Head of Data Governance and Quality – Banking Sector Job Vacancy in UAE Abdu Dhabi
Now is the time to join the UAE’s #1 bank and one of the most prestigious financial institutions in the Middle East. As part of our ongoing mission to lead data-driven transformation, we are hiring a Head of Data Governance and Quality to lead enterprise-wide data initiatives and uphold the highest standards of data integrity and regulatory compliance.
Job Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Job Industry: Banking
Job Function: Data Analysis
Salary: Negotiable
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Candidate Current Location: Any
What Does a Head of Data Governance and Quality Do?
- Lead the design, development, and execution of the Data Governance and Data Quality frameworks aligned with strategic business objectives
- Serve as a central authority in building the Data Governance Office and establishing it as a center of excellence for data stewardship across the organization
- Drive awareness and accountability for data quality by collaborating across business units and IT stakeholders
- Guide the implementation of data quality standards, metadata definitions, and data lineage documentation
- Deliver end-to-end support for regulatory requirements, performance metrics, and operational reporting on data governance effectiveness
What Are the Key Responsibilities?
- Lead organizational data strategy initiatives and act as a trusted advisor on enterprise data management
- Oversee the development of KPIs, SLAs, and dashboards related to data quality monitoring and reporting
- Direct the development and maintenance of DQ profiling methodologies, business rules, and monitoring tools
- Ensure the creation of detailed data catalogs and metadata including definitions, lineage, and reference data models
- Collaborate with RCA (Root Cause Analysis) teams to identify the source of data quality issues and implement corrective actions
- Provide expert input for systems and process enhancements that impact data accuracy, completeness, and usability
- Engage with internal business functions, vendors, and regulatory bodies to align governance practices with evolving industry standards
What Skills Are Needed for a Data Governance Leader in Abu Dhabi?
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Management, Data Science, Finance, or related field
- 5+ years of relevant industry experience, including 3+ years in a data governance or data quality-focused leadership role
- Strong understanding of regulatory reporting requirements in financial services
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in Data Governance frameworks and metadata management tools
- Hands-on experience with Informatica, Oracle EDQ, or similar data quality software
- Solid SQL skills and understanding of data lineage, data dictionaries, and master data management (MDM)
- Ability to interpret data-related compliance requirements and communicate effectively across technical and non-technical teams
Soft Skills:
- Strategic thinker with the ability to communicate vision clearly to diverse stakeholders
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management abilities
- Exceptional organizational and leadership skills with a focus on continuous improvement
- Confident in managing external consultants, vendors, and audit engagements
What Benefits Come with This Position?
- Lead enterprise-wide data excellence for the UAE’s most prestigious financial institution
- Collaborate with top-tier leaders across business, IT, and risk functions
- Be at the forefront of driving data-led innovation in the banking industry
- Work in a performance-driven, inclusive, and high-trust culture
- Competitive compensation package and long-term career advancement opportunities
About the Company
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
FAB is the UAE’s largest bank and one of the most respected financial institutions globally. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, FAB provides tailor-made banking solutions through its Corporate, Investment, and Personal Banking franchises. With a network spanning over 19 countries, FAB empowers customers and businesses to grow stronger through innovation, financial strength, and customer-focused service. Through its ‘Grow Stronger’ promise, FAB champions data-driven decision-making and sustainable digital transformation.