Data Governance Specialist

Simpson Associates transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive positive change.

Our Microsoft data expertise, our specialist sector knowledge, plus our innovative and trusted advice and guidance are just some of the reasons clients choose to work with us.

Our mission is to help purpose-led organisations from within the public and private sectors to harness data as a lever for change and enable them to realise business value more quickly. We provide the full range of services to support organisations on their data transformation journey. From advisory support and data strategy, to developing Data & AI solutions, right through to providing a range of managed services.

We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner, holding Specialisations in AI Platform on Microsoft Azure, Analytics on Microsoft Azure, Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure and Migrate Enterprise Applications to Microsoft Azure, as well as holding Solutions Partner designations in Data & AI (Azure); Digital & App Innovation (Azure); Infrastructure (Azure) and Security.

But it's not just about the badges. We are proud to be recognised as the winner of the 2024 Microsoft Community Response Partner of the Year award, reflecting our dedication to using technology for positive change. We are also a Databricks partner, and an IBM Gold Partner, specialising in Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics.

With offices in York and Sheffield, and a team based throughout the UK – we champion creativity, innovation and collaboration in the workplace.

The Role

As a Data Governance Specialist, you will be the subject matter authority responsible for shaping and expanding Simpson Associates' Data Governance capability. Embedded within the Presales function but working closely across Sales, Delivery, Marketing, and Microsoft partner channels, you will drive governance-focused opportunities, contribute to strategic advisory work, and support the creation and development of our Data Governance offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Proposals and Advisory: As a Data Governance Specialist, you will support the Sales function by leading and contributing to governance-focused presales activity, including RFP/RFI responses, discovery sessions, and client meetings. You will provide clear and credible guidance on governance frameworks, operating models, roles, and processes, ensuring proposals and recommendations are commercially aligned and technically sound. You will also help identify early-stage governance opportunities during customer engagements, positioning Simpson Associates as a trusted advisor.
• Advisory Delivery and Governance Enablement: While part of the Presales organisation, you will also contribute to advisory-led delivery where specialist governance expertise is required. This includes conducting governance assessments, designing operating models, defining data ownership and stewardship approaches, and supporting clients in establishing effective governance processes. You will work with Delivery to ensure governance requirements are accurately reflected in scopes, estimates, and engagement plans.
• Proactive Account Engagement and Opportunity Identification: You will work closely with Sales and Customer Success to proactively engage with existing accounts and identify whitespace opportunities where governance can add value. Through ongoing conversations and understanding of client maturity, you will help shape account strategies and surface new opportunities related to governance frameworks, cataloguing, ownership models, or broader data management needs. In addition, through your close alignment with Microsoft and Databricks product teams, ensure our proposals reflect the latest platform capabilities and partner priorities.
• Development of Data Governance Offerings: You will collaborate with the CTO, Sales, Marketing, and Delivery to refine and evolve our Data Governance propositions, ensuring they reflect market demand and industry best practice. This includes developing standardised frameworks, templates, maturity models, and supporting collateral that strengthen our go-to-market approach and improve consistency across engagements.
• Knowledge Sharing and Training: You will stay informed on industry trends, governance frameworks, and developments in relevant technologies such as Microsoft Purview and Databricks Unity Catalog. You will share knowledge across Sales and Delivery teams, helping to develop internal capability and promote consistent, high-quality governance practices.
• Outreach, Promotion and Representation: As the governance lead within Simpson Associates, you will contribute to promotional and thought-leadership activities including webinars, events, blogs, and customer forums. You will represent the business at Microsoft and industry events, helping to raise our profile and support the development of new customer relationships and partnerships.

Skills and Attributes Required

• Consulting: You must demonstrate strong consultative skills with experience designing and advising on Data Governance frameworks, operating models, and processes. You should be able to gather and interpret business requirements, translate them into practical governance strategies, and communicate complex concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. A strong commercial understanding of how Data Governance supports business outcomes is essential.
• Technical: You must have hands-on experience with at least one modern data governance or metadata management platform - typically Microsoft Purview, Databricks Unity Catalog, or comparable catalogue and governance tooling. Your expertise however may focus on applying governance principles rather than purely implementing technology. In addition, you should have experience in one or more related domains such as Data Management, Data Quality, Data Architecture, or Analytics Governance.
• Project Delivery: You must have experience contributing to the delivery of Data Governance initiatives, including maturity assessments, operating model design, policy development, and defining ownership and stewardship structures. You must understand how to scope and structure governance workstreams, provide input into planning and estimation, and recognise typical risks, dependencies, and responsibilities required from both client and delivery teams.
• Presales & Commercial Acumen: You must demonstrate experience operating in a presales or customer-facing advisory capacity, with the ability to shape early-stage opportunities, support qualification, and contribute to compelling proposals. You should be comfortable identifying client needs, articulating the value of Data Governance, and positioning appropriate services and approaches. A strong understanding of commercial considerations – including scope, risk, ROI, and delivery feasibility is essential to ensure governance engagements are both achievable and aligned to customer objectives.