Associate Director Data Governance

At Optus, we don’t sit back and let the future happen to us - we’re out there making it. By expanding into new technology and relentlessly improving every day, we’re creating a better tomorrow for all Australians.

We believe in the strength of a vibrant, diverse and inclusive workforce where backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences of our people help us innovate and create strong connections with our customers.

The Associate Director Data Governance Advisor is responsible for developing and implementing the organisation's data governance strategy, policies, and practices to ensure data is effectively managed, used, and protected in compliance with regulations and industry standards. This role involves collaborating with business partners across IT, legal, compliance, and business units to foster a culture of data stewardship and maintain high data quality.

The day to day

• Develop and maintain data governance frameworks, standards, guidelines, and procedures aligned with the organization's data governance operating model.
• Collaborate with business data stewards and subject matter experts to define data definitions, business rules, and data quality metrics for success.
• Conduct data governance assessments and audits, identifying improvement areas and ensuring compliance with policies and standards.
• Provide mentorship, training, and support to business units and technology teams on data governance best practices and policies.
• Supervise and report on data governance metrics, risks, and issues, while staying updated on industry trends and regulatory changes.

Why you are our next Associate Director Data Governance

• Expertise in data governance principles, frameworks (e.g., DCAM, DMBOKv2), and methodologies, including implementing Data Governance Operating Models and Responsible AI Governance practices.
• Demonstrable experience in creating and enforcing data policies, standards, glossaries, and catalogs, ensuring alignment to practices such as data classification and retention.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to simplify complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Experienced in driving data literacy initiatives, implementing data policies, and establishing data ownership, stewardship, and metadata frameworks.
• Proficient in data modeling, metadata management, and demonstrating data quality tools and techniques.
• Comprehensive understanding of data quality, protection practices, compliance, and operational risk, alongside knowledge of data privacy and security regulations.
• Demonstrated project management expertise in leading data governance initiatives while ensuring regulatory consistency and risk mitigation.
• Superb communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging business partners at all levels to ensure effective data utilization and accurate process documentation.
• Self-motivated and curious, with a passion for challenging the status quo and driving positive change. Skilled in understanding strategic challenges and recommending data governance strategies to address sophisticated programs.

What’s in it for you?

• 3 days in the office, 2 days remote – with flexible hours to suit!
• Inclusive paid parental leave, up to 14 weeks for the primary care giver
• All Optus employees have access to resources, webinars and support via the ‘Parents at Work portal’
• Own your own growth by accessing an extensive online and facilitator led learning catalogue – even earn a MBA micro-credential via OptusU (University)
• Connect at work through one of our employee-led volunteer groups: Culture Connect, Elevate Women, Disability Network, Express Yourself (LGBTQIA+), United Veterans and Yarn Network
• Vibrant campus life, variety of facilities including restaurants, cafes, gymnasium, GP, and post office
• Free Optus bus from Macquarie University Metro Station (every 6-8 minutes); morning and afternoon!

Keen to see what it’s really like to work at Optus? Search #OptusLife on LinkedIn to go behind the scenes!

At Optus, we are strengthened by others and that means valuing diversity and saying ‘yes’ to embracing individual differences. We are committed to ensuring that our application process provides an equal employment opportunity to all job seekers, including individuals from diverse gender, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, individuals with a disability, individuals identifying as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, individuals who may have served in the armed forces or who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. If you require any adjustments or accessibility support to participate fairly and equitably in the recruitment process, please email AccessibleRecruitment@optus.com.au or call 1800 309 170 and we will be in touch.

For more information on Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Optus, please visit https://www.optus.com.au/about/inclusion-diversity.

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