Data Governance Specialist
Permanent Full Time
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We are looking for a Data Governance Specialist to support the delivery and adoption of enterprise data governance capabilities. This role is hands‑on and execution‑focused, responsible for implementing metadata management and data quality practices that ensure data is accurate, discoverable, and fit for business use.
As part of the Data Governance function, you will work closely with Data Stewards, business stakeholders, and technology teams to operationalize metadata and data quality frameworks. You will contribute to building strong governance foundations by supporting cataloging, lineage, data quality monitoring, and issue resolution processes.
What you will do
Metadata Management & Governance
- Support the implementation and maintenance of metadata management practices, standards, and processes.
- Contribute to data cataloging activities, ensuring data assets are properly classified, indexed, and documented.
- Assist in developing and maintaining business glossaries, critical data elements (CDEs), and metadata taxonomies.
- Support creation and validation of technical lineage and metadata relationships across systems.
- Help onboard and integrate technical metadata from data platforms into governance tools.
- Participate in metadata audits and quality checks, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
- Follow established metadata lifecycle processes, including updates, approvals, and impact tracking.
Data Quality Management
- Translate business data quality requirements into technical rule logic and executable SQL validations within data platforms and governance tools
- Support the execution of data quality (DQ) processes, working with Data Stewards and stakeholders to ensure adherence to standards.
- Assist in defining and applying data quality rules, thresholds, and validation checks for critical data elements.
- Monitor and support automated data quality reporting and controls, identifying issues for investigation.
- Perform data quality analysis and investigations, including root cause identification and recommendations for remediation.
- Support data validation activities, including reconciliation between legacy and target systems during transformations.
- Contribute to DQ reporting and dashboards, tracking issues, trends, and improvement opportunities.
- Assist in implementing and maintaining DQ processes within governance tools (e.g., Informatica).
- Maintain documentation and contribute to continuous improvement of DQ processes and frameworks.
Support, Enablement & Operations
- Collaborate with Data Stewards, business teams, and platform teams to support governance rollout and adoption.
- Assist in onboarding business units to metadata and data quality tools and processes.
- Support the development of training materials, procedures, and knowledge base content.
- Provide day‑to‑day support for metadata and DQ tools, including issue triage and resolution.
- Ensure adherence to data governance policies, privacy requirements, and classification standards.
- Identify and escalate risks, issues, and gaps related to metadata and data quality.
What you will bring
- A university or college education in Information/Data Science, Data Management, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- 3–5 years of experience in data governance, metadata management, or data quality.
- Foundational knowledge of metadata management concepts (cataloging, lineage, glossary, classification).
- Strong hands‑on experience with SQL for data analysis, profiling, and data quality rule development.
- Hands‑on experience or exposure to data governance tools such as informatica.
- Familiarity with data quality tools and techniques, including rule creation and monitoring.
- Understanding of data governance principles, including data quality, privacy, classification, and compliance.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and business stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
- Reliability Status Security Clearance – this can only be completed with candidates who receive an offer of employment. This is a personal security status that is required as a condition of employment before an employee can gain access to Protected B information, assets or work sites as outlined by the Government of Canada website. The cost of submitting these checks will be covered by Canada Life.
What will set you apart
- Experience supporting Informatica (including DQ capabilities) or similar tools.
- Experience developing DQ rule using SQL.
- Experience working with data stewards and governance programs in an enterprise setting.
- Knowledge of data transformation or migration validation practices.
How you will succeed
- Service – You are responsive and collaborative, supporting stakeholders to improve data trust and usability.
- Execution – You are detail‑oriented and reliable, delivering high‑quality metadata and data quality outputs.
- Collaboration – You work effectively with others, contributing to shared governance goals.
- Learning Agility – You are curious and continuously build your expertise in data governance practices and tools.
- Quality Focus – You are committed to improving data accuracy, consistency, and integrity across the organization.
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The base salary for this position is between $80,400 - $130,400 annually. This represents base salary only and does not represent other variable compensation components of our total compensation ( i.e. annual bonus, commission etc). If you are selected to move forward in our recruitment process, your recruiter will be able to discuss additional details of our total rewards program with you.
Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting, closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Grow with Canada Life
We’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians. Our company is trusted by 1 in 3 Canadians and contributes to the strength of communities across the country.
We’re looking for people who live our values everyday: we step up, we do the right thing, and we deliver – for our customers, communities and each other. Are you someone who always strives to do the right thing, who steps up for themselves and others, and who delivers with impact? Then we want to hear from you!
What we offer:
We’re committed to supporting our employees through every stage of their career. Here’s what you can expect as a full-time or part-time permanent team member:
- Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement.
- Health & Wellness: Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being.
- Time Off: In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.
- Financial Security: Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options.
- Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!
- Emphasis on Community: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.
Learn more about Canada Life.
We’re committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to employment. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com. All information provided will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and Canada Life policies.
Canada Life would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.
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Toronto, ON, CA London, ON, CA