Data Governance Lead

Are you passionate about building data governance practices that unlock real business value? Do you excel at taking solid technical foundations and driving organization-wide adoption to maximize return on data investments? If you're ready to advance data governance maturity at a global market leader in logistics automation, Vanderlande is looking for you!

As Data Governance Lead, you'll be responsible for embedding and operationalizing our data governance capabilities across the organization. Building on our established Azure Databricks-based Data Platform, you'll focus on ensuring proper data governance, security and compliance, while enabling our business domains to realize excellent customer delivery. You'll functionally lead a dynamic team of 3-5 Data Governance, Data Privacy and Data Security Specialists while guiding 10-15 Business Domain Data Stewards and Master Data Specialists across our global organization.

In this pivotal role, you will:

• Drive Governance Maturity – Advance our data governance capabilities from established foundations to organization-wide best practices, ensuring consistent implementation across our global operation.

• Enable Platform Adoption – Maximize the value of our Azure-based Data Platform investments by embedding governance practices that facilitate easy, safe and compliant data access and usage for 11,000+ employees worldwide.

• Ensure Compliance Excellence – Navigate complex regulatory landscapes (GDPR, EU AI Act, Data Act, ISO 27001, NIS2) while implementing automated governance controls that protect data without hindering business agility.

• Operationalize Data Democracy – Support our business in safely accessing and leveraging data through well-defined governance processes and clear accountability structures.

• Optimize Governance Technology – Further develop our existing technology stack (Azure Databricks, Unity Catalog, Microsoft Purview).

Our ideal candidate has (although we are willing to settle for slightly less):

• Extensive experience in data governance, data management, or related fields and a proven track record of implementing and operationalizing data governance frameworks in complex, multi-domain organizations
• Strong understanding of data mesh architectures, federated governance models, and enterprise data platforms
• Deep knowledge of modern data governance technologies and platforms (Microsoft Purview, Databricks Unity Catalog, or similar enterprise solutions)
• Understanding of data security frameworks, encryption, access controls, and privacy-by-design principles
• Comprehensive knowledge of data privacy regulations (GDPR, Data Act) and emerging AI governance requirements (EU AI Act)
• Experience with information security standards (ISO 27001, NIS2) and their practical application to data platforms
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into automated governance controls and user-friendly processes
• Master's degree in Data Science, Information Management, Business Administration, Computer Science, or related field
• Professional certifications such as DAMA CDMP, IAPP CIPP/CIPM, or equivalent governance/privacy credentials
• Continuous learning mindset with engagement in industry data governance communities and emerging practices

Your Team

As Data Governance Lead, you'll join the Central Data & Analytics Organization (CDAO), reporting to the Director Data & Analytics. This positions you at the center (hub) of Vanderlande's data journey.

Besides your data governance colleagues, you have regular interactions with:

• Data Ecosystem: Partner closely with our Solution Architects, Data Engineers, and Product Owners to embed data governance into every aspect of our data ecosystem
• Business Leadership: Collaborate with domain Analytics leaders to align data governance with business priorities
• Information Security: Work hand-in-hand with our GISO office to integrate data security and governance frameworks
• Legal & Compliance: Partner with legal teams to ensure our data governance approach meets all regulatory requirements
• Global IT: Coordinate with different IT teams to govern the complete Vanderlande data landscape

What we offer​

• 40 vacation days (20 statutory days and a flexible budget worth 20 days).​
• Flexible working hours.​
• A hybrid workplace (40% working from home and 60% in the office).​
• A Health & Wellbeing budget worth €300,- per calendar year.
• Commuting allowance, including full reimbursement of travel by public transport.​
• Working from home allowance.​
• Collective pension scheme and discount on additional health insurance.​
• On-site company health centres with a gym, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.​
• Vanderlande Academy and training facilities to boost your skills.​
• A variety in Vanderlande Network communities and initiatives.​
• And a great company restaurant and coffee bar with barista.