Senior Data Governance Officer

About the Opportunity

Are you passionate about data management, governance and having an impact on public safety? We are looking for a Senior Data Governance Officer to join our Safety & Regulatory Insights team to strengthen our capability to use data confidently, consistently and responsibly to support data and intelligence-led risk-based regulatory actions and programs.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Data Governance, Strategy & Engagement, you will have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a newly formed business operating model, where you will lead the implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of ONRSR’s Data Governance and Management Framework, ensuring consistent alignment to our Strategic Directions.

In this role, you will design and embed governance arrangements that are practical, scalable and aligned to regulatory needs, while improving data quality, consistency and transparency to support intelligence and data analytics and reporting, including the application of AI tools and techniques. You will partner with stakeholders to build a shared understanding of data ownership and accountability and have a key role in balancing governance, risk management and process usability to ensure data is accessible, secure and fit-for-purpose. In doing so, you will contribute to building a culture where data is valued, understood and used with confidence across the organisation.

If having a positive impact on community safety and working in a purpose-driven organisation motivates you, we would love to hear from you!

About you – your impact and contribution

Responsible for designing, implementing and embedding practical data governance arrangements that are fit for regulatory decision-making, the ideal candidate for this role will have:

• Proven experience implementing data governance frameworks in complex environments.
• Strong understanding of data ownership, stewardship, metadata, lineage and data quality practices.
• Experience translating governance into practical artefacts and ways of working.
• Understanding of data governance in regulated or high-trust environments.
• Ability to balance risk management, compliance and process usability.
• Familiarity with privacy, security and information management obligations.
• Ability to position governance as an enabler of analytics and decision-making.
• Experience supporting or working alongside data, analytics or AI teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on practical outcomes over theory.
• Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to influence and embed new ways of working across an organisation.
• A collaborative approach with a focus on uplift and continuous improvement.
• The ability to work autonomously, making sound decisions with minimal guidance.
• A tertiary qualification or significant professional experience in data governance, management or analytics.

Our Organisation and Culture

The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has the responsibility for regulatory oversight of rail safety throughout Australia. As an independent regulatory authority, ONRSR pursues safe railways for Australia by encouraging safe rail operations, enforcing national compliance with the Rail Safety National Law and promoting and improving rail safety across the country.

Be part of a values-led organisation with a strong commitment to its Culture Blueprint - the foundation for our purposeful, diverse and inclusive workplace and a key contributor to how we achieve our vision of Safe Railways for all Australians.

We are passionate about supporting Our People

At ONRSR we work together to deliver exceptional outcomes for Rail Safety for all Australians. Our colleagues have an impact far beyond work, and you’ll be part of a team that is contributing to enhancing safety outcomes.

• You will be part of a $26 billion industry employing over 142,000 people that is at the forefront of innovation, productivity, and world’s best practice.
• We invest in building the capability of our people through customised learning and development programs and by growing your curiosity and experience.
• Employee Assistance Program and Peer Support Network.
• Mentoring for your own development and the opportunity to mentor others.
• Extra 3 days leave with Christmas closedown for all colleagues.
• Salary packaging of car.

We support healthy work life balance, encourage ongoing learning and growth, and offer flexible work options to help our people succeed both professionally and personally. Whether you’re building new skills or deepening your expertise, you’ll find a team environment that’s focused on connection, contribution, and continuous improvement. Further details on the benefits of working at ONRSR can be found at

The application process

Not sure you meet all the requirements? That’s okay — we’re interested in people who may not tick all the boxes. If this sounds like a place you’d thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

To Apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in the role and how your experience aligns with what we are looking for.

More information can be found in the Position Description which is attached below and can also be found at:

As part of the recruitment and selection process, shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake a national criminal history check. Please note that the outcome of this check will be considered in context and does not automatically disqualify applicants from progressing.

Enquiries to: ONRSR’s People and Capability team by emailing [email protected]

Salary: $128,324 – $135,062 + 12% super

Applications close: Monday, 31 August 2026, 6:00PM

At ONRSR, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone feels valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those of diverse gender identities, sexual orientations, cultures, religions, ages, abilities and neurodiversity.

If there’s anything we can do to make the recruitment process more accessible or comfortable for you, please let us know – we’re here to support you.

We also commit to responding to every applicant.

NOTE:

• You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid work permit or visa, as we are unable to provide sponsorship.
• Applications are sought from direct candidates only. No agencies please.
• Application closing dates are at the discretion of ONRSR and may change without notice.

• Position Description - Senior Data Governance Officer