Lead Data Manager – Metadata Program Lead

About the role

A large Federal Government environment is seeking an experienced Lead Data Manager (EL1 equivalent) to lead a major metadata uplift program supporting AI readiness, data governance and enterprise data management. The role leads metadata registrars and developers, sets up governance frameworks, oversees metadata quality and works with senior stakeholders. It is advertised as a Canberra position with a hybrid arrangement.

Key responsibilities

• Lead project planning, governance, reporting and delivery, defining scope, milestones and success measures, and tracking progress, risks, issues and quality
• Analyse enterprise metadata landscapes, assess quality, coverage, consistency and governance gaps, and drive harmonisation across systems
• Ensure metadata aligns with recognised standards and governance frameworks, and review and assure quality before registration and publication
• Engage data stewards, subject matter experts, analysts, engineers and business stakeholders, and lead and mentor metadata specialists
• Deliver training on metadata standards and governance, manage stakeholder validation and support workforce planning, performance management and succession planning

Required profile

• Extensive experience leading complex data, metadata or governance programs
• Subject matter expert across data governance, data and information management, metadata management, data access and classification, data collection and integration, data integrity and quality assurance, administrative data management, data products and services, and research and analytical frameworks
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, influence senior stakeholders and work independently while collaborating across teams
• Baseline security clearance required

Required skills

• Implementation of ISO/IEC 11179 metadata registry standards
• Knowledge of ONDC metadata attributes, National Archives of Australia information requirements and DCAT
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and project tracking and reporting
• Experience supporting analytics, automation, AI or data-driven transformation initiatives

What we offer

• Initial contract of up to 12 months, with up to 24 months of additional extension potential
• Start date December 2026; locations ACT, VIC, QLD, SA or TAS
• Hybrid work, with the first 6 weeks onsite