Sr Manager, Data Governance

The Friedkin Group • Houston, TX

1d

About The Position

We are seeking a skilled and business-oriented Data & AI Governance Senior Manager to define, operationalize, and continuously mature an enterprise Data & AI Governance program across The Friedkin Group of companies. This role will establish the operating model, forums, policies, standards, and controls needed to ensure data and AI are trusted, secure, compliant, high quality, and fit for business use. The position will lead governance across core data domains and critical capabilities such as data ownership and stewardship, business glossary and definitions, metadata and cataloging, lineage, data quality, master data, retention, privacy, and information lifecycle management, while also standing up practical AI governance for advanced analytics, machine learning, generative AI, automation, and third-party AI solutions. The Data & AI Governance Senior Manager will partner closely with business executives, legal, privacy, cybersecurity, technology, analytics, and delivery teams to enable innovation while managing risk and increasing consistency, accountability, and value realization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Information Management, Computer Science, Data Science, Business, Risk, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Req
• 10+ years progressive experience in data governance, data management, information governance, analytics governance, risk/compliance, or a related discipline, including experience leading enterprise or cross-functional governance initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience defining and implementing data governance frameworks, operating models, policies, and standards across large or federated organizations.
• Experience partnering with legal, compliance, privacy, cybersecurity, architecture, engineering, analytics, and business stakeholders to translate policy into workable operating processes.
• Experience with governance and metadata tools such as Ataccama, Collibra, Alation, Microsoft Purview, Informatica/Axon, OneTrust, DataHub, Dataiku Govern, or similar platforms is preferred.
• Working knowledge of responsible AI and AI governance concepts, including model lifecycle controls, human oversight, documentation, use-case review, risk assessment, monitoring, and regulatory or standards awareness. (High proficiency)
• Strong knowledge of master data management, metadata management, data cataloging, lineage, data quality management, retention, privacy, security, and information lifecycle practices. (High proficiency)
• Strong facilitation, program management, and change leadership skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive adoption without creating unnecessary bureaucracy. (High proficiency)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical and regulatory concepts into practical business requirements and action plans. (Medium proficiency)

Nice To Haves

• Certified Data Professional CDMP, DGSP, CIPP or AIGPPreferred

Responsibilities

• Define and execute enterprise strategy: Develop and maintain a pragmatic Data & AI Governance strategy, roadmap, and operating model aligned with business priorities, regulatory requirements, and enterprise risk appetite.
• Establish governance structure and decision rights: Stand up governance councils, stewardship forums, and escalation paths; clarify roles for data owners, data stewards, AI owners, model owners, and technology partners.
• Lead foundational data governance: Drive policy, standards, and operating practices for data domains, data definitions, business glossary, metadata, cataloging, lineage, data lifecycle management, and data certification.
• Advance data quality and master data practices: Partner with business and technology teams to define critical data elements, quality rules, thresholds, issue-management workflows, root-cause remediation, and master/reference data controls.
• Operationalize AI governance: Design and run intake, triage, risk-tiering, review, approval, and exception processes for AI use cases, including machine learning, generative AI, copilots, agents, and third-party AI-enabled solutions.
• Define AI control requirements: Establish documentation and control expectations such as use-case inventory, risk assessments, model or system cards, human oversight requirements, testing standards, access controls, monitoring requirements, and retirement criteria.
• Oversee AI and data risk management: Coordinate with Legal, Privacy, Information Security, Compliance, and Risk teams to evaluate regulatory, ethical, security, privacy, bias, explainability, and operational risks associated with data and AI solutions.
• Drive monitoring and continuous improvement: Define governance KPIs, data quality scorecards, stewardship measures, and AI control effectiveness metrics; monitor outcomes such as data issue resolution, model performance, drift, fairness, audit readiness, and policy adherence.
• Enable business adoption and change management: Build and support a strong community of data owners, stewards, and AI stakeholders through training, communications, office hours, and practical guidance that embeds governance into day-to-day delivery workflows.
• Support platform and tooling adoption: Partner on the selection, configuration, and use of governance-enabling tools for cataloging, lineage, data quality, issue management, model inventory, workflow, and policy management.
• Provide executive visibility: Prepare materials, recommendations, dashboards, and decision logs for leadership forums; communicate progress, risks, tradeoffs, and value delivered through the governance program.
• Lead cross-functional governance workstreams, stewardship communities, and enterprise forums.

Benefits

• Career Growth: Advance your career with opportunities for leadership and personal development.
• Culture of Excellence: Be part of a supportive team that values your input and encourages innovation.
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that looks after both your professional and personal needs.
• Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, retirement plans, and generous paid leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees