1 Lead Data Manager

Lead Data Manager | Metadata Project Lead

Lead a major metadata uplift program supporting AI readiness, data governance, and enterprise data management initiatives within a large Federal Government environment.

We are seeking an experienced Lead Data Manager (EL1 equivalent) to drive the end-to-end uplift of business metadata across high-value data assets. This is a leadership opportunity for a data governance and metadata specialist who can lead multidisciplinary teams, engage senior stakeholders, and deliver strategic outcomes aligned to enterprise data and AI initiatives.

About the Role

As the Lead Data Manager, you will be accountable for the planning, governance, and delivery of a large-scale metadata program. You will lead metadata registrars and developers, establish governance frameworks, oversee metadata quality, and ensure alignment with organisational objectives and AI readiness goals.

This role requires a strategic thinker with strong project leadership capability, deep expertise in metadata standards, and the ability to influence and collaborate across technical and business teams.

Key Responsibilities

Project Governance & Delivery Leadership

• Lead project planning, governance, reporting, and delivery activities
• Define and manage scope, priorities, milestones, and success measures
• Track progress, risks, issues, and quality outcomes across the program
• Ensure delivery aligns with organisational strategic priorities and AI readiness objectives
• Manage project resources and drive successful delivery outcomes

Metadata Leadership & Quality Assurance

• Lead analysis of enterprise metadata landscapes and related artefacts
• Assess metadata quality, coverage, consistency, and governance gaps
• Drive metadata harmonisation across systems and business areas
• Ensure metadata aligns with recognised standards and governance frameworks
• Review and assure metadata quality before registration and publication

Stakeholder & Team Leadership

• Engage with data stewards, subject matter experts, analysts, engineers, and business stakeholders
• Lead and mentor metadata specialists and project team members
• Deliver capability uplift and training on metadata standards and governance practices
• Manage stakeholder validation activities and facilitate resolution of issues
• Support workforce planning, performance management, coaching, and succession planning

Skills & Experience

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Extensive experience leading complex data, metadata, or governance programs
• Strong expertise in data governance, data management, and metadata frameworks
• Demonstrated experience implementing ISO/IEC 11179 metadata registry standards
• Knowledge of metadata and information management standards including:
  • ONDC metadata attributes
  • National Archives of Australia information requirements
  • Data Catalogue Vocabulary (DCAT)
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and influence senior stakeholders
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and project tracking/reporting capability
• Experience supporting analytics, automation, AI, or data-driven transformation initiatives

Essential Capabilities

You will be regarded as a subject matter expert across several data disciplines, including:

• Data Governance
• Data and Information Management
• Metadata Management
• Data Access and Classification
• Data Collection and Integration
• Data Integrity and Quality Assurance
• Administrative Data Management
• Data Products and Services
• Research and Analytical Frameworks

Experience building capability in others and providing strategic advice across enterprise data environments will be highly regarded.

What We're Looking For

You will have the ability to:

• Think strategically and translate strategy into delivery outcomes
• Lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams
• Build strong stakeholder relationships across technical and business groups
• Manage competing priorities and complex delivery schedules
• Identify and mitigate project risks
• Lead organisational change initiatives
• Make evidence-based decisions and recommendations
• Work independently while collaborating effectively across teams

Contract Details

• Initial contract: Up to 12 months
• Extension options: Up to 24 months additional extension potential
• Start date: December 2026
• Locations: ACT, VIC, QLD, SA or TAS
• Work arrangement: Hybrid
• Onsite requirement: First 6 weeks onsite before hybrid arrangements may be considered
• Security clearance: Must hold a Baseline Security Clearance

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to lead a high-profile metadata transformation initiative that will support enterprise data governance, AI readiness, and strategic decision-making outcomes within a large and complex government environment. You will work with senior stakeholders, influence organisational data strategy, and help shape the future of data management capabilities.

Linda Jona Consultant

Let's connect

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

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