Data Governance (Data Stewardship, Privacy & Protection) Senior Manager
Location: Dublin 2
Contract Type: Full-time
EY Ireland – Senior Manager, Data Governance (Data Stewardship, Privacy & Protection)
The Opportunity
EY Ireland is seeking an experienced Senior Manager in Data Governance to join its Risk Management function, leading the delivery of integrated data governance capabilities across data stewardship, data privacy, and data protection. This role will be central to ensuring EY Ireland manages data as a trusted strategic asset, balancing value enablement (including AI and analytics) with robust governance, regulatory compliance, and data risk management.
You will operate in alignment with EY’s Data Stewardship Office (DSO) model, supporting the coordination of first-line data risk and control activities and ensuring consistent implementation of data protection policies across the firm.
Your Key Responsibilities
Lead Internal Data Governance Frameworks
Data ownership and stewardship models
Data quality, metadata, and lineage management
Governance processes including monitoring, reporting, and controls
Translate global frameworks, policies and standards into practical, scalable operating models within EY Ireland
Support the development of consistent governance approaches across service lines and CBS functions
Integrate Data Stewardship, Privacy & Protection
Drive alignment across:
Data stewardship (accountability, lifecycle governance)
Data privacy (GDPR and regulatory compliance)
Data protection (security and risk control frameworks)
Support implementation of integrated data risk frameworks, working across first-line operations and second-line Risk Management functions
Data Privacy & Regulatory Compliance
Lead and enhance EY Ireland’s data privacy governance approach, including:
GDPR compliance and personal data handling frameworks
Data classification and appropriate handling of sensitive data
Oversight of data usage in line with regulatory and ethical requirements
Enable responsible use of data in AI and emerging technologies, in line with policy and regulatory expectations
Oversee the effective operation of data protection and security controls, including:
Access management and data segmentation
Data retention, encryption, and secure disposal
Data risk identification, mitigation, and monitoring
Collaborate with Information Security and Technology teams to ensure alignment with enterprise security policies and standards
Oversee the firm’s data incident management processes, including:
Leading the response to data breaches, including notification to the Data Protection Commission (DPC) and affected parties
Maintaining and testing the data breach response plan and ensure lessons learned are implemented
Governance, Oversight & Reporting
Establish and maintain governance forums, reporting, and performance metrics for data governance and data risk
Provide reporting and insights on data governance effectiveness, risks, and compliance
Support internal reviews, monitoring activities, and regulatory readiness
Internal and External Stakeholder Engagement & Enablement
Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across service lines and enablement functions
Drive awareness, adoption, and cultural change in relation to data governance and data risk
Support the development of training, guidance, and playbooks to embed governance practices across EY Ireland
Lead and / or support communications and reporting to external stakeholders
Skills and Attributes for Success
Ability to bridge strategy and execution, translating governance frameworks into operational practice
Strong leadership capability across risk, legal, technology, and business teams
Experience driving organisation-wide change and accountability frameworks
Strong communication and influencing skills with senior internal stakeholders
Proven ability to effectively liaise with a broad range of external stakeholders including regulators, clients and suppliers
To Qualify for the Role, You Must Have
Significant experience (typically 8–12+ years) in:
Data governance / data management
Data privacy (e.g. GDPR programmes)
Data protection / information security
Proven track record delivering enterprise-scale data governance or data risk initiatives within complex organisations
Critical Requirement: Technical + Operational Expertise
This role requires a balanced mix of technical depth and highly practical operational delivery capability.
Technical capability
Experience with data governance tooling
Strong understanding of:
Data architecture, data models, and lineage
Data classification, tagging, and data quality frameworks
Demonstrated experience embedding governance into live organisational processes
Designing and / or embedding and operating:
Governance processes and controls
Data risk frameworks and reporting structures
Driving adoption, accountability, and behavioural change across functions
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to move from governance design to sustained operational execution within the firm.
Ideally, You’ll Also Have
Experience in AI governance or data governance in AI-enabled environments
Familiarity with professional services or complex matrix organisations
Familiarity with ISO 27001, data governance frameworks, and risk management practices
Inclusion & Diversity
We recognise the strength that comes from having a diverse workforce and building a culture where we support all our people to achieve their potential. You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations are offered at every stage of our recruitment process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr