Data Product Governance Lead
About the job
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
- 7+ years of experience across data governance, data products, data platforms, data architecture, analytics engineering, technical product management, or related disciplines.
- Hands-on experience implementing governance capabilities, including catalog, metadata, and lineage, in a modern cloud data platform.
- Experience defining and implementing data product standards, including ownership, certification criteria, documentation requirements, discoverability, and lifecycle management.
- Experience defining data quality and data contract standards, including measures such as freshness and completeness, schema versioning, and change management.
- Working knowledge of platform governance controls such as role-based access control (RBAC), data classification, masking, and row- and column-level access.
- Experience owning a technical product backlog or roadmap and prioritizing work based on user and business needs.
- Experience working directly with data engineers, including translating policy and user needs into engineering-ready requirements.
- Ability to influence business and technology teams that do not report to you.
- Ability to safely and successfully perform essential job functions consistent with applicable standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
- Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with applicable standards.
- Primarily office and computer-based work with standard technical leadership and collaboration expectations for a platform engineering role.
- Define and update the standards a data product must meet before publication for broader consumption.
- Establish required information for published data products, including business and technical definitions, ownership, authoritative source, refresh expectations, lineage, quality measures, classification, access requirements, and applicable data contracts.
- Define publication and certification standards aligned with the medallion architecture, including requirements for progression from raw and standardized layers to trusted, reusable data products.
- Maintain publication criteria for data products contributed by domain teams and work with Data Platform engineers to automate checks where practical.
- Define certification and readiness indicators that show whether a data product is supported, current, and appropriate for use, including the effect of changes in quality, freshness, or ownership.
- Create reusable templates, patterns, and guidance to help domain teams meet publication requirements consistently.
- Establish metadata standards that give consumers useful business and technical context without unnecessary documentation overhead.
- Define lineage requirements across source systems, ingestion, transformation layers, published data products, and downstream consumption, and identify gaps in automated capture.
- Define data quality requirements for published data products, including freshness, completeness, validity, consistency, and reliability measures, and establish a common way to represent quality and health across the platform.
- Partner with domain teams and engineers to implement dataset-specific quality rules, thresholds, and monitoring, and make quality status visible to consumers through the catalog.
- Define data contract standards, including schema, semantics, ownership, service expectations, versioning, and change management across batch, API, and event-driven data products.
- Establish expectations for changes to published data products so downstream consumers can prepare.
- Translate enterprise classification and access standards into data product requirements and platform controls.
- Use Snowflake capabilities, including RBAC, tagging, classification, masking, and row- and column-level controls, to protect personally identifiable information (PII) and other restricted information.
- Develop repeatable access patterns that support self-service consumption while maintaining appropriate controls.
- Implement governance requirements for approved AI and agent-based consumption, including sensitive data handling, access, and traceability.
- Work with Security, Risk, Legal, and Architecture teams to align governance with privacy, security, compliance, and enterprise requirements.
- Own the backlog and roadmap for data catalog, metadata, lineage, publication, certification, and related governance capabilities.
- Work hands-on with Snowflake Horizon Catalog and other platform capabilities for discovery, metadata, lineage, classification, and trust.
- Gather feedback from data publishers and consumers to understand friction, unmet needs, and opportunities to improve publishing and consumption.
- Translate publisher and consumer feedback into prioritized platform requirements and engineering enhancements.
- Define and monitor measures such as metadata completeness, lineage coverage, quality coverage, certified product adoption, catalog usage, and time to publish, and use feedback and adoption data to improve the platform and standards.
- Work with Data Platform engineers throughout design and delivery, review designs for governance fit, and write clear acceptance criteria.
- Partner with source-system and domain teams to identify authoritative sources and establish scalable publication patterns for the federated model.
- Help establish clear ownership and accountability for published data products across business and technology teams.
- Collaborate with Analytics, Software Engineering, Architecture, Security, and business teams on data product requirements and platform improvements.
- Contribute to the broader data governance strategy and priorities as the platform evolves.
- Develop and operationalize the standards and capabilities that make data products on the Data Platform discoverable, trusted, and ready for use.
- Own the product roadmap for catalog, lineage, metadata, certification, and related governance capabilities.
- Work hands-on in Snowflake and with Data Platform engineers to build governance requirements into the platform and automate checks where practical.
- Support the federated data product model by translating policy, platform standards, and user needs into clear requirements for data publishers and consumers.
- Build and lead a small governance function as the platform matures.
- Experience with Snowflake or Snowflake Horizon Catalog, or comparable catalog and lineage platforms.
- Experience with medallion architecture and data product publication patterns in a modern data platform.
- Experience automating metadata, quality, contract, or publication requirements through pipelines, APIs, CI/CD, or platform tooling.
