Head of Data Governance – Global Payments & Liquidity (GPL)

About the position

Wells Fargo is seeking a Data Governance Leader for Global Payments & Liquidity (GPL) to lead the end-to-end data governance and data management function for one of the bank's most critical and fast-evolving businesses. As payments and liquidity products grow in scale and complexity, so does the importance of trusted, well-governed data. In this role, you will own the governance framework that ensures GPL's data is accurate, well-documented, and controlled across its full lifecycle — from cataloging and lineage to data quality, issue management, and remediation. You will lead a team of data governance and data management professionals, partner closely with enterprise data, risk, compliance, and audit functions, and serve as a senior advisor to business and technology leaders on data risk and controls. This is a high-impact, high-visibility opportunity for a proven data governance leader who can set strategy, build and scale a high-performing team, and drive large-scale data quality, remediation, and transformation programs in a complex, highly regulated, global environment. You will define and execute multi-year roadmaps, strengthen the control environment, and embed a durable culture of data ownership and accountability across GPL — directly supporting the business's growth, resilience, and regulatory standing.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the end-to-end data governance function for the Global Payments & Liquidity (GPL) business.
  • Manage and develop a team of 10+ data governance and data management specialists, fostering a culture of accountability, data ownership, and continuous improvement.
  • Serve as a key contributor to the GPL data strategy, aligning governance priorities with business and technology roadmaps.
  • Provide thought leadership and influence the ongoing evolution of enterprise-wide data policies, standards, and frameworks.
  • Ensure adherence to enterprise data governance policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards across GPL.
  • Drive implementation and continuous enhancement of data governance frameworks, including data ownership, stewardship, and controls.
  • Partner with enterprise data governance, risk, compliance, and audit functions to ensure alignment and consistency.
  • Oversee core data management capabilities, including: Data cataloging and metadata management, Data lineage and traceability, Data quality management and monitoring, Data issue and incident management.
  • Establish and maintain robust processes for identifying, tracking, and resolving data quality issues and incidents.
  • Lead responses to internal and external audits related to data governance and data management.
  • Oversee remediation efforts for data deficiencies, ensuring timely and sustainable resolution of control gaps.
  • Drive root cause analysis and preventive measures for recurring data issues.
  • Lead and/or contribute to large-scale data improvement, remediation, and transformation programs within GPL.
  • Define and execute multi-year roadmaps for data quality, policy compliance, and governance maturity.
  • Track and report progress against key governance metrics and KPIs.
  • Partner closely with business leaders, technology teams, and enterprise data functions to embed governance into day-to-day operations.
  • Act as a senior advisor to stakeholders on data risks, controls, and best practices.
  • Influence cross-functional teams to adopt consistent data standards and governance practices.

Requirements

  • 10+ years of Data Management, Business Research, Analytics, or Project Management or leadership experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
  • 4+ years of management or leadership experience
  • Proven experience implementing and managing enterprise data governance frameworks within large banks or financial institutions.
  • Demonstrated success in developing and executing multi-year data governance, policy, and data quality improvement roadmaps.
  • Experience leading workstreams within large-scale data remediation, transformation, or regulatory-driven programs.
  • Strong domain knowledge in Payments and Liquidity products and operations.

Nice-to-haves

  • Hands-on experience with data used in regulatory reporting, sanctions screening, and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) processes.
  • Deep understanding of data-related regulatory expectations, risk frameworks, and control environments in banking.
  • Proven ability to build, lead, and scale high-performing teams (10+ professionals).
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders across business, risk, and technology organizations.
  • Experience working in highly matrixed, global environments.
  • Expertise in data governance tools and practices (e.g., data catalog, lineage, data quality platforms).
  • Strong understanding of data architecture, data flows, and integration patterns.
  • Ability to translate technical data concepts into business-relevant insights and actions.

Benefits

  • Health benefits
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid time off
  • Disability benefits
  • Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Critical caregiving leave
  • Discounts and savings
  • Commuter benefits
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Scholarships for dependent children
  • Adoption reimbursement
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