We're a tech consulting company and we're looking for a an IT Governance Specialist to join our team on an initial 3 month contract.

The IT Governance Specialist will support the implementation and oversight of governance frameworks within an enterprise API Lifecycle Management program. The role focuses on ensuring that multiple Operating Companies (OpCos) comply with defined standards, processes, and operating models across the API lifecycle.

The individual will act as a bridge between technical and business teams, ensuring consistency, process maturity, and adherence to governance standards while identifying and documenting gaps and driving improvements.

Key Responsibilities
1. API Governance & Standards Enforcement

• Ensure all OpCos adhere to enterprise API governance frameworks, standards, and best practices.

• Monitor compliance across the full API lifecycle (design, development, testing, deployment, consumption, retirement).
• Support the definition, refinement, and rollout of API standards, policies, and guidelines.

2. API Lifecycle Management Oversight

• Demonstrate strong understanding of API lifecycle stages:
  • API design & specification

• Development & integration
• Testing & security validation
• Deployment & versioning
• Monitoring & performance management
• Retirement & deprecation
• Ensure consistent lifecycle practices are implemented across OpCos.
• Work with API platform teams (e.g. Apigee, MuleSoft, Azure API Management) to ensure governance alignment.

3. Gap Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Assess current processes, controls, and practices within OpCos.

• Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and risks in API governance and lifecycle execution.
• Document findings and recommend actionable improvements.
• Track remediation plans and follow through to closure.

4. Operating Model Alignment

• Support definition and implementation of API operating models (centralized, federated, or hybrid).

• Ensure clarity in roles, responsibilities, and accountability across OpCos.
• Help align governance structures with business and technical operating models.

5. Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a liaison between business and technical stakeholders.
• Facilitate governance forums, working groups, and decision-making sessions.

6. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain clear documentation of:
  • Governance frameworks

• Standards and policies
• Processes and procedures
• Gap assessments
• Provide regular reporting on governance compliance, risks, and progress across OpCos.
• Develop dashboards or metrics to track API maturity and adoption.

7. Risk & Compliance Management

• Identify and escalate risks related to non-compliance or weak governance.

• Ensure APIs comply with:

• Security standards

• Data privacy regulations
• Internal audit requirements
• Support audit activities and governance reviews.

Technical & Functional Knowledge

• Strong understanding of API lifecycle management and API-first strategies.

• Familiarity with API management platforms (e.g. MuleSoft, Apigee, Azure API Management, Kong).
• Knowledge of RESTful APIs, microservices architecture, and integration patterns.
• Understanding of governance frameworks (e.g. ITIL, COBIT, TOGAF is advantageous).

Governance & Process Expertise

• Experience in IT governance, process design, and compliance tracking.

• Ability to define and implement operating models across distributed organizations.
• Proven experience conducting gap analyses and driving remediation plans.

Business & Stakeholder Skills

• Strong stakeholder management across multiple business units (OpCos experience is a plus).

• Ability to translate technical concepts into business-friendly language.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and documentation skills.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

• Ability to assess complex environments and identify risks and inefficiencies.

• Structured thinking with strong attention to detail.
• Data-driven approach to decision-making and reporting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field.

• Certifications in:

• API Management (advantageous)

• TOGAF / ITIL / COBIT
• Agile / SAFe (preferred in transformation environments)
• Experience working in multi-entity / multi-country environments.