Data Governance Manager

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports & borders, defense, and urban security. Our expertise is spread across 5 R&D centers, 21 Global Offices and 7 Manufacturing Sites with 3000 Brilliant minds globally contributing for over 40 years at the frontline which enables us to deliver the solutions needed to protect our society from any threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, and narcotics. Every minute of every day, our technology and talented team members help to make the world a safer place - https://youtu.be/JmcKLJTrHLc

We are seeking an experienced Data Governance Manager to lead and embed robust data governance practices across our global manufacturing organisation. This role is pivotal in supporting our Transformation Programme, ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, and compliant across all business functions and manufacturing sites worldwide.

This role can be based in Hemel Hempstead or Bangalore. 

The successful candidate will define and implement governance frameworks, policies, and standards for master data domains (e.g., Materials, BOMs, Routings, Equipment, Vendor, Customer), enabling high-quality data to drive operational excellence and digital transformation.

This position requires strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a global mindset to influence stakeholders and deliver sustainable change.

Willingness to travel internationally to build and sustain rapport with global stakeholders is important.

Key Responsibilities:

• Data Governance Strategy & Framework
• Develop and implement a global data governance strategy aligned with business objectives and transformation goals.
• Establish policies, standards, and controls for master data management across key domains.
• Drive adoption of governance principles and ensure compliance across all sites.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee day-to-day governance activities, including data quality monitoring, issue resolution, and process adherence.
• Lead initiatives for data cleansing, enrichment, and migration during system upgrades or transformation projects.
• Implement tools and processes to improve data accuracy, consistency, and lifecycle management.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, and IT teams to embed governance practices.
• Act as the primary liaison for data governance in cross-functional projects and change initiatives.
• Influence stakeholders to adopt global standards and best practices.

Transformation Support

• Play a key role in data-related deliverables within the Transformation Programme.
• Support automation and digitisation initiatives by ensuring data readiness and integrity.
• Drive continuous improvement in data governance processes to enable future scalability

Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate some or all of the following in your career history to date: 

• Developed data governance framework / operating model.
• Defined global data standards / policies.
• Implemented governance across multiple regions or sites.
• Established data stewardship model.
• Set data quality KPIs and controls.

It's also key that your MDM experience is specifically within Manufacturing - Aerospace, Defence, Automotive, IoT or Medical. 

To find out more about life at Smiths Detection check out our LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/smiths-detection/ and follow our story

Join us for a great career and competitive compensation & benefits whilst keeping the world a safer place.

Diversity & Inclusion:

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (www.smithsdetection.com/careers)

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)