Data Governance Lead Jobs
Data Governance Lead jobs are open across financial services, healthcare, technology, and retail, from mid-level specialist to director, with specializations in data quality, metadata management, and regulatory compliance. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 311+ Data Governance Lead jobs
Who is Trace3?
Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority, providing unique technology solutions and consulting services to our clients. Equipped with elite engineering and dynamic innovation, we empower IT executives and their organizations to achieve competitive advantage through a process of Integrate, Automate, Innovate.
Our culture at Trace3 embodies the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business. Employees can grow their career and have fun while doing it!
Trace3 is headquartered in Irvine, California. We employ more than 1,200 people all over the United States. Our major field office locations include Denver, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Texas, San Francisco.
Ready to discover the possibilities that live in technology?
Come Join Us!
Street-Smart - Thriving in Dynamic Times
We are flexible and resilient in a fast-changing environment. We continuously innovate and drive constructive change while keeping a focus on the "big picture." We exercise sound business judgment in making high-quality decisions in a timely and cost-effective manner. We are highly creative and can dig deep within ourselves to find positive solutions to different problems.
Juice - The "Stuff" it takes to be a Needle Mover
We get things done and drive results. We lead without a title, empowering others through a can-do attitude. We look forward to the goal, mentally mapping out every checkpoint on the pathway to success, and visualizing what the final destination looks and feels like.
Teamwork - Humble, Hungry and Smart
We are humble individuals who understand how our job impacts the company's mission. We treat others with respect, admit mistakes, give credit where it's due and demonstrate transparency. We "bring the weather" by exhibiting positive leadership and solution-focused thinking. We hug people in their trials, struggles, and failures – not just their success. We appreciate the individuality of the people around us.
JOB SUMMARY:
As the Data Governance Lead, you will play a pivotal role in developing and rolling out an enterprise-wide Data Governance Framework, while tightly partnering with Legal, Privacy, Security, and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) teams. You will also work closely with the Data Team to define, approve, and implement governance policies and standards. Your focus will be on embedding governance practices into data lifecycle management, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of data accountability.
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Enterprise Data Governance Framework & Rollout
- Design, implement, and lead the rollout of a pragmatic, scalable, and adaptable enterprise Data Governance Framework.
- Develop supporting policy and standards architecture (e.g., data classification, metadata management, data access and usage policies).
- Embed governance by design into data pipelines, platforms, and data product development.
Policy Definition & Enforcement
- Lead the creation, approval, and adoption of data policies in close collaboration with Legal, Privacy, Security, GRC, and the Data Team.
- Ensure alignment of governance policies with regulatory and contractual requirements (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, internal risk policies).
- Develop control frameworks to assess compliance and maturity across data domains.
Data Quality & Stewardship
- Establish enterprise-wide data quality standards, metrics, and processes for issue detection and remediation.
- Empower domain-aligned data stewards and owners by providing guidance, training, and governance tools.
- Champion accountability and ownership of key data elements across the organization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with business unit leaders, product managers, and engineers to operationalize governance policies across systems and workflows.
- Drive adoption of governance principles across federated data teams through forums, working groups, and training.
Stakeholder Engagement & Change Management
- Clearly articulate the business value and regulatory importance of data governance to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Support change management initiatives to increase understanding, adoption, and integration of governance practices into daily operations.
- Lead the Data Governance Council and Data Steward Forums to sustain engagement and drive accountability.
Tooling & Metrics
- Recommend and support the implementation of data governance tooling (e.g., catalog, lineage, glossary, policy manager) in partnership with the Data Team.
- Define and track KPIs to assess framework rollout progress, data quality trends, and policy adoption.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Management Information Systems (MIS), Software Development, or a related technical field.
- 5 to 8 years of experience in data governance or enterprise data management roles.
- Deep expertise in designing and implementing data governance frameworks, policies, and standards.
- Strong cross-functional leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to drive alignment across Legal, Privacy, Security, GRC, and Data teams.
