Principal Consultant - Data Governance (Strategy Execution & Value Realization)

Inbox Business Technologies is seeking an experienced Principal Consultant — Data Governance to lead the governance relationship within the data-and-AI vertical of a multi-vertical Strategy Execution & Value Realization Office. This role ensures that strategic initiatives are delivered with strong governance, measurable benefits, and ongoing architectural compliance. The Principal Consultant will serve as the senior escalation point for cross-vertical dependencies and act as the primary governance liaison to executive stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Design and manage the operating model, governance structure, methodologies, templates, and tools that support strategy execution governance for the data-and-AI vertical within a broader multi-vertical governance office. Coordinate cross-vertical activities by maintaining portfolio visibility, mapping dependencies against other verticals, and escalating issues beyond a single vertical’s authority. Own the governance framework for strategic initiative delivery, including stage gates, milestones, risk, issue and dependency management, budget oversight, quality control, and change-request governance aligned with the vertical’s strategic objectives.

Lead the governance partnership with the Enterprise Architecture function by coordinating Architecture Review Board participation, maintaining architecture decision records, and ensuring solution designs comply with enterprise standards. Manage the executive reporting relationship by producing dashboards, portfolio reports, scorecards, and decision-support insights on a regular cadence for senior stakeholders. Establish the benefit-realization methodology for the vertical by defining success measures, validating business cases, and confirming initiatives deliver expected value prior to closure.

Develop and maintain governance frameworks, methodologies, standards, templates, and playbooks used across the vertical’s portfolio, including oversight of KPI cascade tooling that links strategic themes to operational KPIs. Conduct periodic maturity assessments of governance, portfolio management, and value-realization capabilities, benchmarking against industry best practices and leading improvement initiatives. Own transition and continuity planning for the governance function at the end of the current strategy horizon, including options for continuation, re-tender, or in-house transition. Provide senior mentorship and quality oversight to the Senior Consultant supporting the vertical.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Data Management, Information Systems, Business, or Engineering, with a minimum of eight years of relevant experience in data governance, enterprise or program governance, or strategy execution advisory. At least three to five years of experience operating at a principal or senior advisory level with direct engagement of executive stakeholders is essential. Proven experience designing and managing governance operating models for large, multi-workstream strategic portfolios is required. Demonstrated ability to engage Enterprise Architecture functions, Architecture Review Boards, and senior executives in complex organizations is critical.

Familiarity with portfolio and program governance frameworks such as MoP, MSP, or P3O, as well as data governance frameworks like DAMA-DMBOK, is necessary. Experience in benefits realization methodology, KPI architecture design, and executive reporting is expected. Strong skills in executive stakeholder engagement, escalation management, and cross-functional facilitation are also required.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

Certifications such as CDMP (DAMA) are preferred, along with PMP, PgMP, or MoP credentials. Knowledge of TOGAF is considered a plus.

Inbox Business Technologies is committed to equal opportunity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and ensure fair consideration without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or pregnancy. We celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where every team member is valued. Candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply and contribute their unique perspectives to our culture of equality and innovation.