Data Products and Architecture - Executive Director

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• An opportunity to join and help evolve a growing data function.
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• Responsible for shaping the banks data product and architecture offering.
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About Our Client\n

This is a London based role at a large global international bank.

Job Description\n

Data Products and Architecture - Executive Director role leads product management for data, owning the enterprise data platform backlog, setting priorities and defining the features and capabilities required to deliver scalable high quality data solutions. In parallel the role oversees the Data Architecture function with the Head of Data Architecture accountable for defining and implementing target state architectures and standards in line with the overall data strategy.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities\n

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• Owns the product vision, roadmap, and backlog for the EMEA Data Platform
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• Lead and oversee the Data Architecture function, with the Head of Data Architecture accountable for defining and implementing target state architectures, standards, and design patterns aligned to the overall data strategy.
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• Ensure strong alignment between Data Architecture, Data Platform, and Data Products, driving consistency, scalability, and interoperability across the data estate through effective governance and adoption of enterprise standards.
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• Defines and manage the EMEA Data Platform backlog, ensuring alignment to business priorities, regulatory requirements (ECB onboarding, BCBS239, Compliance Transformation etc) and strategic data objectives.
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• Accountable as the senior product owner for defining what is built and why.
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• Establish and lead a structured intake and prioritisation framework
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• Chair prioritisation forums with business and IT stakeholders as well as senior management, ensuring transparency and discipline in trade-off decisions
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• Define and implement a data product framework and product management operating model for data, including standard definitions and taxonomy, ownership and accountability models, lifecycle management (design, build, iterate, retire)
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• Drive development of reusable, scalable data products aligned to business domains
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• Ensure Data products are discoverable, accessible, trusted and fit for purpose
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• Track delivery against roadmap and backlog holding IT accountable to agreed priorities, timelines and outcomes
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• Define and track product success metrics including adoption and usage of data platform focussing on value delivered not technical execution
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• Own the EMEA Master & Reference Data Management strategy and operating model including MRD adoption across systems, reporting and processes
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• Owns and implements the strategy for MRD adoption within EMEA
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• Work with strategic programmes and the business to ensure adoption of MRD
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• Work in partnership with the regions at a global level to ensure alignment of strategy to the Global Master Data Management Strategy for both the Data Platform and MRDM
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• Build effective relationships with the wider Data Office teams, Technology Teams, and Business Departments.
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• Manage, coach, and mentor a variety of technical roles to create a high-performing delivery team.
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The Successful Applicant\n

Data Products and Architecture - Executive Director Skills

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• Experience operating as a senior product owner in a multi-stakeholder environment with ideally previous experience of setting up and managing a successful Data Platform and MDM Delivery capability, including both project and support aspects.
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• Strong understanding of enterprise data architecture principles, including data modelling, integration patterns, and scalable platform design, with the ability to guide and challenge architectural decisions at both strategic and detailed levels.
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• Proven experience working with, or overseeing, Data Architecture teams, ensuring alignment between architecture, platform, and product delivery within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
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• Ability to define product vision, roadmap and backlog for complex data platforms
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• Good understanding of, and experience of applying, project management principles and approaches relevant to data management.
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• Exceptional ability to influence across business, data teams, IT/Engineering
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• Comfortable operating without direct authority over delivery teams
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• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify, scope, and deliver solutions
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• Strong conflict resolution and alignment skills
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• Strong understanding of Data Platforms and architectures, Data products and Data Governance principles
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• Solid understanding of the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) as relevant to data management.
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• Understanding of ETL, data manipulation, and data preparation processes.
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• An outstanding problem solver who has an analytical mindset, is inquisitive, and excellent with technology enabling a creative approach to solution scoping and delivery
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• Effective written and verbal communication skills: (i) comfortable presenting to and facilitating groups of business users at all levels, (ii) ability to describe technical solutions to non-technical colleagues.
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• Knowledge of emerging trends and issues within the Data Management and MDM landscapes
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• Experience of working in the financial services industry and a good understanding of data-related regulatory requirements for the financial services sector.
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Desirable\n

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• Experience of DataBricks and Informatica MDM
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• Experienced of working in a global organisation with dynamics of operating in a matrix structure across regions.
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• Experience of working in an organization that has rolled out enterprise-level MDM solutions.
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• Experience working with cloud environments & components (e.g., on Microsoft Azure or equivalent)
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What's on Offer\n

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• Competitive salary ranging from £150,000 to £165,000 per annum.
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• Standard benefits package to support your professional and personal needs.
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• Permanent position based in London, offering stability and growth opportunities.
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• Chance to work on innovative projects within the financial services industry.
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