Data Governance Lead

The Opportunity

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada.  

Zurich Canada is currently looking for a Data Governance Lead to define, implement, and maintain the organization’s data governance framework to ensure data quality, compliance, and effective data usage across the enterprise. This role acts as a bridge between business and technology teams, driving accountability for data assets, and enabling trusted data for decision-making. 

This is a unique opportunity to build your knowledge and experience for the future in a supportive environment where your voice matters. This posting is for a new vacancy. 

Zurich Canada uses artificial intelligence–enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including the initial review and screening of applications. Artificial intelligence is not the sole basis for candidate shortlisting or selection. All hiring decisions are reviewed and made by qualified hiring professionals.

Zurich follows a hybrid work model requiring three days per week of in-person presence, which may include time in the office or market-facing engagements.

What you will do

•    Develop and maintain the enterprise data governance strategy aligned with the organization´s policy position and ensure compliance with regulators, internal risk and compliance standards.
•    Establish policies, standards, and procedures for data management, quality, and stewardship. Work with key stakeholders such as architects and IT heads to ensure alignment
•    Define roles and responsibilities for data owners and stewards across domains. Facilitate data stewardship councils and governance forums.
•    Monitor and report on data governance KPIs and risk indicators.
•    Implement data quality frameworks and tools for profiling, monitoring, and remediation.
•    Oversee metadata management and lineage tracking to improve transparency.
•    Partner with IT, analytics, and business units to embed governance into data lifecycle processes. Cloud & Multi-Platform Governance: Ensure governance across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
•    Drive adoption of governance practices through training and communication.
•    Serve as a subject matter expert on privacy obligations, minimum-necessary use, and responsible handling of personal or protected information.
•    Ensure proper handling of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and adherence to consent management practices.
•    Ensure adherence to data privacy regulations and internal compliance standards. Partner with business units to operationalize privacy controls using documented privacy guidance and procedures.
•    Help embed privacy-by-design practices into systems and processes.

Job Qualifications - What you bring to the table

Required:

•    Bachelor’s or Masters in Data Management, Information Systems, or related field.

AND

•    8+ years in data management, with at least 3 years in governance leadership roles.
•    Proven experience in implementing governance frameworks in large organizations.

AND

•    Intimate knowledge of governance best practices and privacy regulations as they apply to the insurance space.
•    Familiarity with data governance tools (Collibra, Informatica, Alation).
•    Understanding of data architecture, data modeling, and cloud platforms.
•    Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
•    Excellent communication and ability to drive cultural change.

At Zurich Canada, we are committed to pay equity. We determine compensation based on objective criteria such as skills, experience, and internal equity. The salary range for this position is 124,000 - 174,000 . This range reflects the expected pay for the role across Canada and may vary depending on factors like office location, specific responsibilities, and individual qualifications. As required by local law, Zurich provides in good faith a reasonable compensation range, but starting salaries may exceed this range based on a candidate’s skills and experience.

Our Culture

•    At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. 
 
•    We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact.  
 
•    We care about our employees’ well-being and offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs and a competitive total compensation package. 
 
•    We understand how important it is to rest, recharge and do the things you love. At Zurich, all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year to do just that. 
 
•    We also understand that employees require time off for personal reasons. Maybe you have an appointment during a workday, a cultural or religious holiday you would like to observe, or you need time off to focus on your mental health. Zurich employees receive four personal days per year to be used at their discretion.  
 
•    We are committed to continuous improvement and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.  
 
•    We care about our communities. Our communities are where our customers, people, and shareholders live and work. While we can be proud of the contribution to society Zurich makes through our core business of insurance, we must also give back to our communities through our talent, time and resources. 
 
•    We have won numerous awards for our workplace culture. We are proud to be one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and to have received Insurance Business Canada’s 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.    

 
Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.  

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi-line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid-sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 650 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in-depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals’ first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at www.zurichcanada.com.