing and defining the framework for data governance and risk for first and second line across the AXA data estate to include – privacy, retention, Meta data, MDM/reference data.
• Create a Data Quality framework roll out and embed this across UK&I Data Governance teams.
• Work with the chief data officer to provide strategic oversight of data governance throughout the organisation.
• Set and monitor the adherence to data governance policies, frameworks and standards.
• Be accountable for understanding and managing the organisational data risks and issues, and co-ordinating with data owners to accept or resolve them.
• Act as an SME advisor on the best practice of data security development, in partnership with data enterprise architecture
• Maintain effective long-term relationships at a senior level with decision-makers and influencers across AXA UKI
• Advocate and champion the use of improved data risk management and practices within the organisation.
• Encourage improved data literacy and understanding of data governance within the organisation.

Due to the number of applications we expect to receive for this role, we reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the listed closing date to ensure we’re able to effectively manage interest. Therefore, if you’re interested in joining us at AXA, please don’t hesitate to apply.

What you’ll bring:

• Expertise, in delivery and implementation of governance frameworks at Enterprise level 
• Effective collaboration and influencing of key stakeholders at MC level.
• Problem solver able to identify root cause and develop optimal solutions.
• Proven successful of delivering significant and complex programmes and portfolios within complex organisations at a senior level.
• Experience of cross-functional working and matrix management.
• Communicate through ability to tell compelling stories using the most appropriate medium.
• Make complex recommendations at a tactical and strategic level.
• Present in clear ways to communicate complex messages.
• Very results orientated - delivery before/on time and to highest quality.
• Able to think conceptually and strategically.
• Strong verbal and written communication – articulate and concise
• Skilled in relationship management and able to connect quickly with key stakeholders

As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.

What we offer:

At AXA UK, we’re appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that.

You can expect to receive:

• Competitive annual salary
• Annual company & performance-based bonus
• Discretionary company & performance-based bonus
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions)
• Life Assurance (up to 10 x annual salary)
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Opportunity to buy up to 5 extra days leave or sell up to 5 days leave
• AXA employee discounts
• Gym benefits

To apply, click on the ‘apply for this job’ button, you’ll then need to log in or create a profile to submit your CV. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long-term condition or disability and require adjustments during the application or interview process, we’re proud to offer access to the AXA Accessibility Concierge. For our support, please send an email to suzie.elliott@axa-uk.co.uk .

Who we are:

AXA UK Support Functions power AXA’s three customer-facing business units, providing the infrastructure, support and expertise to ensure our customers can always count on us. Whether you’ve got heaps of experience and qualifications behind you, or you’re just starting out, we’ll give you the support and opportunities to help you grow and develop with confidence.