Data Governance and Quality Lead

About the Role

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is seeking a Data Governance and Quality Lead for a temporary position lasting up to 24 months. This full-time role, based in Poole, Dorset, will operate on a hybrid working basis with a requirement to be in-office at least two days per week. The salary ranges from A342,479 to A349,976, depending on experience.

Organization Overview

The RNLI is a charitable organization dedicated to saving lives through a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service, seasonal lifeguarding, and water safety education. This role is integral to supporting the lifeboat crews and lifeguards by enhancing the organization's data capabilities and governance framework as part of its Digital Transformation Programme.

Responsibilities

• Lead and define data governance roles such as owners, stewards, controllers, and ambassadors, managing communication that fosters ownership and best practices.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to conduct audits, assess data management maturity, and negotiate acceptable quality standards.
• Maintain a solid understanding of data and database management tools and techniques.
• Utilize data quality analysis to identify and solve data condition issues and workflow blockages with strategic and tactical measures.
• Develop and deliver training programs promoting data governance and quality awareness, while coordinating with Data Protection and Information Security teams to ensure compliance.
• Establish and facilitate a cross-organizational network promoting adherence to data governance and quality principles, and advise on the use of new tools and technologies.
• Lead strategic initiatives through presentations, chairing forums, and review meetings across organizational levels.
• Manage stakeholder expectations by balancing team capacity with demand and prioritizing organizational needs.
• Support team development via coaching, identifying skill and knowledge gaps, and fostering continuous improvement within project and business-as-usual environments.

Candidate Profile

• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Competent in planning, organizing, and managing multiple priorities while balancing capacity and demand.
• Passion for continuous improvement, change management, and influencing stakeholder adoption of new processes.
• Experience delivering data governance or information management programs, including proficiency in data analysis, metrics, and reporting.
• Proven track record in stakeholder management and influence.
• Skilled in creating clear documentation such as propositions, process flows, guidelines, and instructions.
• Capable of facilitating workshops and forums focused on iterative change management and embedding best practices.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of core business processes within large organizations, including process mapping and development.
• Experience leading technical teams to fulfill organizational objectives while promoting growth and development.

Benefits

• Competitive salary between A342,479 and A349,976 based on experience.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• 26 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• An excellent pension scheme.
• Life assurance coverage.
• Health and dental cash plans.

Additional Information

Safeguarding: The RNLI is committed to safeguarding the health, wellbeing, and rights of individuals, ensuring a safe environment free from harm, abuse, and neglect. All prospective employees undergo relevant background checks according to the region and role eligibility.

Diversity Commitment: RNLI values diversity and inclusivity within its teams and encourages applications from all qualified candidates who share its core values of trustworthiness, courage, selflessness, and dependability to help achieve its vision "To save Every One."