Data Policy & Risk Lead

We’re looking for a Data Policy & Risk Lead to join our team in Data & AI. In this exciting role, you’ll shape, embed and mature data policy and data risk management, ensuring Yorkshire Building Society operates with strong governance, regulatory compliance and a culture of responsible data use.

This role requires some presence in our Bradford & central Leeds offices alongside working from home arrangements.

About the role

As a Data Policy & Risk Lead, you will be responsible for the Enterprise Data Management Policy, ensuring it is translated into practical controls, behaviours and outcomes across the organisation. You will work at the centre of Data & AI, risk and business teams, maturing our data risk management and providing expert guidance and influencing how data risk is managed and mitigated across YBS.

You will-

• Own and evolve the enterprise Data Management Policy, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations, industry best practice and integration with our Enterprise Risk Management framework.
• Promote and mature data risk management, engaging with external bodies and industry forums to benchmark YBS and lead regulatory and industry horizon scanning, translating emerging requirements into clear, actionable policy or control changes.
• Manage the Data Management Risk Forum and Committee reporting, ensuring effective inputs, governance and outputs to support decision-making and effective oversight.
• Act as a trusted advisor across the business, working with risk, delivery and business teams to ensure data risks are understood and managed in alignment with policy expectations.
• Work with Data Delivery, Governance and Quality Leads to report on and evolve first line risk controls supporting proactive risk management and ensuring appropriate controls are implemented to demonstrate adherence to policy.
• Develop and deliver policy training, guidance and communications to strengthen knowledge across the business, continuously promoting awareness and adoption of responsible data practices across YBS.
• Collaborate closely with AI Policy and Risk colleagues to ensure a cohesive, joined-up policy landscape across data and AI.

About you

You’ll have experience in Data Governance, Risk or Compliance, (or strong experience in related roles), with a strong interest and knowledge in data management, risks and regulatory frameworks.

You will have

• A strong knowledge of Data & Information landscapes, and best practice operating models including people, process, and technology.
• Proven track record in policy development and embedding controls in practice
• Experience operating in a regulated environment (ideally financial services)
• Knowledge of data related regulations and standards (e.g. GDPR, BCBS 239).
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and contributing to committee-level reporting.
• Excellent influencing and stakeholder management skills across a matrix organisation, with the ability to manage and resolve risk and competing/conflicting priorities.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to balance strategic thinking, risk and delivery.
• Ability to translate complex technical and regulatory concepts into practical guidance, whilst maintaining flexible and adaptable with the pace of technology and AI change.