Metadata Capability Lead

Job Description

Absa Group is hiring a Metadata Capability Lead to drive the implementation and continuous improvement of metadata management across the organisation. The role ensures enterprise-wide alignment to data governance standards, oversees adoption of metadata tools, and leads a team responsible for delivering high-quality metadata services. It focuses on supporting business understanding and effective data usage through governance of glossaries, repositories, and data lineage capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma in Information Technology, Risk Management, or a related field
• Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in data management, governance, or related areas
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in enterprise data governance or metadata practices
• Minimum 3 years' leadership experience managing teams in data governance or metadata functions
• Proven success in implementing metadata capabilities (business glossaries, repositories, lineage solutions)
• Experience with metadata tools like Collibra, Informatica, or Alation is advantageous
• Familiarity with data visualization tools such as QlikView or Power BI is a plus
• Strong understanding of metadata types (business, technical, operational, lineage)
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance standards related to data governance
• Ability to define and implement metadata standards, processes, and KPIs
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, change management, and communication skills
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• Exposure to data architecture and modeling principles is beneficial
• Strong understanding of data management principles including data quality, master data, reference data, and governance

Responsibilities

• Lead the Metadata Capability team and manage performance, coaching, and development
• Define, optimize, and govern the metadata management operating model and KPIs
• Own the Enterprise Business Glossary and ensure alignment with data governance standards
• Define and enforce metadata standards, guidelines, and quality rules
• Collaborate with data owners, custodians, and stewards to capture and maintain metadata
• Manage metadata repositories and tools to ensure they meet business and technical needs
• Design and deliver training and communication to increase metadata adoption
• Integrate metadata across platforms to enable data lineage and impact analysis
• Support compliance through effective metadata management controls
• Coordinate with data domains and communities to align practices and resolve issues
• Contribute to the execution of the enterprise data governance strategy with a metadata focus