Empowering People to Stay a Step Ahead in Life and in Business
At ING, we believe data is one of our most valuable assets. As we continue to strengthen our data-driven organization, we are looking for an experienced and inspiring leader to drive our Data Governance capabilities and help ensure that data remains trusted, managed, and leveraged effectively across the organization.
As a Circle Lead, Data Governance, you will have the opportunity to lead a team of talented professionals, influence strategic decision-making, and contribute to the continuous evolution of ING's global data governance landscape. This role offers a unique combination of people leadership, operational excellence, stakeholder management, and transformation delivery within a highly collaborative international environment.
Role Summary
As a Circle Lead, Data Governance, you will be responsible for leading and developing a team of Data Governance professionals while driving the execution of ING's data governance strategy and operational objectives. You will oversee service delivery, governance standards, risk and control implementation, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure data remains a trusted and strategic asset across the organization.
In this role, you will balance people leadership, strategic planning, and operational excellence, partnering with global stakeholders to deliver scalable data governance services that support ING's regulatory requirements, business objectives, and data-driven ambitions. You will play a key role in fostering a high-performing team culture while contributing to the continued growth and maturity of ING's global Data Governance capability.
About the Team
The Scalable Data Services team enables ING's global data ambitions by delivering sustainable, scalable, and high-quality data management capabilities. Within this organization, the Data Governance function focuses on strengthening data ownership, improving data quality, embedding governance practices, and supporting compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
The team works in close partnership with business, technology, risk, compliance, and regulatory stakeholders across multiple countries and business domains, helping ensure data is managed as a strategic asset that supports better customer outcomes and business performance.
What You'll Do
•Lead, coach, and develop a team of Data Governance professionals, fostering a culture of engagement, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
•Drive the execution of Data Governance strategy and ensure alignment with ING's global objectives and priorities.
•Oversee service delivery, capacity planning, workforce management, and operational performance within the Data Governance domain.
•Establish, maintain, and continuously enhance governance frameworks, controls, policies, and standards to support data quality, compliance, and risk management.
•Partner with senior stakeholders across business, technology, risk, audit, and compliance functions to drive governance adoption and organizational change.
•Lead strategic transformation initiatives, service transitions, automation opportunities, and process improvement efforts.
•Monitor key performance indicators, risks, controls, and service outcomes to ensure sustainable and high-quality delivery.
•Promote a culture of ownership, accountability, innovation, and continuous learning across the team.
•Support leadership decision-making through effective reporting, governance oversight, and operational insights.
What We're Looking For
•Extensive experience in Data Governance, Data Management, Data Quality, Data Risk, or related disciplines.
•Proven people leadership experience, including coaching, talent development, performance management, and team engagement.
•Strong understanding of data governance frameworks, operating models, policies, controls, and regulatory expectations.
•Experience managing complex delivery portfolios and operating within large, matrixed, global organizations.
•Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across different levels of the organization.
•Demonstrated experience leading transformation, operational excellence, or continuous improvement initiatives.
•Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.
•Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
You'll Have an Edge If You Also Have
•Experience within financial services, banking, fintech, or other highly regulated industries.
•Knowledge of Agile ways of working and service management practices.
•Experience with reporting, analytics, and automation tools such as Power BI and Microsoft Power Platform.
•Professional certifications in Data Management, Agile, Risk Management, Project Management, Change Management, or related fields.
Why Join ING?
At ING, you'll have the opportunity to:
•Lead a strategically important Data Governance capability with global visibility and impact.
•Collaborate with international stakeholders and experts across the ING network.
•Shape the future of data governance and contribute to enterprise-wide transformation initiatives.
•Work in an environment that values innovation, continuous learning, and professional development.
•Build and develop high-performing teams while making a meaningful impact on the organization.
•Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking organization committed to helping people stay a step ahead.
About ING
With 65,000 employees and operations in approximately 40 countries, there is no shortage of opportunities for people with initiative who want to help people take a step ahead in life and in business.
