Data Governance Manager

Ulta Beauty, Inc.•Bolingbrook, IL

About The Position

The Data Governance Manager serves as the lead data steward, strategic advisor, and primary driver of enterprise data governance initiatives. This senior individual contributor role leads complex, cross-functional programs focused on strengthening data quality, metadata management, data lineage, and governance maturity across the organization. The role is also instrumental in supporting the company’s AI governance framework by ensuring foundational data readiness for AI/ML use cases. This position partners closely with Business Data Stewards, Enterprise Data and AI/ML Operations, Architecture, Product Development, Risk, and Audit teams to advance enterprise governance objectives and enable responsible innovation. This role has the potential to grow into direct management responsibility for a small team of data stewards or analysts as the function matures.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in data governance, data management, data stewardship, or related disciplines within complex organizations.
Proven expertise leading enterprise data governance initiatives involving metadata management, data quality, data lineage, and business glossary management.
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed environment, including influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
Experience mentoring junior team members, with readiness to lead a small governance team as the function expands.
Strong experience with enterprise master data domains such as Customer, Vendor, Product/Item, Finance, or Supply Chain data.
Experience supporting data readiness for AI/ML initiatives, including understanding of AI governance, model data dependencies, and responsible AI controls.
Strong analytical capabilities with working knowledge of SQL and data querying concepts preferred.
Excellent written, verbal, and executive-level presentation skills.
Proven ability to facilitate cross-functional governance forums, align competing priorities, and drive decisions.
Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to influence global business, technology, and control stakeholders.
Ability to convert governance practices into measurable business value and scalable operating improvements.
High degree of initiative, accountability, sound judgment, and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Experience in retail, consumer-facing, or other large-scale operational industries preferred.
Hands-on experience with governance platforms such as Collibra or similar metadata management tools.
Experience with data quality platforms such as Informatica, Talend, Collibra Data Quality, or equivalent solutions.

Responsibilities

Partner with AI governance stakeholders to ensure data readiness, control effectiveness, and compliance for AI/ML initiatives.
Translate enterprise data strategy into actionable governance policies, standards, procedures, and operating models.
Lead implementation, adoption, and enforcement of enterprise-wide data governance policies and standards.
Serve as the primary point of contact for data governance matters across business and technology functions.
Coordinate development and ongoing enhancement of the enterprise data catalog and metadata repository to establish a trusted source of truth.
Identify, prioritize, and facilitate resolution of critical data risks and issues, including data quality, lineage, metadata, and control gaps.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to data quality, data usage, governance efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
Lead Data Governance working groups and stakeholder forums to ensure alignment and accountability.
Foster effective collaboration across Business Data Stewards, Enterprise Data and AI/ML Operations, IT Product Development, Architecture, and Control functions.
Monitor governance progress, metrics, and outcomes, providing leadership visibility where appropriate.
Evaluate emerging governance tools, capabilities, and practices to enhance enterprise data management maturity.