Become aData Governance Manager

Becoming a Data Governance Manager is a fantastic career choice for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a role that is in high demand as businesses increasingly rely on data to drive their decisions. You will have excellent job security and opportunities for advancement.

Additionally, this career offers the chance to work in various industries, from finance to healthcare, technology to retail. You’ll gain a broad understanding of how different sectors operate and have the flexibility to choose the one that interests you the most.

As a Data Governance Manager, you’ll be at the heart of ethical data use, ensuring that organisations respect privacy and handle data responsibly. This role is perfect for those who want to make a positive impact on society.

• Ensure data is safe and trustworthy
• Shape company policies on information security
• Work with top leaders in tech and business
• Lead the charge in ethical data management

A Data Governance Manager has a range of important responsibilities from implementing data governance frameworks to ensuring data quality and compliance with regulations. 

This involves creating policies for data usage, security, and privacy, and training staff to follow these guidelines.

You will also monitor data usage across the organisation, conducting audits and assessments to identify and resolve any issues. 

Collaborating with IT, legal, and business teams, you’ll ensure that data governance practices align with the company’s goals and legal requirements.

Staying updated on industry trends and emerging technologies is a must to continually improve data governance processes.

Data Governance Managers are needed in virtually every industry. Here are a few key sectors:

Finance

Managing sensitive financial data and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Healthcare

Protecting patient information and adhering to strict privacy laws.

Technology

Overseeing data security and governance in tech companies and startups.

Retail

Handling customer data and improving business strategies with data insights.

Government

Ensuring transparency and security in public sector data management.

Education

Managing student and institutional data responsibly.

As a Data Governance Manager, you’ll need a mix of technical and 21st century skills:

Data Management

Understanding how to organise and handle data.

Cybersecurity

Protecting data from breaches and attacks.

Regulatory Knowledge

Keeping up with laws and regulations.

Project Management

Leading data governance initiatives.

Communication

Explaining data policies clearly.

Analytical Thinking

Identifying and solving data issues.

Leadership

Guiding teams to follow data governance practices.

Attention to Detail

Ensuring data accuracy and quality.

Embracing STEM subjects are really important for this career:

Mathematics

Developing analytical and problem solving skills.

Computer Science

Learning about data systems and programming.

Business Studies

Understanding organisational operations and strategies.

Law

Gaining insight into regulations and compliance.

Economics

Understanding data’s role in business decisions.

As a Data Governance Manager, you’ll work on projects like implementing advanced data protection technologies, developing innovative data policies, and leading company training sessions.

Protect people’s data from hackers

Ensure personal information like passwords and credit card numbers are safe from cyber threats by overseeing security measures in place.

Set the rules for using data

Help create company policies on how data should be collected, stored, and used responsibly, ensuring fairness and ethical practices.

Investigate data breaches

If there’s a data leak, act as the detective who figures out what went wrong and ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Work with new tech

Use advanced software tools to monitor and manage data flow across a company, ensuring everything runs smoothly and securely.

Collaborate with legal teams

Work with legal professionals to ensure your organisation complies with national and international data protection laws.

Train employees on data security

Create fun and interactive training sessions to teach staff how to protect company data, making everyone a part of the solution.

Data governance might not be famous on TV screens, but there are some well known women doing some pretty cool things!

Dr. Fiona McCormack

A leading expert in data governance, Fiona has worked with top Australian universities and research institutions to develop robust data management frameworks.

Michelle Webb

As Chief Data Officer at ANZ Bank, Michelle leads the governance of vast amounts of sensitive financial data to ensure security and compliance.

Simone Clow

Head of Data Governance at Telstra, Simone ensures the company’s data is managed efficiently while staying within legal boundaries.

Joanne Francis

With over 20 years of experience, Joanne has shaped data policies at top Australian firms, currently serving as the Data Governance Lead at Woolworths.

Catherine White

A Data Governance expert at Westpac, Catherine helps oversee the protection and ethical use of customer information in one of Australia’s largest banks.

If you want to know if a role as a Data Governance Manager is for you do you have any of the following traits?

Detail Oriented

Ensuring accuracy in data management.

Ethical

Upholding strong principles and values.

Communicative

Clearly explaining complex concepts.

Analytical

Solving problems effectively.

Leadership

Guiding teams with confidence.

Adaptable

Staying flexible in a changing environment.

Bachelor of Computer Science

A Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Business Analytics, or Computer Science is a strong foundation for this career. Edith Cowan University offers a Bachelor of Computer Science with specialisation in Cyber Security, where students learn about data management and protection.

Master of Information Systems and Technology

To enhance your expertise, a Master’s in Data Governance or Cybersecurity can be valuable. Curtin University offers a Master of Information Systems and Technology that covers data management principles, governance, and information security.

To become a Data Governance Manager, you might combine different fields of study. 

Pair a degree in Information Technology with Business Administration. This combination will give you a solid foundation in both technical and managerial aspects of data governance.

Combining Data Science with Law can help you understand the legal aspects of data privacy and compliance, making you an invaluable asset to any organisation. 

You can also integrate Cybersecurity with Business Analytics to protect data and make informed business decisions.

During your studies to become a Data Governance Manager, you will learn a wide range of skills and knowledge, including:

Data Management

Understanding how to organise, store, and retrieve data efficiently.

Cybersecurity

Learning how to protect data from breaches and unauthorised access.

Compliance

Studying data laws and regulations to ensure your organisation follows them.

Project Management

Developing the ability to lead data governance projects and initiatives.

Communication

Learning how to explain data policies and procedures clearly to different stakeholders.

Analytical Skills

Developing the ability to analyse data and identify potential issues.

Seek junior positions in IT or data management where you can learn on the job. Many organisations provide training and development programs for employees interested in advancing their careers in data governance.

Internships and Entry-Level Roles

Companies offer work placements in data governance, where students can gain hands-on experience in managing and protecting data. Starting as a Data Analyst or IT Security Assistant allows you to develop skills in data protection and governance. Progressing to data governance roles typically follows after gaining experience in these foundational positions.

If pursuing a full university degree isn’t your preference, there are alternative pathways to becoming a Data Governance Manager:

Data Governance Certifications

Certifications like Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) provide essential knowledge and credentials that employers value highly.

Compliance and Legal Knowledge

Certifications in compliance, such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), are important for understanding data privacy laws and regulations.

Cybersecurity Bootcamps

Short, intensive courses that focus on cybersecurity and data governance offer a fast track into the industry. These bootcamps teach essential skills like risk management, data protection, and regulatory compliance.

Networking and Conferences

Attending data governance or cybersecurity conferences, such as the Australian Data Privacy Conference, helps you connect with industry professionals and stay updated on the latest trends and legislation.

Professional Memberships

Joining professional bodies like the Australian Information Security Association (AISA) provides access to resources, training, and networking events that can advance your career in data governance.

Microlearning

Enrol in online courses and certifications focused on data governance, cybersecurity, and data management. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer specialised courses that can be completed at your own pace.

As a Data Governance Manager, you’ll find career options across a wide range of industries and locations in Australia. From Sydney, where large financial institutions rely on secure data practices, to Perth, where the mining and resources sectors increasingly depend on data protection, your skills will be in demand. Whether working in tech start-ups, healthcare, or government, Data Governance Managers are essential in ensuring that data is used ethically, responsibly, and safely across the country.

By pursuing a career as a Data Governance Manager, you can play a vital role in shaping the future of data management, ensuring ethical use of information, and protecting privacy in a digital world.