Data Governance Custodian (Junior)

Data Governance Custodian (Junior) 12 Month Contract Reading Hybrid Outside IR35

Overview

We are seeking a junior Data Governance Custodian to join our client's Data Team, working under the supervision of senior Data Custodians, Data Stewards and Data Governance Leads. This role is ideally suited to a graduate or early-career professional who is motivated to build a career in data governance within a secure and highly regulated environment. The role will support the establishment and ongoing operation of data governance practices across a greenfield, multinational defence programme. A strong attitude, curiosity and willingness to learn are considered more important than prior deep experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support senior Data Custodians in implementing and maintaining data governance standards, policies and processes
• Assist in maintaining data catalogues, data dictionaries and business glossaries
• Contribute to metadata capture, classification and documentation of data assets
• Support data quality activities including validation, issue identification and remediation tracking
• Help monitor data usage, access and compliance with security and governance policies
• Assist with data audits, documentation and governance reporting activities
• Engage with business users to capture data requirements and understand how data is used
• Support the rollout and adoption of governance tooling under guidance

Role Requirements:

• Must hold current SC (Security Check) clearance
• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience
• Strong desire to learn and build a career in data governance or data management
• Self-starter with the ability to take initiative and follow through on tasks
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude, with a willingness to take ownership of development
• High attention to detail and ability to work with structured information
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team

Desirable:

• Any exposure to data, analytics or information management, including academic or early career experience
• Awareness of data governance concepts such as metadata, data quality or data classification
• Familiarity with Microsoft tools such as Excel or Power BI, or governance tools such as Purview
• Experience working with structured data in any context

Development Expectations:

• Work closely with experienced Data Custodians and governance leads to build capability
• Develop practical experience in metadata management, governance tooling and compliance processes
• Progress towards managing defined data sets or domains with appropriate support
• Build confidence working within a secure and regulated environment
• Demonstrate continuous improvement through learning, curiosity and proactive engagement