Lead Data Manager | Metadata Project Lead
Lead a major metadata uplift program supporting AI readiness, data governance, and enterprise data management initiatives within a large Federal Government environment.
We are seeking an experienced
Lead Data Manager (EL1 equivalent)
to drive the end-to-end uplift of business metadata across high-value data assets. This is a leadership opportunity for a data governance and metadata specialist who can lead multidisciplinary teams, engage senior stakeholders, and deliver strategic outcomes aligned to enterprise data and AI initiatives.
About the Role
As the Lead Data Manager, you will be accountable for the planning, governance, and delivery of a large-scale metadata program. You will lead metadata registrars and developers, establish governance frameworks, oversee metadata quality, and ensure alignment with organisational objectives and AI readiness goals.
This role requires a strategic thinker with strong project leadership capability, deep expertise in metadata standards, and the ability to influence and collaborate across technical and business teams.
Key Responsibilities
Project Governance & Delivery Leadership
Lead project planning, governance, reporting, and delivery activities
Define and manage scope, priorities, milestones, and success measures
Track progress, risks, issues, and quality outcomes across the program
Ensure delivery aligns with organisational strategic priorities and AI readiness objectives
Manage project resources and drive successful delivery outcomes
Metadata Leadership & Quality Assurance
Lead analysis of enterprise metadata landscapes and related artefacts
Assess metadata quality, coverage, consistency, and governance gaps
Drive metadata harmonisation across systems and business areas
Ensure metadata aligns with recognised standards and governance frameworks
Review and assure metadata quality before registration and publication
Stakeholder & Team Leadership
Engage with data stewards, subject matter experts, analysts,



engineers, and business stakeholders
Lead and mentor metadata specialists and project team members
Deliver capability uplift and training on metadata standards and governance practices
Manage stakeholder validation activities and facilitate resolution of issues
Support workforce planning, performance management, coaching, and succession planning
Skills & Experience
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
Extensive experience leading complex data, metadata, or governance programs
Strong expertise in data governance, data management, and metadata frameworks
Demonstrated experience implementing
ISO/IEC ***** metadata registry standards
Knowledge of metadata and information management standards including:
ONDC metadata attributes
National Archives of Australia information requirements
Data Catalogue Vocabulary (DCAT)
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and influence senior stakeholders
Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Advanced Microsoft Excel and project tracking/reporting capability
Experience supporting analytics, automation, AI, or data-driven transformation initiatives
Essential Capabilities
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
Research and Analytical Frameworks




Experience building capability in others and providing strategic advice across enterprise data environments will be highly regarded.
What We're Looking For
You will have the ability to:
Think strategically and translate strategy into delivery outcomes
Lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams
Build strong stakeholder relationships across technical and business groups
Manage competing priorities and complex delivery schedules
Identify and mitigate project risks
Lead organisational change initiatives
Make evidence-based decisions and recommendations
Work independently while collaborating effectively across teams
Contract Details
Initial contract:
Up to 12 months
Extension options:
Up to 24 months additional extension potential
Start date:
December ****
Locations:
ACT, VIC, QLD, SA or TAS
Work arrangement:
Hybrid
Onsite requirement:
First 6 weeks onsite before hybrid arrangements may be considered
Security clearance:
Must hold a Baseline Security Clearance
Why Apply?
This is an prospect to lead a high-profile metadata transformation initiative that will support enterprise data governance, AI readiness, and strategic decision-making outcomes within a large and complex government environment. You will work with senior stakeholders, influence organisational data strategy, and help shape the future of data management capabilities.
ManpowerGroup is committed to being a Diversity Confident Recruiter and encourages applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds, including people with a disability. Please indicate your preferred method of communication in your resume and please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments should you be contacted for an interview.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
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📌 1 Lead Data Manager (Canberra)
🏢 Experis Australia
📍 Canberra