Head of Data Governance

Description

Zutari: Co-creating an engineered impact.

Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with almost 90 years' experience. As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa.

We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people's lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

What kind of talent do we pursue?

We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and share a sense of urgency. People who have an impact in our teams and broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

Role Overview

The Head of Data Governance is responsible for leading and implementing enterprise-wide data governance strategies, ensuring compliance with data regulations, and embedding best practices for data management. The role requires expertise in POPIA compliance, data strategy, data storage and taxonomy, data dictionary, master data management, data access principles, data architecture, data platforms, oversight on MI, BI & Analytics with SME guidance thereof, and alignment with DMBOK standards. This individual will work closely with stakeholders across the organization to drive a culture of data stewardship, ensuring data is leveraged effectively and responsibly to enable business growth, improve efficiencies and foster innovation.

Role Responsibilities

Data Governance Strategy & Compliance

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Data Governance Framework, aligning with industry best practices and regulatory requirements such as POPIA and others (e.g. Many retention requirements for engineering deliverables are contained in engineering professional acts and codes, e.g. how long we need to keep issued for construction, published for contractual purposes, as built deliverables)
• Establish policies, processes, and controls to ensure compliance with data protection regulations and organizational objectives.
• Foster a data stewardship culture across the enterprise to drive accountability for data quality and governance.

Data Strategy & Architecture

• Define and execute the enterprise data strategy, ensuring alignment with business and IT objectives.
• Oversee data architecture as a key component of enterprise architecture, ensuring consistency, integration, and security of data assets.
• Establish data classification and taxonomy frameworks to standardize data usage across the organization.

Data Storage & Access Management

• Define and implement data storage solutions, ensuring scalability, security, and compliance.
• Develop and enforce data access principles, ensuring appropriate access control, role-based permissions, and data security.
• Lead initiatives to improve data discoverability and accessibility across business functions.

Data Dictionary, Metadata & Master Data Management

• Oversee the development and maintenance of the enterprise data dictionary, ensuring clarity and consistency in data definitions.
• Implement metadata management practices to enhance data lineage, traceability, and usability.
• Implement master data management practices to enhance the management and ownership of reference data entities.

Data Platform & Analytics Enablement

• Drive the design and implementation of a modern data platform, enabling advanced analytics, AI, and business intelligence capabilities.
• Ensure data platform scalability, interoperability, and performance optimization.
• Collaborate with data engineering and analytics teams to ensure a robust data ecosystem.
• Provide oversight of data and information asset outputs in terms of BI, MI and Analytics and provide SME guidance on ways of work and improvement, which is aligned with optimal data platform performance.

DMBOK Alignment & Best Practices

• Align data governance practices with the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK).
• Continuously monitor emerging trends in data governance, adopting innovations to enhance data management practices.
• Provide expert guidance on data governance best practices, fostering a data-driven culture within the organization.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Partner with IT, Legal, Compliance, and Business Units to embed data governance across all functions.
• Provide executive-level reporting and insights on the state of data governance, risks, and opportunities.
• Serve as a trusted advisor for senior leadership on data governance, risk management, and data-driven decision-making.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors degree in data management, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or related fields.
• 10+ years of experience in data governance, data management, or enterprise data strategy.
• Strong knowledge of data privacy regulations (POPIA, GDPR, etc.) and compliance frameworks.
• Experience in enterprise data architecture and data management frameworks (e.g., DAMA, DMBOK).
• Hands-on experience in data governance tools, metadata management, and data lineage solutions.
• Masters degree in data science, Information Systems, or Business Administration.
• Experience in leading large-scale data governance programs within an enterprise setting.
• Knowledge of cloud-based data platforms and modern data architectures.

We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success. We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment and work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices. In support of diversity and the equal opportunity principle, preference will be given to individuals from designated groups in South Africa.