Head of Data Governance

Location Cape Town
Discipline: IT & Telecoms
Job type: Permanent
Contact name: Erika Reeves

Contact email: erika@networkersint.co.za
Job ref: 42412
Published: 13 days ago
Overview

Our client, a leading ESD organisation, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head of Data to define, manage, and safeguard the organisation’s data assets while leading its overall data strategy. This is a strategic, business-focused leadership role—not a technical IT position—responsible for ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, and strategically valuable. The successful candidate will oversee data governance, systems, and analytics to ensure data is structured, interpreted, and utilised effectively, enabling evidence-based decision-making across programmes, operations, marketing, and finance, and driving performance and social impact.

Responsibilities

As the Head of Data, your key responsibilities will include:

  • Own and govern data standards and quality across the organisation

  • Monitor, validate, and maintain data integrity, formatting, and consistency

  • Define and guide the input rules, structure, and purpose of data entry fields (e.g., CRM and operational systems)

  • Act as the data custodian, ensuring responsible, compliant, and ethical use of data

  • Partner with IT, who supports and enables data systems — but data strategy and design sit with this role

  • Work closely with business leaders to ensure data supports business strategy and decision-making

  • Oversee and optimise CRM data architecture, taxonomy, and reporting

  • Ensure data processes and reporting align with ESG frameworks and organisational sustainability goals

  • Serve as a thought leader on how data can unlock insights, efficiency, and growth

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you should possess the following qualifications and experience:

  • Education:

    • Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Information Systems, Economics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)

  • Experience:

    • At least 7 years of experience in data analytics, business intelligence, or information management

    • Proven experience in leading a data or analytics team and comfortable guiding IT, business teams, and process owners toward consistent data practices

    • Strategic thinker who is curious, structured, and influence-driven

    • Proficiency in Power BI, SQL, Excel, CRM systems (e.g., Zoho/Salesforce), and data integration tools

    • Understands CRM, data governance, data structures, and reporting logic (not necessarily deep technical coding

    • Experience in the development, social impact, or SME support sector is advantageous

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for data-driven decision-making and a proven track record in leading data teams, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.