Chief Data Governance Officer Job Vacancy in Lagos, Nigeria – Financial Services

Job Description

Position:Chief Data Governance Officer

Company:Zenith Bank

Location:Lagos, Nigeria

Experience:10+ years of experience in data governance, data management, and regulatory compliance.

Education:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Management, or related field; Master’s preferred.

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Financial Services

Department:Data Management & Analytics

Salary:NGN 4,000,000 – NGN 6,000,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Zenith Bank is one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, recognized for its innovative banking solutions, robust digital platforms, and commitment to customer excellence. With a strong presence across Africa and a growing international footprint, Zenith Bank continuously invests in technology and talent to drive financial inclusion and sustainable growth. The bank’s vision is to be the most trusted and forward‑looking bank in Africa, delivering superior value to shareholders, customers, and employees. As part of its strategic transformation, Zenith Bank is expanding its data capabilities to enhance risk management, regulatory compliance, and customer insight. This expansion creates exciting career opportunities for professionals who are passionate about data governance and want to shape the future of banking in Nigeria. The role contributes directly to the bank’s mission of leveraging data as a strategic asset, supporting the broader goal of economic development and financial stability in the region. By joining Zenith Bank, you become part of a dynamic team that values integrity, innovation, and impact, while enjoying the prestige of working for a top‑tier institution that is at the forefront of Nigeria Jobs and Jobs in Nigeria markets.

Job Overview

The Chief Data Governance Officer (CDGO) will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of Zenith Bank’s data governance framework. Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, the CDGO will be responsible for establishing policies, standards, and procedures that ensure data quality, security, privacy, and regulatory compliance across all business units. This senior role requires a strategic mindset, deep expertise in data management, and a proven track record of driving data‑centric initiatives in highly regulated environments. The CDGO will collaborate with business leaders, technology teams, risk and compliance officers, and external regulators to embed data governance into the bank’s culture and operations. This position offers a unique platform to influence the bank’s data strategy, support innovative product development, and enhance the overall risk posture, thereby contributing to the bank’s competitive advantage in the financial services sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and champion a comprehensive data governance framework aligned with local and international regulations, including CBN, GDPR, and Basel III.
• Define data ownership, stewardship, and accountability structures across all business lines.
• Establish data quality metrics, monitoring processes, and remediation workflows to ensure high‑quality data for decision‑making.
• Lead data classification, lineage, and cataloguing initiatives using modern data catalog tools.
• Collaborate with the Risk Management and Compliance departments to embed data controls into risk assessment processes.
• Oversee data privacy and security policies, ensuring compliance with data protection laws and internal standards.
• Drive data literacy programs and workshops to foster a data‑driven culture throughout the organization.
• Partner with IT and Architecture teams to integrate governance controls into data pipelines, cloud platforms, and analytics solutions.
• Provide regular reports to senior leadership on data governance health, risk exposure, and improvement plans.
• Stay abreast of emerging data regulations, industry best practices, and technology trends to continuously evolve the governance model.

Required Skills

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in data governance, data management, or data quality roles within the financial services industry.
• Strong knowledge of data protection regulations (e.g., CBN, GDPR, PDPA) and banking compliance standards.
• Proficiency with data governance tools such as Collibra, Alation, or Informatica.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate complex data concepts into actionable business insights.
• Project management expertise, preferably with PMP or PRINCE2 certification.
• Experience with cloud data platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and modern data architectures.
• Ability to influence and drive cultural change across a large, matrixed organization.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Management, Data Science, or a related discipline is required. A Master’s degree or MBA with a focus on data analytics or risk management is highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of ten years of progressive experience in data governance, data quality, or data compliance, with at least five years in a senior leadership role within a banking or financial services environment.

Salary

Competitive annual salary ranging from NGN 4,000,000 to NGN 6,000,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus performance‑based bonuses and benefits.

Benefits

• Health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Generous paid time off and public holiday schedule.
• Professional development allowance and certification support.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
• Transportation allowance and flexible working arrangements.

Training

• On‑boarding program focused on Zenith Bank’s data strategy and governance policies.
• Continuous learning opportunities through internal academies and external courses.
• Leadership development workshops and mentorship programs.
• Access to industry conferences, webinars, and networking events.

Working Environment

Zenith Bank offers a collaborative, inclusive, and technology‑driven workplace located in the heart of Lagos’s financial district. Employees benefit from state‑of‑the‑art facilities, modern collaboration tools, and a culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement. The bank promotes work‑life balance through flexible hours, remote work options, and a supportive management style that values employee well‑being.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience via the online portal on the Zenith Bank Careers page. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a series of interviews, including a technical assessment and a leadership competency interview. The recruitment process aims to be transparent, efficient, and respectful of candidates’ time.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Zenith Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join us in shaping the future of banking in Nigeria.