Data Governance Specialist

Data Governance Specialist bij Lely

Are you someone who thrives on structuring, connecting, and improving data within a complex organization?
As a Data Governance Specialist at Lely, you will play a key role in professionalizing our data landscape. You’ll act as a dedicated partner for three to four data domains, working closely with domain owners and data product owners to translate data governance principles into concrete processes and improvement initiatives.

You will guide domains in applying our data governance operating model, advising on roles, responsibilities, and the setup of data product structures. You’ll support teams in identifying critical data elements, documenting metadata, and enhancing business value. In doing so, you foster ownership and collaboration between business and IT.

Additionally, you’ll take an active role in executing our data governance roadmap. This includes contributing to initiatives such as policy development, ensuring data quality across the organization, implementing data standards, and rolling out governance tooling. You’ll monitor progress, flag bottlenecks, and ensure governance initiatives align with Lely’s strategic goals.

You’ll be part of a small Data Governance team and serve as a vital link between data owners, BI, and IT. You know how to engage others in the importance of good data management and can communicate data governance in an accessible and impactful way.

Wat is jouw ervaring?

As a Data Governance Specialist, you bring both technical knowledge and interpersonal skills to the table. You enjoy connecting with colleagues across departments and are able to clearly articulate the best strategy and translate it into practical steps. You help shape, improve, and implement our data governance strategy.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (HBO/WO)
• At least five years of relevant work experience
• Strong command of the English language (spoken, read, written)
• Experience with data governance frameworks (e.g., DAMA-DMBOK)
• Ability to translate complex concepts into practical applications
• Excellent communication skills and a coaching mindset toward stakeholders
• Affinity with change management and guiding teams in their data maturity journey
• Bonus: expertise in privacy and compliance

Wat bieden wij jou?

Working at Lely means contributing to sustainable progress within one of the most innovative organizations in the Netherlands. You’ll help make the agricultural sector future-proof — and we’ll ensure you have the space, resources, and support to do so.

• An international work environment with room for initiative and entrepreneurship.
• Excellent secondary benefits, including up to 8 weeks of vacation per year and a solid pension scheme.
• Strong growth opportunities: you’re in control of your development and can choose from various training programs via our Lely Academy — from personal development to role-specific courses.
• Our modern Lely Campus offers daily access to extensive sports facilities: an indoor gym, outdoor padel courts, basketball and volleyball courts, table tennis, and table football. You can join Hyrox workouts or sign up for personal training — and challenge your colleagues during an active break.
• Enjoy fresh coffee and tea from our in-house barista, with milk straight from our own farm, and a healthy, affordable company restaurant.
• A healthy work-life balance thanks to our hybrid work policy: you’ll work on campus at least three days a week, with flexible hours and plenty of opportunity to spend extra time on-site (between 06:00 and 20:00).
• A free shuttle bus takes you to and from the metro station in Maassluis, ensuring a smooth start and end to your workday.
• Successes are meant to be celebrated: from anniversaries to Christmas parties — at Lely, we know how to do it right!

Over Lely

Founded in 1948, Lely is committed to a sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable future in agriculture.
With the challenges faced by farmers and the needs of cows as our starting point, we develop high-quality robots and data systems that enhance animal welfare, flexibility, and productivity on dairy farms. Our goal is to support sustainable food production.

For over 30 years, we have been a global leader in the sales and service of automated systems for successive generations of dairy farmers. Every day, we inspire our colleagues to offer customers innovative solutions and to be a reliable partner for long-term advice and support. With our state-of-the-art Lely Campus in Maassluis and a global network of dedicated Lely Centers for tailored sales and service, Lely operates in more than fifty countries.