- Proven ability to communicate complex governance concepts to varied audiences and influence adoption.
- Familiarity with data governance tools (e.g., Collibra, Alation, Informatica) and modern data platforms.
- Must have big x or boutique consulting experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience leading data governance initiatives in a federated or hub-and-spoke data organization.
- Knowledge of regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and AI governance standards.
- DCAM, CDMP, or equivalent data governance certification is a plus.
EDUCATION: Bachelors with 8+ or Master with 5+ Years of Experience
LOCATION: Remote in Colorado
LENGTH OF PROJECT: Minimum 6 months
SALARY RANGE: $125 Per Hour to $150 Per Hour
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
- Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
- Operate a computer, keyboard, and other office equipment using hands and fingers.
- Communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and through electronic means.
- Occasionally move about the office to access files, office equipment, and meeting spaces.
- Lift and/or move up to 15 pounds as needed.
- Maintain specific vision abilities, including close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position is performed within a secure, classified workspace. Employees must comply with all applicable security protocols and access control procedures, including restrictions on personal electronic devices and the handling of sensitive information.
The Perks
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match, 529 College Savings Plan, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability
- Competitive Compensation
- Training and development programs
- Major offices stocked with snacks and beverages
- Collaborative and cool culture
- Work-life balance and generous paid time off
Our Commitment
At the core of Trace3's DNA is our people. We are a diverse group of talented individuals who understand the importance of teamwork and demonstrating leadership, character, and passion in all that we do.
We're committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to grow. We recognize that embracing diversity drives innovation, improves outcomes, fosters collaboration, boosts teammate satisfaction, and builds a more inclusive culture.
As an equal opportunity employer, Trace3 bases all employment decisions based on individual qualifications, merit, and business requirements. We do not engage in discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Any demographic information provided is strictly voluntary, kept confidential in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations, and will not be used in employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, or mentorship programs. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process or participate in an interview, please email recruiting@trace3.com.
***To all recruitment agencies: Trace3 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Trace3 employees or any other company location. Trace3 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.
Who is Trace3?
Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority, providing unique technology solutions and consulting services to our clients. Equipped with elite engineering and dynamic innovation, we empower IT executives and their organizations to achieve competitive advantage through a process of Integrate, Automate, Innovate.
Our culture at Trace3 embodies the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business. Employees can grow their career and have fun while doing it!
Trace3 is headquartered in Irvine, California. We employ more than 1,200 people all over the United States. Our major field office locations include Denver, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Texas, San Francisco.
Ready to discover the possibilities that live in technology?
Come Join Us!
Street-Smart - Thriving in Dynamic Times
We are flexible and resilient in a fast-changing environment. We continuously innovate and drive constructive change while keeping a focus on the "big picture." We exercise sound business judgment in making high-quality decisions in a timely and cost-effective manner. We are highly creative and can dig deep within ourselves to find positive solutions to different problems.
Juice - The "Stuff" it takes to be a Needle Mover
We get things done and drive results. We lead without a title, empowering others through a can-do attitude. We look forward to the goal, mentally mapping out every checkpoint on the pathway to success, and visualizing what the final destination looks and feels like.
Teamwork - Humble, Hungry and Smart
We are humble individuals who understand how our job impacts the company's mission. We treat others with respect, admit mistakes, give credit where it's due and demonstrate transparency. We "bring the weather" by exhibiting positive leadership and solution-focused thinking. We hug people in their trials, struggles, and failures – not just their success. We appreciate the individuality of the people around us.
JOB SUMMARY:
As the Data Governance Lead, you will play a pivotal role in developing and rolling out an enterprise-wide Data Governance Framework, while tightly partnering with Legal, Privacy, Security, and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) teams. You will also work closely with the Data Team to define, approve, and implement governance policies and standards. Your focus will be on embedding governance practices into data lifecycle management, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of data accountability.
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Enterprise Data Governance Framework & Rollout
- Design, implement, and lead the rollout of a pragmatic, scalable, and adaptable enterprise Data Governance Framework.
