Senior Lead Data Governance Consultant

Job description / Role

Role overview

We are seeking a highly experienced senior / lead data governance consultant to support our client within the financial services sector. The consultant will lead data governance, compliance, and privacy initiatives, ensuring adherence to international standards and local regulatory requirements. The role requires deep domain expertise, strong communication skills, and hands-on leadership in data governance frameworks and privacy compliance programs.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage enterprise-wide data governance and data privacy initiatives.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of key governance artefacts such as:
  ?• DPIA (Data Protection Impact Assessments)
  ?• RoPA (Record of Processing Activities)
  ?• Data classification, retention, and handling policies
• Ensure compliance with global and regional privacy regulations, including:
  ?• GDPR
  ?• Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL)
  ?• Other relevant data protection standards
• Provide guidance on the adoption of governance frameworks and practices (DAMA-DMBOK, ISO 38505, ISO 27001).
• Advise on risk identification, mitigation strategies, and data protection best practices.
• Collaborate with business, IT, security, and compliance teams to implement and operationalize governance controls.
• Conduct assessments, audits, and readiness reviews related to privacy and governance maturity.
• Deliver training, awareness sessions, and documentation to support data governance capabilities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders and contribute to strategic decisions relating to data management and compliance.

Requirements

Required qualifications & experience

• 7–10 years of experience in data governance, data privacy, or compliance within financial services.
• Fluent Arabic speaker (verbal and written).
• Proven hands-on experience with:
  ?• DPIA
  ?• RoPA
  ?• Privacy law implementation and interpretation
  ?• Regulatory compliance frameworks
• Strong knowledge of international standards:
  ?• DAMA-DMBOK
  ?• ISO 38505 (Governance of Data)
  ?• ISO 27001 (Information Security)
• Relevant certifications such as:
  ?• CDMP
  ?• CIPP/E
  ?• ISO 27001 Lead Implementer or equivalent
• Demonstrated ability to engage senior stakeholders and work independently.