Portfolio Lead - Master Data Management

Job Title: Portfolio Lead - Master Data Management (MDM) TransformationLocation: London (Hybrid)Employment type: Permanent

Client Overview: Join a forward-thinking organisation undergoing a transformative shift towards becoming a fully data-centric enterprise. Under the leadership of a newly appointed Chief Data Officer, the company is significantly enhancing its data management capabilities and expanding its team from 30 to 135 members by 2025. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a strategic, high-impact initiative in shaping the future of data-driven decision-making.

Role Overview: This client is seeking an experienced Portfolio Lead to oversee the implementation of a Master Data Management (MDM) environment and lead the organisation's transition into a data-centric culture. As Portfolio Lead, you will act as the primary conduit between key stakeholders and the transformation team, providing strategic direction and overseeing the execution of high-level data initiatives. This role involves working closely with a product owner and scrum master, with a focus on managing the MDM portfolio at a strategic level, overseeing Agile product development processes, and guiding stakeholders through the implementation journey.

You will play a critical role in managing the MDM portfolio within an Agile environment, ensuring successful implementation across various departments while establishing governance frameworks that empower the organization to effectively manage and leverage its data assets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Portfolio Management: Lead the strategic planning and execution of the MDM transformation, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and data-centric strategies. Oversee multiple initiatives within the MDM portfolio, tracking progress and mitigating risks, while managing inter-dependencies between initiatives in an Agile environment.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with business leaders and stakeholders across the organisation, ensuring their needs are captured and addressed throughout the MDM journey. Provide guidance and support as they navigate the implementation process.
• Strategic Direction: Partner with senior leadership, including the Chief Data Officer and product teams, to define high-level data management objectives, governance policies, and processes. Act as the go-to expert for managing the organisation's data transformation efforts.
• Agile Product Development: Manage the portfolio within an Agile framework, including defining and overseeing epics, features, and user stories that align with the organisation's MDM and data governance goals. Work closely with the product owner and scrum master to ensure the successful delivery of MDM products within sprints and across product iterations.
• Governance & Compliance: Collaborate with data governance teams to ensure policies and standards are established for managing data across the enterprise. Ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory data requirements.
• Agile Oversight: Provide strategic guidance on the Agile delivery process at a high level, ensuring alignment between business objectives, product roadmaps, and team deliverables. Support product owners and scrum masters in prioritising work based on business needs and strategic impact.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead cross-functional teams across various departments (data, IT, business units) to drive alignment and ensure the successful adoption of MDM solutions across the organisation.

Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in managing projects and/or programmes, particularly in the context of large-scale data transformation initiatives within an Agile product development environment.
• Proven expertise in Master Data Management (MDM) and data governance practices.
• Strong track record of managing complex data programs and transforming organisations into data-centric enterprises.
• Knowledge of Agile product development methodologies, including the management and delivery of epics, features, and user stories.
• Ability to engage and manage senior stakeholders, ensuring buy-in and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Excellent strategic and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex data environments.
• Familiarity with Agile tools such as Jira or similar platforms, and experience with the iterative delivery of data-focused products.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in industries with complex data environments, such as financial services or insurance (particularly Property & Casualty).
• Hands-on experience with large-scale data governance frameworks and data integration strategies.
• Experience driving data-centric cultural shifts within organisation'ss.

Why Join this client? This is a rare opportunity to support a transformative initiative in a dynamic organisation that is committed to becoming a leader in data-driven decision-making. As a Portfolio Lead, you will be at the forefront of a key strategic transformation, driving the MDM program within an Agile environment and shaping the future of data management within the company. If you are passionate about data governance, Agile product development, and managing large-scale MDM transformations, we want to hear from you!

Apply Now: If you're ready to make an impact and drive a significant transformation, send an up-to-date CV and be part of this exciting journey!