People Data & Governance Specialist Location: Bedfordshire (3 days in office) Employment Type: Permanent or FTC Salary: Up to £50,000 Role Overview We’re seeking a People Data & Governance Specialist to join a large organisation’s People Systems team on a fixed-term basis. This role sits at the crossroads of HR systems, data governance, and compliance—with a focus on maintaining and evolving the quality, accuracy, and integrity of people data across platforms including Workday, Taleo, Peakon, and the Learning Management System. You’ll support the delivery of operational services and strategic insights by embedding strong data foundations, frameworks, and controls. From managing access and privacy compliance to supporting system integrations and reporting accuracy, your work will underpin key HR and business decisions. A major focus in the early months will be contributing to a large-scale transformation project, helping shape the data landscape for the future. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about structured data, security, and the critical role data plays in powering modern HR operations. Key Responsibilities • Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and governance of people data across multiple HR systems (primarily Workday) • Maintain and evolve data privacy, access control, and GDPR compliance frameworks • Support integrations between systems, ensuring clean, secure data flow across platforms • Translate data governance principles into real-world operational controls and user processes • Work cross-functionally with HR, IT, Legal, Data Office, and Reward teams to embed best practices • Support ongoing transformation projects with a focus on future-state data quality and reporting needs • Apply structured problem-solving techniques (e.g. root cause analysis, process mapping) to data-related issues • Identify and implement process improvements that elevate data usability, clarity, and compliance • Assist in producing audit-ready records and supporting works council or union compliance standards Key Requirements • Strong experience working with HRIS platforms such as Workday, AIMS, CVP, or similar • Deep understanding of data governance, GDPR, and data compliance frameworks • Experience managing access, permissions, and secure data handling in enterprise environments • Proficiency in problem-solving methodologies (e.g. RCA, lean process design) • Comfortable translating technical data concepts for non-technical stakeholders • Experience working in regulated or unionised environments—ideally within customer-facing industries • Detail-oriented, analytical, and confident embedding data quality standards across projects • Strong collaboration skills and the ability to operate across HR, legal, and technical domains • A proactive, dependable mindset with a focus on both accuracy and operational ease-of-use