Principal Consultant Data Governance

**Company Description**
At NCS Australia, we believe in doing technology services better. Our commitment to quality, focus on people, and willingness to challenge traditional thinking set us apart. Our team brings this belief to life by partnering with our clients and communities to make tomorrow together.

We are committed to creating an environment that prioritises innovation, collaboration, and purposeful work. Our diverse team is empowered to make a meaningful impact with curiosity, creativity and resilience to shape better outcomes. Join us and accept the challenge of creating a better tomorrow.

We are looking for a Principal Consultant in Data Governance to lead the definition and implementation of data governance capabilities that foster trust, unlock value, and support regulatory, ethical, and strategic outcomes for our clients.

In this senior role, you will collaborate with executive stakeholders to design and implement enterprise-wide Data Governance Frameworks and Operating Models based on global best practices, including the DCAM framework from the EDM Council. Your responsibilities extend beyond strategy development; you will drive the adoption and operationalisation of governance through stewardship models, process design, capability enhancement, and integration with modern tools and platforms.

You will play a crucial role in shaping our internal consulting methodologies, mentoring emerging talent, and contributing to thought leadership as we help organisations advance their data governance functions from foundational awareness to an embedded, enterprise-wide discipline.

As a leader in data governance, you will be at the forefront of designing and implementing robust Data Governance Frameworks and Operating Models, drawing on industry-leading practices from DAMA and DCAM. Your role will include providing strategic advice to senior stakeholders on critical areas such as governance strategy, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, promoting ethical data use, and mitigating potential risks specific to the organisation's context. A key part of your responsibilities will be championing the adoption of data governance across the organisation by developing and executing effective change management programs aimed at enhancing data-related capabilities, ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of these governance structures.

In addition to providing strategic oversight, you will be responsible for operationalising these frameworks: translating high-level strategies into actionable governance policies, defining metadata standards, and embedding clear ownership models within the organisation's operational and data workflows. This also includes guiding the selection and implementation of essential data governance, catalogue, and quality tools. You will conduct comprehensive data management maturity assessments using DCAM-aligned models to identify capability gaps and inform prioritised improvement efforts. A significant part of your role will be to foster a culture of data awareness and collaboration by engaging with a wide range of stakeholders across business, technology, risk, and compliance, while also mentoring a team of governance consultants and contributing to the continuous enhancement of our data governance resources and methodologies.
**Qualifications**
- ** Previous**experience in data governance, including consulting leadership roles for an SI, Technology Consultancy or Professional Services Organisation.
- Experience designing and embedding **governance operating models**, policies, and standards across enterprise settings.
- Demonstrated success in **executive stakeholder engagement**, influencing senior leaders, and aligning governance with strategic business priorities.
- Familiarity with **data risk, regulatory obligations, ethics, and trust frameworks** in sectors such as government, financial services, and insurance.
- Hands-on experience with **data catalogues and quality platforms** (e.g. Alation, Experian, Ataccama) and knowledge of integration with modern cloud data platforms.
- Skilled in **governance enablement and change leadership**, with experience delivering adoption and literacy programs.
- A collaborative leadership style with the ability to uplift team capability and contribute to practice-wide initiatives.

**Additional Information**

**Why join us**:
NCS Australia is where you can feel at home, nurturing your talents and skills as we make tomorrow together, one day at a time. Our benefits include paid parental leave, initiatives focused on your well-being and discounted health insurance. You will also enjoy discounts on various products and services and be regularly recognised and rewarded for high performance. We are committed to your career development through our Capability Fingerprint, industry and partner training programs, special interest groups, and an AI-driven learning platform. No matter where you are in your career, we offer meaningful