Global Manager - MDM Systems & Process in London

Job Purpose: To establish, maintain, and continuously improve the integrity, quality, and governance of master data across the global freight forwarding organization. This role serves as the central authority for Master Data Management processes, tools, and standards, ensuring accurate, consistent, and accessible data that enables operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and strategic decision-making across all regions and business functions.

Key Accountabilities:

• MDM Governance & Strategy

• Framework Development: Design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive MDM governance framework that defines data ownership, accountability, policies, standards, and procedures across the freight forwarding operations.
• Policy Management: Establish and enforce global MDM policies, data quality standards, and data stewardship principles to ensure consistency across all regions.
• Stakeholder Governance: Lead MDM data stewardship council and working groups with cross-functional stakeholders including Operations, IT, Commercial, Finance, and Compliance teams.
• Compliance Oversight: Ensure MDM practices align with regulatory requirements including data privacy regulations (GDPR), customs regulations, and industry standards.
• Change Management: Drive adoption of MDM processes through effective change management, communication strategies, and stakeholder engagement.

• Process Documentation: Define and document standardised global MDM processes for data creation, validation, maintenance, deactivation, and archival across all master data domains (customers, vendors, products, locations, tariffs).
• Workflow Design: Design and implement efficient workflows for data requests, approvals, and updates that balance data quality with operational speed.
• Best Practices: Establish MDM best practices and standard operating procedures (SOPs) aligned with industry standards and organizational objectives.
• Process Optimization: Continuously review and optimize MDM processes to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance user experience.
• Integration Management: Coordinate MDM processes with upstream and downstream systems to ensure seamless data flow across the technology ecosystem.

• Quality Framework: Develop and implement data quality frameworks including quality metrics, KPIs, and monitoring dashboards.
• Quality Routines: Establish regular data quality routines including data profiling, cleansing, validation, enrichment, and reconciliation activities.
• Issue Resolution: Identify, investigate, and resolve data quality issues; implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Data Standards: Define and maintain data standards, naming conventions, taxonomies, and reference data across all master data domains.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Create and maintain data quality scorecards and reports for management, highlighting trends, issues, and improvement opportunities.

• Tool Management: Oversee the implementation, configuration, and optimization of MDM tools and platforms used across the organization.
• Third-Party Collaboration: Partner with external vendors and technology providers to enhance MDM capabilities, integrate new data sources, and implement automation solutions.
• Automation Initiatives: Identify and drive automation opportunities to reduce manual data entry, improve data accuracy, and accelerate data processing.
• System Integration: Work with IT teams to ensure MDM systems integrate effectively with operational systems.
• Innovation: Stay current with emerging MDM technologies, AI/ML capabilities for data management, and industry innovations; recommend and implement relevant solutions.

• Training Programs: Develop and deliver MDM training programs for data stewards, regional teams, and end users to build data management capabilities.
• User Support: Provide guidance and support to regional and functional teams on MDM processes, tools, and data quality issues.
• Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive user guides, training materials, and knowledge repositories for MDM processes and systems.
• Community Building: Foster a community of data stewards and champions across regions to promote data quality culture and share best practices.

• Regional Coordination: Work closely with regional operations teams to understand local requirements while maintaining global standards.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Collaborate with Commercial, Finance, Operations, and other business functions to ensure MDM supports business objectives.
• IT Partnership: Partner with Global IT teams on system implementations, upgrades, and integrations affecting master data.
• Business Analysis: Gather and analyze business requirements for MDM enhancements from various stakeholders globally.

• Metrics & KPIs: Define, track, and report on MDM performance metrics including data quality scores, process efficiency, user satisfaction, and business impact.
• Audit & Assessment: Conduct regular audits of master data quality, process compliance, and system usage across regions.
• Improvement Initiatives: Lead continuous improvement projects to enhance data quality, streamline processes, and increase automation.
• Benchmarking: Monitor industry best practices and benchmark organizational MDM maturity against industry standards.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with global, regional, and cross-functional teams to ensure consistent processes and standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders to gather input and feedback for system and training enhancements.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Data Management, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in Master Data Management, Data Governance, or Data Quality Management.
• Experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain operations.
• Proven track record of implementing and managing MDM processes and tools at enterprise scale.
• Strong understanding of data governance frameworks and data quality methodologies.
• Experience working with MDM platforms and data management technologies.
• Knowledge of freight forwarding operations, terminology, and data structures.
• Demonstrated project management skills with ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience collaborating with third-party vendors and technology providers.

Preferred

• Master's degree in relevant field.
• Professional certifications in Data Management (CDMP, DGSP) or related areas.
• Experience with specific MDM tools.
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA) and compliance requirements.
• Experience with data analytics, visualization tools, and reporting platforms.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies.
• International or multi-regional experience in global organizations.