- Experience with federated or domain-oriented data product models.
- Experience in regulated, security-sensitive, or compliance-driven environments, or with PII and other sensitive enterprise data.
- Experience governing schemas and contracts for streaming or messaging environments such as Kafka or MuleSoft.
- Experience developing self-service data discovery, publishing, or access capabilities.
- Familiarity with governing data for AI and agent-based use cases.
About the company
AHEAD designs and runs technology systems for large enterprises, connecting infrastructure, applications, data and security under a single delivery team. Its roots in data centers shape its approach to modernizing complex environments that span private facilities and public clouds. Engineers assess a client's existing systems, plan upgrades and build the platforms, while managed services teams monitor operations, maintain software and respond to security incidents. The company earns money through consulting and implementation projects, technology sales and ongoing services that keep those environments running. AHEAD was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
Seed
Total Funding
$9M
Headquarters
San Francisco, California
Founded
2007
Get referred to AHEAD
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- AI engineering has dedicated testing capacity: AHEAD's Libertyville Innovation Lab houses 40 racks for workload benchmarking.
- Career planning has structured support: AHEAD describes Career GPS promotion guidance and confidential, on-demand coaching.
- Europe gains a local delivery base: AHEAD acquired Netherlands technology partner Prolimax in May 2026.
What critics are saying
- Supplier decisions shape client work: AHEAD sells and supports technologies from more than 200 outside providers.
- US cloud support extends beyond weekdays: AHEAD's listed senior managed-services engineer role requires on-call rotations and weekend work.
- European delivery brings compliance obligations: AHEAD's Prolimax operation requires tax and import registrations plus regional logistics coordination.
What makes AHEAD unique
- Hardware arrives ready to deploy: AHEAD Foundry assembles and tests complete racks before shipping.
- Asset tracking reaches individual components: AHEAD Hatch records deployment histories, locations and lifecycle status.
- Reusable integrations speed projects: AHEAD lists more than 400 APIs, custom offerings and frameworks connecting technology platforms.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Benefits
Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
-5%1 year growth
-5%2 year growth
-5%LAS VEGAS, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Scale Computing Platform Summit -- Scale Computing , a market leader in edge computing, virtualization, and hyperconverged solutions, today announced the winners of its 2025 Scale Computing Platform Summit Awards. Winners were honored yesterday at the Scale Computing Platform Summit (Platform//2025) conference, the company's flagship event for IT professionals and partners, at Resorts World Las Vegas.These prestigious awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of Scale Computing's partners, IT leaders, and technology alliances, who have driven innovation, collaboration, and success within the Scale Computing ecosystem."We are thrilled to celebrate the 2025 Scale Computing Platform Summit Awards winners and finalists. We're proud to recognize the individuals and organizations whose unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and growth perfectly reflects the heart of Scale Computing. A huge thank you to our partners, customers, and industry colleagues for joining us in Las Vegas this year for Platform//2025 and making the event such a success. We're counting down the days until Platform//2026 in April of next year," said Jeff Ready, CEO and co-founder of Scale Computing.The 2025 Platform Summit Awards winners and finalists include:Partner AwardsOutstanding Partner MomentumConnectionFive Star Technology SolutionsInternational Data LinkLes Olson CompanyOtava (winner)Edge Pioneer Partner of the YearAHEAD (winner)ArctiqBC TechnologiesKME SystemsServix InformáticaScale Computing Partner of the Year – North AmericaComputer Integration TechnologiesFive Star Technology Solutions (winner)KT ConnectionsLink Computer CorporationX10 TechnologiesScale Computing Partner of the Year – InternationalDatec ( Fiji ) Pte Limited (winner)Holistec SystemsNetwork Attached Storage (UK) LimitedSC IT Solutions Ltd.Network Attached Storage (UK) LimitedDistribution Partner of the Year – North AmericaClimb Channel SolutionsIngram Micro (winner)TD SynnexDistribution Partner of the Year – InternationalADN Advanced Digital Network Distribution AGCMS Distribution LtdTarsus DistributionTitan Data Solutions (winner)WiCom NetworksMSP LeadershipAscent Data (winner)Beck Computer SystemsMLBARBS ManagedSac Valley ITMVP SalesChris Keefer , Link Computer Corporation (winner)Dana Johnson , EOS Systems, EOS Systems Greg Simmons , Five Star Technology Solutions, Five Star Technology Solutions Jon Moore , ET Works, ET Works Wolfgang Zugarav, Boston Server & Storage Solutions GmbHMVP TechnicalGerry Solis , TurnKey Solutions, TurnKey Solutions Matt Gaudu , International Data Link (winner)Patrick Ware , Oriso Solutions, Oriso Solutions Steve Neverve , Nevtec, Nevtec Tim Green , QuadbridgeCustomer AwardsIT Leadership in EdgeAdrian Alb, SeaspanBen Corlett , Northern Marine, Northern Marine Jack Jenkins , Navigator Gas, Navigator Gas Jesse Wolcott & Jake Diana , Royal Farms (winner)Steve Henshaw , In N Out BurgersIT Leadership in Data CenterBreedon Aggregates (winner)Brado Logistics S.A.Cape RadiologyLanetco Computer Networks Inc.Oriso SolutionsTech LeadershipFrancois Michaud , Oriso Solutions, Oriso Solutions Frédéric Masson, UPCONSCALE (winner)Rahul Narsimhan , Hive Radar, Hive Radar Scott Ewing , Pelion IOT LtdMarketing InnovatorEdge on the Road, ET WorksLinkUp, Link Computer CorporationScale Computing BMW i3, Holistec (winner)Starnet Deadpool Premier EventPartnership ExcellenceEatonLenovo (winner)Mako NetworksParallelsSimply NUCScale Computing Customer Heroes Advocating Market Performance (CHAMP) – PartnerBrandon Brady , SHI, SHI Dana Johnson , EOS Systems, EOS Systems Darren Crann, SC IT Solutions LtdJeff Kirkton , CDW, CDW Josh Moore , Eleveity, Eleveity Mark Essayian , KME Systems, KME Systems Nathan Davidson , Five Star Technology Solutions, Five Star Technology Solutions Rodd Ahrenstorff, KT ConnectionsSteve Neverve , Nevtec, Nevtec Tim Morder , Link ComputersScale Computing Customer Heroes Advocating Market Performance (CHAMP) – CustomerBen Corlett , Northern Marine, Northern Marine Jake Diana , Royal Farms, Royal Farms Jesse Wolcott , Royal Farms, Royal Farms John Stuplich , Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co Inc, Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co Inc Josh Moreth , Interface, Interface Lee Hopley , Breedon Aggregates, Breedon Aggregates Shane Rogers , Harrison Steel Castings, Harrison Steel Castings Steven Henshaw , In-N-Out, In-N-Out Tevon McKenzie , In-N-Out, In-N-Out Wally Wheadon , Ventura FoodsPlatform//2025 featured live educational and best practices sessions, dedicated networking opportunities, the Platform//2025 Awards Dinner, and training and certification opportunities. Exemplifying this year's theme, "Let's innovate and transform together," panel discussions and presentations centered around innovations in virtualization technology, edge computing, hybrid cloud, AI, automation, data security, and more.Sponsors of Platform//2025 included Simply NUC , Mako Networks , AHEAD , Otava , Lenovo , Veeam , Kaseya , Eaton , 10ZiG , Acronis , Parallels , Bitdefender , The Functionary , Sidero , Ingram Micro , Rose Hulman Institute of Technology , OpenText , Unicom Engineering , Velasea , Oriso , Leostream , TD Synnex , Climb Channel Solutions , and Titan Data Solutions.To learn more about Scale Computing or how you can participate in next year's 2026 Scale Computing Platform Summit next April in Las Vegas, please email [email protected]
CHICAGO, March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AHEAD, a leading provider of AI solutions, announced it has been selected by NVIDIA for the 2025 Americas NPN Rising Star Partner of the Year Award.The award recognizes AHEAD's technical expertise in implementing NVIDIA AI solutions across enterprise environments.AHEAD accelerates enterprise AI adoption and value creation by bridging the gap between infrastructure capabilities and data engineering, supporting customers with the most critical requirements and use cases.Its infrastructure teams design, install and support custom NVIDIA accelerated solutions across public clouds, data centers and edge. AHEAD's AI Operating Model encompasses use case development, planning, data readiness, value extraction, data and infrastructure engineering, model selection and optimization along with managed services across the entire technology stack.This integrated approach, underscored by deep experience with application integration, automation and security, creates an AI-powered ecosystem that helps businesses quickly develop and implement AI strategies.The NVIDIA NPN Program provides partners with the expertise required to develop, deploy and maintain world-class accelerated computing solutions designed for today's most demanding machine learning and AI workloads."Recognition as an NVIDIA Rising Star validates AHEAD's commitment to accelerating business value with AI," said Tom Koppelman, vice president of Sales Strategy and Alliances at AHEAD. "Being part of the NVIDIA Partner Network has been instrumental in this journey, providing comprehensive training, certification pathways and collaboration with NVIDIA engineering expertise to better serve clients.""AI is transforming how businesses operate, enabling them to drive innovation and evolution across industries," said Craig Weinstein, vice president of the Americas Partner Organization at NVIDIA. "AHEAD is recognized as the NPN Americas Rising Star Partner of the Year for its leadership in enterprise AI adoption with its AI Operating Model, installing and supporting NVIDIA accelerated solutions from public clouds to on-premise enterprise data centers."The Rising Star award follows AHEAD's recent announcement of a new rack-scale integration facility, designed to meet the increasing demands of AI and high-performance computing workloads.Visit ahead.com/partner/nvidia/ for more information on AHEAD's partnership with NVIDIA.About AHEADWe build integrated platforms, digital backbones that power the most successful organizations in the world. Our consultative approach, technical expertise and innovative solutions combine to accelerate the impact of technology in every client we serve.SOURCE AHEAD
