Manager, Data Governance Operations

Permanent Full Time 

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We are looking for a Manager, Data Governance Operations to lead and scale enterprise capabilities across metadata management and data quality. This role is both strategic and hands‑on, accountable for ensuring that data is trusted, well‑governed, discoverable, and fit for purpose across the organization.

As a key leader within the Data Governance function, you will oversee metadata operations, data quality management, and associated tooling while leading a team of specialists. You will act as a central point of contact for both metadata and data quality, working closely with business stakeholders, data stewards, and technology teams to drive adoption, enforce standards, and embed governance practices into the data lifecycle.

What you will do

Metadata Management & Governance

• Lead the operationalization of metadata management, establishing scalable processes, standards, and governance controls.
• Serve as the enterprise SME and primary point of contact for metadata initiatives and capabilities.
• Oversee data cataloging activities, ensuring data is accurately classified, indexed, and aligned with business definitions.
• Drive development of business glossaries, critical data elements (CDEs), taxonomies, and technical lineage.
• Define and enforce metadata standards, models, and lifecycle processes across systems and domains.
• Integrate technical metadata from platforms into governance tools such as Informatica.
• Establish and execute metadata audit processes to ensure quality, completeness, and reliability.
• Lead metadata change management processes, including approvals, impact analysis, and lifecycle updates.

Data Quality Management

• Act as the SME and face of Data Quality (DQ) to the business, driving awareness and adoption.
• Partner with Lead Data Stewards and Data Stewards to define, implement, and enforce DQ standards across critical data elements.
• Establish and monitor data quality rules, thresholds, and automated controls, ensuring proactive detection of issues.
• Lead data quality monitoring and reporting, providing actionable insights on DQ performance across domains.
• Conduct and oversee data quality investigations, including root cause analysis and source-level remediation.
• Support data transformation and migration initiatives, validating data between legacy and modern/cloud systems.
• Implement and manage DQ processes within governance tools (e.g., Informatica), including testing, monitoring, and remediation workflows.
• Define and implement DQ frameworks, procedures, templates, and intake processes.
• Drive continuous improvement of DQ practices, working with stakeholders to enhance processes and outcomes.

Leadership, Enablement & Operations

• Lead and mentor a team of metadata and data quality specialists, ensuring delivery excellence and capability growth.
• Ensure adherence to enterprise data policies, privacy, security, and compliance standards.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to support onboarding, adoption, and literacy for metadata and DQ practices.
• Develop and deliver training, communication, and enablement materials to promote governance capabilities.
• Establish monitoring, KPI tracking, and reporting mechanisms for both metadata and data quality performance.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to data integrity, metadata quality, and governance gaps.
• Support intake processes by capturing business, technical, and operational requirements.

What you will bring

• A university degree in Information/Data Science, Data Management, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (master’s is an asset).
• 7+ years of experience in data governance, including both metadata management and data quality disciplines.
• Strong expertise in metadata management concepts (cataloging, lineage, taxonomy, glossary, lifecycle).
• Proven experience in data quality management, including profiling, cleansing, monitoring, and root cause analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with data governance tools such as Informatica.
• Experience implementing DQ rules, thresholds, monitoring frameworks, and reporting mechanisms.
• Experience integrating metadata and DQ within modern data platforms (e.g., Databricks, cloud ecosystems).
• Strong understanding of data governance frameworks, including privacy, classification, and compliance.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into business language and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven leadership experience, including team management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
• 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 in data or solutions architecture.
• Informatica IDMC certification or similar credentials.
• Experience with Databricks Unity Catalog and cloud data transformations.
• Experience scaling enterprise metadata and data quality programs in large organizations.

How you will succeed

• Service – You act as a trusted advisor, delivering governance capabilities that improve data trust and usability.
• Execution – You bring structure and accountability to metadata and data quality operations, ensuring measurable outcomes.
• Collaboration – You build strong partnerships across business and technology teams to drive adoption.
• Leadership – You empower your team and create a culture of ownership, quality, and continuous learning.
• Operational Excellence – You continuously evolve governance practices to meet organizational and regulatory needs.

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The base salary for this position is between $102,000 - $152,000 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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