Data Governance Manager

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is a sector-focused international law firm with extensive expertise and industry insight across its core sectors of energy infrastructure and transport. Through its network of 19 offices the firm advises clients on complex high-value transactions and disputes matters requiring precise legal execution and a nuanced understanding of global market dynamics.

The firms success is driven by its people. It fosters a collaborative inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow share ideas and make an impact. Guided by its values We are experts We are united and We care the firm delivers exceptional service through strong relationships and teamwork. The firm is committed to clear career paths championing diversity and investing in its people so they can thrive.

The Data Governance Manager is accountable for defining implementing and leading the firms data management and governance strategy across the global organisation with a particular focus on supporting the legal practice.

This role new to the firm will ensure that the firms data including client matter financial knowledge and operational data is accurate trusted well-governed and fit-for-purpose enabling improved legal delivery decision-making regulatory compliance and client service.

The role combines understanding of law firm operations hands-on leadership of data initiatives and the ability to work collaboratively with partners lawyers innovation finance IT risk and compliance teams.

• Define and maintain a firmwide data management and governance strategy and related procedural and policy documentation aligned to the firms business and legal practice strategy and considering compliance requirements.
• Act as the firms senior authority on data management ownership quality and governance.
• Lead and contribute to projects and initiatives sharing knowledge and supporting continuous improvement.
• Develop deep understanding of how data is captured and utilised across the legal practice including:
  • Client and matter management
  • Time recording billing and pricing
  • Practice performance and profitability
  • Legal project management resource management and matter delivery
• Partner closely with partners practice leaders and operational teams to identify data challenges and opportunities.
• Translate legal practice needs into clear data requirements and improvement initiatives.
• Establish ownership and accountability for key legal practice data domains.
• Advise and mentor data-related resources and stakeholders across the firm.
• Act as an advocate for change building awareness of the value of data across the firm.
• Develop clear guidance practical tools and training appropriate for a legal environment.
• Drive improvements in data quality through standards controls processes and behavioural change.
• Oversee master data management approaches across core systems (e.g. PMS time and billing CRM finance).
• Deliver excellent customer service ensuring professional communication with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ensure compliance with IT security policies and promote best practices in all interactions.
• Contribute to a positive team culture and uphold company values.

• Significant experience in data governance and master data management in a law firm ideally on a multinational basis.
• Strong understanding of law firm operations including matters clients billing time recording and profitability.
• Demonstrable experience defining and embedding data management and governance frameworks in complex partnership-led organisations.
• Familiarity with common law firm systems and integrations (e.g. PMS CRM finance time recording billing).
• Experience gathering requirements shaping business cases leading and supporting change initiatives.
• Understanding of data models technologies reporting and tools (e.g. SQL Power BI)
• Proven ability to engage credibly with senior stakeholders including partners and C-suite.

• Excellent customer service mindset
• Structured thinker with the ability to translate complex data concepts into practical actions.
• Strong communication skills able to explain issues clearly and listen effectively.
• Pragmatic and commercially aware; able to balance governance with usability.
• Strong communicator at all levels able to facilitate and influence without direct authority.
• Pragmatic and commercially aware; able to balance governance with usability.
• Organised and adaptable able to manage multiple simultaneous projects and priorities
• Logical thinker approaches problems methodically and pays attention to detail.
• Team player collaborates well and contributes to a supportive team and firm environment.

Success Measures

• Delivery of a firmwide data management and governance framework.
• Clear ownership and accountability for critical legal and operational data.
• Improved trust in firmwide and practice-level data.
• Reduced data-related risk and inefficiency.
• Increased understanding and effective use of data by legal practices and operational teams.
• Improved data-enabled capabilities around matter delivery reporting and decision-making.

We offer a competitive benefits and wellbeing package for all employees.

The Firm promotes a culture of agility and flexibility and is fully supportive of flexible working arrangements where these can be accommodated.

Diversity and inclusion are integral to the firms strategy and underpin its efforts to attract and retain top talent. All employment decisions are made objectively based on merit and ability and the firm is committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment. As a Disability Confident employer WFW welcomes adjustments for candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions and participates in the Disability Confident interview scheme. If you would like to apply through this scheme or require adjustments during any stage of the process please contact .