At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage Shell's reference data across Trading and Supply for accurate analytics.
- Company: Join Shell, a leader in energy transition and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data governance and support sustainability efforts.
- Qualifications: Experience in reference data management and data governance required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Reference Data lead is responsible for owning and managing Shell’s data sources of reference data across Trading and Supply. This role requires a strong background in master data management and ensures that reference data is accurate, consistent, and governed, forming the backbone for analytics, automation, and ETRM and reporting. This includes counterparty data, calendars/holidays, units of measure (UoM), and settlement details.
By defining data contracts, stewarding lineage, and embedding governance practices, this role enables interoperability across platforms, reduces duplication, and supports regulatory compliance. Acting as a trusted partner to Risk, Finance, Front Office, and IDT, the Reference Data lead drives adoption of a single source of truth and fosters a culture of data stewardship and ownership.
What you’ll be doing
- Reference Data Strategy
- Develop and maintain a unified reference data strategy aligned with Trading and Supply priorities.
- Own golden sources for key reference data domains (counterparty, calendars/holidays, UoM, settlements).
- Define and enforce data contracts, lineage, and stewardship practices.
- Enable Consistency & Integration
- Ensure all business units—especially ADA and ASPIRE projects—operate from a single, trusted source of reference data.
- Integrate reference data with TED and other platforms to enable interoperability and governance.
- Business Enablement & Adoption
- Partner with business, Data governance team, Risk, Finance, Front Office, and IDT to ensure adoption and compliance with reference data standards.
- Support ADA and ASPIRE projects by providing accurate, accessible, and governed reference data for analytics.
- Data Quality & Control
- Establish and monitor data quality metrics for reference data domains.
- Drive continuous improvement to eliminate duplication and reduce reconciliation efforts.
- Governance & Oversight
- Work with the Head of Data Governance to set up a Reference Data Council for oversight and alignment.
- Ensure reference data practices support regulatory compliance and auditability.
Key Benefits of the Role
- Improved data quality and trust across business processes.
- Faster onboarding of new data-driven initiatives.
- Simplified integration and reporting.
- Stronger data governance and stewardship.
What you bring
- Strong understanding of reference data management in trading environments.
- Experience in data governance, lineage, and data contracts.
- Familiarity with enterprise data platforms, master data management, and governance tools (e.g., Unity Catalog, Collibra, Informatica).
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive adoption of standards.
- Ability to translate and communicate complex requirements, with a strong understanding of how critical data underpins business processes.
- Exposure to regulatory requirements and audit processes.
- Exposure to Generative AI and Agentic AI tools and processes a plus.
What we offer
- Progress as a person as we work on the energy transition together.
- Continuously grow the transferable skills you need to get ahead.
- Work at the forefront of technology, trends, and practices.
- Collaborate with experienced colleagues with unique expertise.
- Achieve your balance in a values-led culture that encourages you to be the best version of yourself.
- Benefit from flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote/mobile working.
- Perform at your best with a competitive starting salary and annual performance related salary increase.
- Take advantage of paid parental leave, including for non-birthing parents.
- Join an organisation working to become one of the most diverse and inclusive in the world.
- Grow as you progress through diverse career opportunities in national and international teams.
- Gain access to a wide range of training and development programmes.
Shell is working to advance an inclusive, psychologically safe and accessible environment where people with disabilities can excel. If you require any accommodations or accessibility adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know directly. We strive to ensure that our process and workplace is accessible to everyone and are dedicated to making reasonable adjustments to support your needs.
Reference Data Lead in London employer: Oman Shell
At Shell, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the Reference Data Lead role based in London. Our work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing you to thrive alongside talented professionals while contributing to meaningful projects that address global energy challenges. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a diverse and inclusive environment, we empower you to develop your skills and achieve a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reference Data Lead in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the Reference Data Lead role. Keep it concise and engaging—think of it as your personal brand story that showcases your strengths.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Shell.
We think you need these skills to ace Reference Data Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Reference Data Lead role. Highlight your experience in master data management and any relevant projects you've worked on that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the key responsibilities and what you can bring to our team.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role is all about data, don’t forget to showcase your skills in data governance and lineage. Mention any tools you’ve used, like Unity Catalog or Collibra, to show us you’re up to speed with industry standards.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oman Shell
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As a Reference Data Lead, you’ll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of reference data management. Brush up on key concepts like master data management and data governance. Be ready to discuss how you’ve previously ensured data accuracy and consistency in your past roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role requires developing a unified reference data strategy. Prepare examples of how you've successfully aligned data strategies with business priorities in the past. Think about how you can articulate your approach to defining data contracts and enforcing stewardship practices.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
You’ll be working with various teams, so it’s crucial to convey complex data requirements simply. Practice explaining technical concepts in layman's terms. This will show your ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive adoption of standards.
✨Prepare for Governance Discussions
Since governance and compliance are key aspects of this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with regulatory requirements and audit processes. Think of specific instances where you’ve contributed to data governance initiatives and how you ensured compliance across different projects.
