Data Governance Manager

Continue to safeguard the trust our clients and our people place in King & Wood Mallesons.
- This is not a maintenance role — it’s about building on the firm’s data governance function and frameworks.
- Legal data comes with complex confidentiality, privacy and regulatory challenges — this makes the work intellectually engaging and meaningful. You’ll be working at the intersection of data management, legal risk and technology — an area going through huge growth in the legal sector globally.
- Room to expand as the role evolves

Who are we?

A firm born in Asia, underpinned by world class capability.

With over 3000 lawyers in 25 global locations, we help our clients manage their risk and enable their growth. Our full-service offering combines un-matched top tier local capability complemented with an international platform.

We have deep roots in Australia spanning almost 200 years and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners and custodians of these lands and waters.

Role Detail

Responsible for administering the Data Management and Governance framework at KWM, we are looking for someone to help to shape and guide the firm’s approach in managing and protecting firm data. This role is about continuing to ensure our information - from client details to business records - is accurate, well-organised, secure and used responsibly across the firm.

Through consultation, you will have the autonomy to design policies, systems and practices, that will become the foundation for future growth. This is a hands-on role where you will actively engage with the business to ensure data initiatives align with objectives, are monitored, tracked and regularly reported.

With a key focus on establishing data quality metrics, executing data quality controls, developing methodologies for data profiling, data validation and data cleansing to build and maintain data quality and protection, you will help set the standards for how we handle data. You will help to drive the adoption of those standards and look to continually improve how we manage our data as we grow and evolve. This is a value-add role where your work will directly improve efficiencies, reduce risk and continue our well earnt trust with clients.

With flexibility to be based in the Sydney or Melbourne CBD office, reporting to the Director of Practice Excellence Strategic Projects, key responsibilities include:

- Supporting the development and leading the implementation of policies necessary to support the effective Data Management and Governance framework at KWM
- Operationalising the Data Management and Governance policies through developing and implementing procedures and guidelines, education & training, and change management initiatives
- Ensuring that all policies remain current and accurate and reflective of regulatory, legal and business changes and requirements and are aligned with other KWM policies
- Ensuring that policy development and implementation is aligned with KWM strategic plans and its Data Management principles
- Collaborating with and supporting Practice Teams and Shared Services teams to ensure compliance with all Data Management and Governance policies, procedures and guidelines including in particular:

- _ Proper data classification and storage_
- _ Timely and regular archiving and disposal of data_
- _ Appropriate use and retention of data_

- Owning and maintaining detailed Rules and guidelines for data collection, classification, use, retention, archival and disposal
- Providing regular reporting to the Data Leadership Forum on implementation status, issues, and risks

About You

You will bring a pragmatic, risk-based approach to developing and maintaining the firm’s data management policies and frameworks - the ‘guidelines’ for how we collect, use, store, and protect data.

Turning these policies into practical tools, processes and training, so that everyone understands how to handle data properly, will utilise your commercial acumen, highlighting data as a business enabler, not just a compliance box to tick.

You will enjoy building structure in a complex environment, where data sits across multiple teams and systems. Influencing skills are essential to drive adoption and contextual understanding. You will also need:

- Experience in data management and analysis, whether from a Compliance, Risk, Finance or similar discipline.
- Demonstrated understanding of regulatory requirements relating to data.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Impactful leadership and ability to effectively work with teams across different locations
- High level of attention to detail
- Ability to identify and escalate issues in a timely manner
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Project management and time management skills.

Next Steps

Applications clos