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Head of Data Governance
Location: London – Hybrid
About Howden
Howden is a global collective of 23,000+ employees passionate about pushing boundaries in insurance. Our collaborative, entrepreneurial culture drives inclusive growth, exceptional client service, and innovative products. We succeed by putting people first—our values, diverse talent, and purposeful mindset shape everything we do, from sustainable policies to groundbreaking solutions.
Why Work at Howden?
- Employee-owned with a focus on talent development, empowering individuals to build fulfilling careers.
- A culture that attracts and retains employees, setting us apart in the industry—work/life balance, career growth, and volunteer opportunities are just some of how we unite people around shared passions.
- Insightful leaders, diverse teams, and a global perspective define our strength.
The Role: Head of Data Governance
As the senior lead for data governance, you’ll design and implement the Group’s data governance strategy, ensuring data is trustworthy, secure, and governable. Report to the Chief Data Officer, collaborating closely with Data Platform, Data Protection Office, Information Security, Technology, and business leaders to embed governance across all data—aiding AI/ML, analytics, and cross-functional operations.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Operating Model
- Lead the evolution of Group Data Governance strategy, framework, and roadmap, aligning with Regulatory obligations and Group Data & Analytics Strategy.
- Define, implement, and manage the governance operating model—including governance boards, Data Owners/Stewards escalation paths, KPIs, and funding models.
Policies, Standards & Assurance
- Oversee Group data policies (classification, access, retention, usage, ethics, personally identifiable information (PII) handling) with consistent adoption across divisions.
- Establish audit and assurance processes to ensure compliance with policies, GDPR, other regulations (e.g., ISO 27001, UKGC, PCI).
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AI, Model & Resource Governance
- Partner with the Head of AI Governance to implement Responsible AI and Model Governance frameworks:
- Model registries, travel data governance, synthetic data policies.
- Explainability, bias (difference/unfairness) detection, drift monitoring.
- Define controls for AI tools (e.g., LLMs, third-party AI services): prompt governance, vendor assessment, data leakage prevention, red-team testing.
- Use GDPR-by-design principles in AI model development.
Access, Security & Privacy
- Work with InfoSec and Data Protection to implement access controls (RBAC/ABAC), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), anonymisation/de-identification, and secure data environments for analytics/AI training.
Change, Adoption & Capability
- Build and lead a Data Owners/Champions network—training, playbooks, community of practice—to drive cultural change and adoption.
- Engage with C-suite and business lines to integrate governance into product/technology delivery.
Delivery & Leadership
- Manage a small governance team and programmes, oversee budgets, and lead external supplier relationships.
- Report governance KPIs/risk to CDO, Audit Committee, and executive forums.
Requirements
Core Qualifications
- 10+ years in enterprise data governance, with at least 5 years in a senior, cross-functional governance role, track record for at-scale governance programmes.
- Insurance/financial services experience, especially in regulated industries (e.g., knowledge of how regulations such as HM Treasury financial services ruling or FCA compliance apply to data governance).
- AI & Model Governance expertise: hands-on experience in Model Risk Management, Ethics, Model Registries, explainability, drift detection, and synthetic data controls.
- Technical proficiency: knowledge of metadata/catalog tools (e.g., Collibra DQ, Informatica), modern data platforms (Snowflake/Databricks, data lakes/house, data mesh).
- Privacy & Security: deep understanding of GDPR principles, DLP, and IT Security standards such as ISO 27001; strong collaboration with Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs).
- Stakeholder Leadership: authoritative communicator with C-level executives, experience in building Data Owners/Stakeholders’ networks.
- Audit & Regulatory Readiness: proficiency in audit responses, compliance reporting.
- Relevant Education: BSc in Computer Science, Information Management, Data Science, Business Information Systems (MSc preferred).
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Desirable Certifications
- CISM, CISSP (or equivalent information security certification).
- Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) or similar.
- Coursework in Responsible AI Ethics or formal training in Regulatory A.I.
- Cloud platform security governance experience (AWS/Azure/GCP certifications).
- Optional: additional insurance/broker qualifications such as BCS Diploma in Business Analysis or CII Insurance Professional Markers.
What You’ll Gain With Howden
Career Defined by Purpose
Creatively shape your trajectory—whether it’s personal development, global giving initiatives, or pioneering insurance innovations. We align your passions with meaningful work addressing societal needs.
Support That Matters
Healthy, fulfilling lives fuel a productive workplace—and ours fuels yours. We invest deeply in work-life balance, sustainability, and a people-first approach.
Diversity and Inclusion
We celebrate differences: open to all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Our strength is shaped by how we support and uplift each other—devotionally and professionally.
Sustainability Commitment
We’re building a sustainable legacy—taking care of how we impact our people, the planet, and our actions. This mission is embedded at every level, from policies to governance practices that align with safety, equity, and environmental stewardship.
Let’s create something transformative.
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