- Develop supporting policy and standards architecture (e.g., data classification, metadata management, data access and usage policies).
- Embed governance by design into data pipelines, platforms, and data product development.
Policy Definition & Enforcement
- Lead the creation, approval, and adoption of data policies in close collaboration with Legal, Privacy, Security, GRC, and the Data Team.
- Ensure alignment of governance policies with regulatory and contractual requirements (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, internal risk policies).
- Develop control frameworks to assess compliance and maturity across data domains.
Data Quality & Stewardship
- Establish enterprise-wide data quality standards, metrics, and processes for issue detection and remediation.
- Empower domain-aligned data stewards and owners by providing guidance, training, and governance tools.
- Champion accountability and ownership of key data elements across the organization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with business unit leaders, product managers, and engineers to operationalize governance policies across systems and workflows.
- Drive adoption of governance principles across federated data teams through forums, working groups, and training.
Stakeholder Engagement & Change Management
- Clearly articulate the business value and regulatory importance of data governance to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Support change management initiatives to increase understanding, adoption, and integration of governance practices into daily operations.
- Lead the Data Governance Council and Data Steward Forums to sustain engagement and drive accountability.
Tooling & Metrics
- Recommend and support the implementation of data governance tooling (e.g., catalog, lineage, glossary, policy manager) in partnership with the Data Team.
- Define and track KPIs to assess framework rollout progress, data quality trends, and policy adoption.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Management Information Systems (MIS), Software Development, or a related technical field.
- 5 to 8 years of experience in data governance or enterprise data management roles.
- Deep expertise in designing and implementing data governance frameworks, policies, and standards.
- Strong cross-functional leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to drive alignment across Legal, Privacy, Security, GRC, and Data teams.
- Proven ability to communicate complex governance concepts to varied audiences and influence adoption.
- Familiarity with data governance tools (e.g., Collibra, Alation, Informatica) and modern data platforms.
- Must have big x or boutique consulting experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience leading data governance initiatives in a federated or hub-and-spoke data organization.
- Knowledge of regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and AI governance standards.
- DCAM, CDMP, or equivalent data governance certification is a plus.
EDUCATION: Bachelors with 8+ or Master with 5+ Years of Experience
LOCATION: Remote in Colorado
LENGTH OF PROJECT: Minimum 6 months
SALARY RANGE: $125 Per Hour to $150 Per Hour
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
- Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
- Operate a computer, keyboard, and other office equipment using hands and fingers.
- Communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and through electronic means.
- Occasionally move about the office to access files, office equipment, and meeting spaces.
- Lift and/or move up to 15 pounds as needed.
- Maintain specific vision abilities, including close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position is performed within a secure, classified workspace. Employees must comply with all applicable security protocols and access control procedures, including restrictions on personal electronic devices and the handling of sensitive information.
The Perks
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match, 529 College Savings Plan, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability
- Competitive Compensation
- Training and development programs
- Major offices stocked with snacks and beverages
- Collaborative and cool culture
- Work-life balance and generous paid time off
Our Commitment
At the core of Trace3's DNA is our people. We are a diverse group of talented individuals who understand the importance of teamwork and demonstrating leadership, character, and passion in all that we do.
We're committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to grow. We recognize that embracing diversity drives innovation, improves outcomes, fosters collaboration, boosts teammate satisfaction, and builds a more inclusive culture.
As an equal opportunity employer, Trace3 bases all employment decisions based on individual qualifications, merit, and business requirements. We do not engage in discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Any demographic information provided is strictly voluntary, kept confidential in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations, and will not be used in employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, or mentorship programs. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process or participate in an interview, please email recruiting@trace3.com.
***To all recruitment agencies: Trace3 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Trace3 employees or any other company location. Trace3 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.
