Head of Data Strategy & Governance

Join Mizuho as the Head of Data Strategy & Governance!4

The Head of Data Governance reports to the Chief Data Officer and leads the implementation of the Enterprise Data Management Framework across Mizuho Americas. This role is accountable for establishing governance and quality standards, ensuring compliance, and driving strategic alignment with business and technology initiatives. The Head of Data Governance acts as a thought leader and change agent, fostering a culture of data stewardship and continuous improvement.

The role requires the candidate to act as influential thought leader bringing in external perspectives on the execution to drive adoption. As a change agent, the candidate will ensure a good understanding of the data vision across the company. The role will focus on defining the long-term data management roadmap, constantly working with business units to identify use cases for data, and then on prioritizing such use cases and coordinate implementation efforts to achieve high-quality and on-time delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Implementation

• Update and maintain the data strategy, ensuring alignment with Mizuho’s business and technology strategies.
• Support the development and execution of strategic initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive transformation, efficiency, and innovation.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to inform strategic planning and data management practices.
• Track progress through key performance indicators and report on benchmarks across data management capabilities.

Governance & Controls

• Own and refresh Enterprise Data Management Policy, capabilities Standards, and Standards of Care.
• Ensure policies and standards enable the data strategy and support business objectives.
• Drive alignment and document preparation of reporting, including to the Data Executive Committee and Enterprise Data Council.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Serve as the point of contact for IT GRC, Internal Audit, and Non-Financial Risk teams for capability reviews and assessments.
• Demonstrate adherence to policies and standards, identify potential risks, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Oversee internal audits reviews and coordinate reporting on corrective actions as necessary.

Operational Execution

• Coordinate the definition and assembly of board, head office, and regulatory presentation decks.
• Manage resource planning, recruitment, and onboarding efforts.
• Support change management procedures and data governance initiatives.
• Drive alignment and readiness across capabilities to support production and audit review.
• Ensure business continuity planning and initiative closure documentation.

Culture & Communication

• Foster understanding and conviction of the data management vision across the organization.
• Oversee enhancements and change management responsibilities for Mizuho Data Academy.
• Manage the EDMO SharePoint site and produce regular communications (e.g.newsletters).
• Drive collaboration and transparency across departments and leadership teams.

Portfolio & Financial Oversight

• Manage project portfolios and reporting structures, tracking the book of work roadmap.
• Oversee financial reporting, vendor relationships, initiative costing, and vendor data cleanup.
• Coordinate annual planning and budgeting processes, setting and monitoring performance benchmarks

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• 15+ years of experience with data, including strategy, project management, and governance.
• 10+ years in management/executive roles.
• Strong leadership in enterprise or cross-functional roles.
• Ability to translate business needs into data needs and draft data roadmaps.
• Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and drive change in large organizations.
• Knowledge of enterprise data domains, data products, and operational best practices.

The expected base salary ranges from $200k-$250k. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications and licenses obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.

#LI-Hybrid

Other requirements

In office attendance is an essential function of this role.  There is currently a requirement to be in the office a minimum 50% of the time, or five out of every 10 business days.  Specific information about the requirements for your role will be communicated during the recruitment process.

Company Overview

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. is the 15th largest bank in the world as measured by total assets of ~$2 trillion. Mizuho's 60,000 employees worldwide offer comprehensive financial services to clients in 35 countries and 800 offices throughout the Americas, EMEA and Asia. Mizuho Americas is a leading provider of corporate and investment banking services to clients in the US, Canada, and Latin America. Through its acquisition of Greenhill​, Mizuho provides M&A, restructuring and private capital advisory capabilities across Americas, Europe and Asia. Mizuho Americas employs approximately 3,500 professionals, and its capabilities span corporate and investment banking, capital markets, equity and fixed income sales & trading, derivatives, FX, custody and research. Visit www.mizuhoamericas.com.​​

Mizuho Americas offers a competitive total rewards package.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer, and we comply with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in all of the jurisdictions where we operate. AA Employer - M/F/Disability/Veteran.

Accommodations are available upon request for applicants with disabilities and other covered reasons in accordance with applicable law.

We participate in the E-Verify program.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and reserve the right to require pre- and post-hire drug testing, as permitted by applicable law.