Data Governance & Information Architecture Manager

Function

We’re looking for a Data Governance & Information Architecture Manager to join our client’s enterprise data organization and play a strategic leadership role in shaping the future of data governance, information architecture, and data-driven transformation initiatives. Acting as a trusted partner to senior leadership and as the right hand to the Head of Data, you will drive enterprise-wide governance frameworks, information modelling strategies, and data quality initiatives across a complex international environment.

Your Role

In this position, you will bridge governance, architecture, business, and project teams to ensure that data is managed securely, efficiently, and in alignment with strategic objectives, compliance obligations, and operational needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Defining and executing the vision, strategy, roadmap, and KPIs for data governance and enterprise information architecture;
• Designing and maintaining enterprise information models, conceptual and logical data models, and mappings for key business entities;
• Developing and enforcing governance frameworks, policies, standards, stewardship models, and accountability structures;
• Leading initiatives around metadata management, data lineage, data cataloguing, and information documentation;
• Driving enterprise-wide data quality management practices, monitoring frameworks, and continuous improvement initiatives;
• Supporting strategic programs, business transformation initiatives, and cross-functional data governance activities;
• Acting as a key point of contact for discussions involving data exchanges, GDPR, data ownership, retention, access management, and usage conditions with internal and external stakeholders;
• Collaborating closely with Legal, Security, Privacy, IT, Enterprise Architecture, operational teams, and business leadership to ensure alignment with governance, privacy, and security principles;
• Assessing risks and opportunities related to information usage, partnerships, and new business initiatives;
• Promoting a strong data-driven culture and governance mindset across the organization.

Leadership & Technical Expertise

Our client is seeking a senior data management professional with strong expertise in:

• Enterprise Data Governance frameworks and best practices;
• Enterprise Information Architecture and information modelling;
• Data classification, taxonomies, ontologies, metadata management, and lineage;
• Master Data Management (MDM) and Business Intelligence environments;
• Data privacy, GDPR, security, and regulatory compliance;
• Distributed data ecosystems, cloud, and hybrid analytics platforms;
• Stakeholder management within large and complex organizations;
• Building, mentoring, and leading high-performing data governance teams.

Relevant certifications such as TOGAF, CDMP, DM-BOK, or equivalent are considered strong assets.

The Ideal Candidate

• Minimum 8 years of experience in Data Governance, Information Architecture, or related enterprise data domains;
• Experience operating within large-scale international organizations;
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities;
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage both technical and business stakeholders;
• Ability to translate governance and architecture concepts into practical business value;
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information Management, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field;
• Fluent in English and either Dutch or French.