Senior Data & AI Governance Manager
Charles Russell Speechlys |
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London, UK |
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The Senior Data & AI Governance Manager reports to the Head of Data Management and sits within the Strategy & Transformation Department. The role will define and deliver the Firm’s data governance initiatives and services.
Our mission is to ensure data assets are well governed and protected throughout their lifecycle. The Senior Data & AI Governance Manager will put in place frameworks, policies, procedures and trainings to enable this. As a key member of the team, the role will establish and oversee the implementation of our data governance framework & roadmap, ensuring compliance with UK regulations, client confidentiality, and the Firm’s strategic goals. The role will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including the Legal teams, IT, Compliance and Risk departments, to ensure data is managed securely, effectively, and ethically.
Roles and Responsibilities (this is a broad but not exhaustive list):
Data Governance leadership & implementation
Our mission is to ensure data assets are well governed and protected throughout their lifecycle. The Senior Data & AI Governance Manager will put in place frameworks, policies, procedures and trainings to enable this. As a key member of the team, the role will establish and oversee the implementation of our data governance framework & roadmap, ensuring compliance with UK regulations, client confidentiality, and the Firm’s strategic goals. The role will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including the Legal teams, IT, Compliance and Risk departments, to ensure data is managed securely, effectively, and ethically.
Roles and Responsibilities (this is a broad but not exhaustive list):
Data Governance leadership & implementation
- Develop and implement the Firm's end to end data governance framework, policies, procedures, and standards (including Master Data Management).
- Work with the Head of Data Management in scoping tooling and software for implementation to adhere to defined policies.
- Work with the Senior Data Architect, Senior Data Insight lead and IT team to define and implement best practice Azure Data governance.
- Build out the roles and responsibilities for data stewardship across the Firm.
- Define and develop the governance of data product and metadata to drive the Firms commercial growth. Be the owner of data and metadata catalogue and search capability.
- Lead data governance meetings and working groups to drive adoption and awareness.
- Exposure to and experience in AI risk assessment including bias, explainability, robustness, drift, commercial and intellectual property, etc.
- Experience with AI Gov.
- Familiar with EU AI Act, UK AI frameworks and relevant regulations elsewhere in the world.
- An understanding of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning principles, awareness of trends, norms and best practice.
- Setting and assessing Firm standards against responsible/ethical AI frameworks.
- In conjunction with the DPO (Data Privacy Officer), ensure compliance with UK laws including the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
- Follow AI guidance issued by regulators including the Information Commissioner’s Office and Solicitors Regulation Authority.
- Enable and provide regular monitoring and reporting on Firm data compliance to senior management and stakeholders.
- Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to address data risks, legal and regulatory requirements.
- Act as the key point of contact for internal and external data audits.
- Comply with all relevant legal and regulatory obligations including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations, and Principles.
- Establish processes, polices and tracking for setting & maintaining high data quality across the Firms systems and externally sourced information.
- Oversee the design and implementation of required policies starting with data classification, access, retention, and archiving/destruction.
- Monitor and report on data quality metrics, continually identifying business areas and projects with improvement opportunity.
- Collaborating to foster a data-driven culture, championing ownership, standardised definitions and measured data quality to deliver incremental value for the firm.
- Work closely (as required) with partners, department heads, compliance and risk, data protection, information security and IT to align data governance practices with strategic firm objectives.
- Able to communicate with non-technical language and able to use legal and business service examples of why data governance is critical to our Firm’s successful growth.
- Educate staff on data governance principles and ensure cultural alignment with best practices.
- Foster relationships with external parties (e.g., regulatory bodies, clients) to manage data requirements effectively.
- Collaborate with IT to implement and maintain technology solutions supporting data governance.
- Drive the adoption of tools for data cataloguing, metadata management, and access controls.
- Provide oversight of data security measures to prevent breaches or misuse.
- Demonstrable experience in data governance (5+ years) & AI governance (1+ year), preferably within a professional services or legal environment.
- Strong understanding of the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018 and other global data protection laws.
- Excellent analytical and innovative problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Experience with data governance tools and technologies
- Able to influence and convince.
- A critical thinker experienced in bringing initiative and creative solutions.
- Familiarity with legal data management systems (e.g., document management systems iManage and practice management software 3E).
- Project management expertise with a track record of delivering cross-functional initiatives.
- A bachelor’s degree in information management, law, business, or a related field would be desirable.
- Relevant certifications such as DAMA Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), AIGP or CIPP/E are desirable.