Data Governance Manager

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

The Data Governance Officer will define and lead the organisation’s global data governance strategy.

Responsible for establishing and embedding a Framework of policies, standards and practices that enable the trusted, accessible and strategic use of all enterprise data.

This role will be instrumental in supporting major initiatives such as the development of AI capabilities, data warehouses and advanced data visualisation platforms. As the team is newly established, the Data Governance Officer will play a key role in shaping its structure and building its capabilities.

By championing best practices and continuous improvement, the role ensures that data is managed as a strategic asset, enabling informed decision-making and safeguarding sensitive information in line with the organisation’s commitment to compliance and operational excellence.

This role is remote first. The role comes with some expectation of travel of 3 - 4 times per year across our European locations.

What You'll Be Doing

Define, develop and implement a Global Data Governance Framework, that:

• Sets the requirements around Data Definition, Classification, Ownership and Quality.

• Establishes Policies, Standards, Templates and Best Practice.

• Is in line with relevant Aerospace and Defence and other regulatory requirements.

• Is relevant for all business functions and domains.

Embed the Data Governance Framework into the company by:

• Collaborating with Business Functions globally.

• Developing and delivering training programmes.

• Acting as a subject matter expert on data governance for strategic projects and transformation initiatives.

• Identifying and coordinating data owners and stewards across the business.

• Leading Communities of Practice globally to spread knowledge and best practice.

• Working with IT teams to ensure the company’s data systems and infrastructure are in line with governance principles

• Leading or supporting audits and assessments related to data governance and regulatory compliance.

Support the design and implementation of AI, cloud-based data lakes, data warehouses, and data visualisation platforms.

Manage and resolve data governance issues, ensuring timely escalation and remediation.

Evaluate, select, and support the implementation of data governance tools and platforms.

What You'll Bring

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Management, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field.

• 5+ years’ experience in data governance, data management, or information security within a regulated industry.

• Strong understanding of global data protection and aerospace/defence regulations.

• Experience with data governance tools, enterprise data architecture, and cloud-based data platforms.

• Demonstrated ability to establish data governance capabilities from the ground up in a complex organisation.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Strategic thinking, analytical ability, and attention to detail.

• Project management skills and ability to drive cross-functional initiatives.

• Demonstrated commitment to compliance and ethical data management.

Desirable

• Professional certifications (e.g. DAMA CDMP, CIPP/E, CISSP, TOGAF).

• Experience working specifically within aerospace and defence environments.

• Experience implementing or managing data governance operating models.

• Knowledge of metadata management, master data management (MDM), and data quality frameworks.

What We'll Offer

Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.

• Company car allowance £5,500pa (pro rata)

• Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis.

• Life Assurance 8 x salary.

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays.

• Flexible working hours including the ability to finish at 12noon on a Friday.

• Income protection.

• Shopping discounts.

• Cycle To Work Scheme.

• Employee Assistance Programme.

• Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family.

• A collaborative, dynamic working environment.

As well as a competitive package we’ll offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly! We’ll support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. That’s the beauty of being part of a global business, once you’re on board you never know where you career journey may take you!

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. ​

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