Data Governance Lead Jobs by Experience Level
See All 311+ Data Governance Lead Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Data Governance Lead JobsData Governance Lead Job Market
Who's Hiring
- JBS INTERNATIONAL15
- Citi7
- Google5
- Booz Allen Hamilton5
- Logic4
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software34
- Banking & Financial Services15
- Investment & Asset Management12
- Insurance9
- Consulting & Professional Services9
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in data governance lead jobs.
- 5 or more years of experience in data governance, data management, or a related data discipline
- Hands-on experience with data catalog or governance platforms such as Collibra, Alation, or Informatica Axon
- Demonstrated ability to develop and enforce data policies, standards, and stewardship frameworks
- Strong understanding of regulatory compliance requirements including GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, or SOX
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders including data owners, IT, legal, and compliance teams
- Preferred: CDMP, DCAM, or equivalent data management certification from DAMA International
Tips for Your Data Governance Lead Job Search
Quantify your data governance impact
Hiring managers want outcomes, not duties. Rewrite your resume bullets to show measurable results: policies you authored, datasets you cataloged, or audit findings your program resolved. Concrete numbers and scope make your experience stand out against candidates who list tools alone.
Highlight your framework and tooling depth
Job postings for data governance leads almost always ask for hands-on experience with specific platforms like Collibra, Alation, or Informatica. Name the tools you've configured, not just the ones you've used, and tie each to a governance outcome like data lineage or classification.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists data governance lead openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target openings by regulatory context
Data governance lead roles in healthcare are shaped by HIPAA requirements, while financial services roles center on SOX or BCBS 239. Filter your job search by industry and tailor your application to show you understand the regulatory obligations that govern data in that specific sector.
Prepare a governance portfolio or case study
Interviewers often ask candidates to walk through a governance program they built or improved. Prepare a concise case study covering the problem, the policies or controls you introduced, the stakeholders involved, and how you measured success. This separates experienced leads from generalists.
Negotiate scope, not just compensation
Before accepting an offer, clarify whether the role owns enterprise-wide governance or a single domain, reports into IT or the CDO, and has budget authority for tooling. These structural details affect your ability to do the job and your growth path far more than title alone.
Data Governance Lead Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most data governance leads?
The companies hiring the most data governance leads right now include JBS INTERNATIONAL, Citi, and Google, with the largest share of openings in New York, Texas, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Demand is consistently strong in financial services, large health systems, and enterprise technology companies scaling their data programs.
How many data governance lead jobs are remote?
About 55% of data governance lead openings are fully remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how much of the work centers on policy, documentation, and cross-functional coordination rather than on-site infrastructure. Roles focused on data catalog administration, stewardship program management, and compliance reporting tend to have the highest remote availability.
How do you become a data governance lead?
Start by building hands-on experience as a data analyst, data engineer, or data steward so you understand how data flows through an organization and where quality breaks down. From there, develop expertise in a governance platform such as Collibra or Alation, contribute to policy or standards development on your team, and pursue a DAMA CDMP or similar certification. Most leads move into the role after demonstrating they can drive cross-functional alignment on data definitions, ownership, and quality standards.
Can you get hired as a data governance lead without direct governance experience?
Yes, if you reframe adjacent experience effectively. Employers often hire candidates who have enforced data quality rules as an analyst, built data dictionaries as a BI developer, or managed compliance audits in a legal or risk role. Emphasize any work involving data standards, data ownership, or regulatory reporting, and show you understand what a governance framework is designed to solve rather than claiming tool expertise you do not have.
What does the data governance lead interview process look like?
Most processes run three to four rounds. An initial screen with a recruiter or HR contact covers background and expectations. A technical or functional interview goes deep on your governance framework knowledge, tool experience, and how you handle data quality or compliance challenges. A stakeholder or panel round tests how you communicate policy to non-technical audiences and manage disagreement between data owners. Some employers close with a take-home case study asking you to design or critique a governance structure.
Where can I find and apply to data governance lead jobs?
You can find and apply to data governance lead jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience and specialization, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 311+ Data Governance Lead Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Data Governance Lead Jobs