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 70000 - 90000 £ 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 like Data.Shell, 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 Data.Shell 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 and automation.
- 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 via careers@shell.com.
Reference Data Lead employer: Oman Shell
At Shell, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. As a Reference Data Lead, you will not only contribute to critical data governance but also enjoy extensive growth opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join us in shaping the future of energy while developing your skills alongside talented professionals dedicated to making a positive impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reference Data Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Reference Data Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience in reference data management and governance. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them see what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Reference Data Lead role, especially around data quality and governance.
✨Tip Number 4
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. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Reference Data Lead
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. Share specific examples of how you've driven data governance and improved data quality in previous positions.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with enterprise data platforms and governance tools. We want to see how your technical skills can contribute to our data strategy.
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 get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oman Shell
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As a Reference Data Lead, you need to demonstrate a strong understanding of reference data management. Brush up on key concepts like master data management, data governance, and lineage. Be ready to discuss how these elements play a role in trading environments.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to talk about your experience in developing and maintaining data strategies. Think of examples where you've aligned data initiatives with business priorities, especially in trading and supply contexts. This will show that you can think strategically and drive adoption across teams.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
You’ll need to translate complex data requirements into understandable terms for cross-functional teams. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple language, as this will be crucial when partnering with departments like Risk, Finance, and Front Office.
✨Demonstrate Your Governance Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with regulatory requirements and audit processes relevant to data governance. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented governance practices in previous roles and how you would ensure compliance in this position.