CHICAGO, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AHEAD, a leading provider of enterprise cloud solutions, announced today that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has recognized the company on its Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Elite 150 category for 2025.CRN's annual MSP 500 list is a comprehensive guide to the leading MSPs in North America. These companies deliver essential managed services that enhance business efficiency, simplify IT, and optimize return on technology investments for their customers. The list showcases and celebrates MSPs that are driving growth and innovation. These solution providers empower businesses with complex technologies so they can achieve their business goals without stretching financial resources.AHEAD's comprehensive Managed Services portfolio spans Infrastructure, Cloud and DevOps, ServiceNow® and Security. Its Managed Services teams provide predictable operating costs, reduced risk, and the flexibility to meet unforeseen business obstacles.The company's Hybrid Infrastructure Managed Services offering was recently recognized as a Customers' Choice in a 2024 Gartner® Peer Insights™ Report
Andy Sajous, Field CTO, AHEAD AI promises significant advances in patient care and healthcare operations, from improved diagnostics and personalized treatments plans to streamlining administrative tasks. Yet, a clear pattern has emerged in the decisions healthcare technology leaders are making around AI adoption within their organizations. Leaders are grappling with how to balance cutting-edge innovation with the risks and complexities of adopting an AI solution.Despite the enormous potential of AI, healthcare executives are hesitant to sign contracts with AI vendors that exceed 12 months. This behavior won’t change anytime soon and the pattern is likely to continue for the foreseeable future—at least the next 3-5 years. Let’s dig into why.A Constantly Shifting AI LandscapeThe reason for this reluctance comes down to the rapid pace of change in the AI market. AI solutions are evolving quickly, offering new opportunities and innovations that keep the landscape dynamic and full of potential
CHICAGO, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AHEAD, a leading provider of cloud and digital infrastructure solutions, is excited to share that it was named a Customers' Choice in the 2024 Gartner Peer Insights 'Voice of the Customer': Data Center Outsourcing and Hybrid Infrastructure Managed Services, Worldwide. Gartner defines Data Center Outsourcing and Hybrid Infrastructure Managed Services as data center outsourcing services, managed services for hosted and private cloud infrastructure and managed services for public cloud and edge environments.Verified end users of AHEAD's services weighed in with their opinion, and 90 percent concluded that they would recommend AHEAD as of November 2024 based on 31 reviews."We see this recognition as a Gartner Customers' Choice for Data Center Outsourcing and Hybrid Infrastructure Managed Services a reflection of our relentless pursuit of high-impact business outcomes for our clients," said Keith Odom, EVP of Services at AHEAD. "We are grateful to our clients for their partnership and feedback and grateful to the AHEAD team for their unwavering commitment to service excellence."AHEAD offers complete asset management, cost optimization, monitoring, patching, advanced infrastructure optimization and business continuity services.Its Data Center and Infrastructure Managed Services organization manages infrastructure in client data centers and public cloud – as well as within their own data center – all with a cloud-operating-model-as-a-service. These offerings enable predictable operating costs, reduced risk, and the scale to meet client business needs.As an added benefit, client-specific Managed Services Accelerate Teams partner with organizations to optimize investments in cloud services across AWS, Microsoft Azure, ServiceNow and other platforms.The company offers a range of Managed Services including the following Infrastructure-specific services:Data Center Infrastructure ManagementPublic Cloud ManagementNetwork and Network Automation ManagementSystem AdministrationOS Patching & MaintenanceCompliance & Risk ManagementIn addition, AHEAD provides these Solution Accelerators, combining AHEAD tooling, intellectual property, and services into holistic managed solutions for clients:Cloud Operations & Management as a ServiceDevOps Platforms as a ServiceFinOps as a ServicePatching & Compliance as a ServiceEnd User Access as a ServiceSOC as a ServiceServiceNow Enterprise Platform ManagementThe "Voice of the Customer" is a document that applies a methodology (documented here) to aggregated Gartner Peer Insights' reviews in a market to provide an overall perspective for IT decision makers.Gartner® and Peer Insights™ are trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates