Data Manager job description.
A Data Manager oversees the collection, storage, quality, and governance of an organization's data assets. They set data standards, manage databases and reporting pipelines, and work with stakeholders across departments to ensure data is accurate, secure, and accessible for decision-making.
The Data Manager job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Data Manager Reports to: Director of Data or IT Director
A Data Manager oversees the collection, storage, quality, and governance of an organization's data assets. They set data standards, manage databases and reporting pipelines, and work with stakeholders across departments to ensure data is accurate, secure, and accessible for decision-making.
- Oversee data collection, storage, and quality standards across systems
- Manage databases, data pipelines, and reporting infrastructure
- Develop and enforce data governance and security policies
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Director of Data or IT Director
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Oversee data collection, storage, and quality standards across systems
- Manage databases, data pipelines, and reporting infrastructure
- Develop and enforce data governance and security policies
- Coordinate with IT and analytics teams on data architecture
- Audit data quality and resolve inconsistencies or errors
- Support departments with data requests and custom reporting
- Manage data access permissions and compliance requirements
- Document data definitions, processes, and system dependencies
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- 3+ years of experience in data management, analytics, or database administration
- Strong SQL and database management skills
- Understanding of data governance and privacy requirements
- Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders on data needs
- Bachelor's degree in information systems, computer science, or related field
- Experience with data warehousing or BI tools
- Familiarity with data privacy regulations
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Data Manager job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Data Manager job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Director of Data or IT Director) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- How is a data manager different from a data analyst?
- A data manager focuses on the systems, governance, and quality of data overall, while a data analyst typically focuses on analyzing data to answer specific business questions.
- What technical skills are non-negotiable for this role?
- Strong SQL and hands-on database management experience are typically essential, along with familiarity with data governance practices.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst turns raw data into decisions — building reports, dashboards, and ad-hoc analyses that answer specific business questions.
Data Engineer
A data engineer builds and maintains the pipelines and infrastructure that collect, store, and process data at scale.
Database Analyst
A database analyst designs, maintains, and optimizes an organization's databases to ensure data is accurate, secure, and accessible.
This Data Manager job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.