Global Manager - MDM Systems & Process

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, etc.), customs regulations, and industry standards

Change Management: Drive adoption of MDM processes through effective change management, communication strategies, and stakeholder engagement

Process Design & Implementation

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, etc.)

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

Data Quality Management

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

Technology & Automation

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 (CR3, CRM, NPM, Customer Platform, Quote Tool, Oracle Fusion, etc.)

Innovation: Stay current with emerging MDM technologies, AI/ML capabilities for data management, and industry innovations; recommend and implement relevant solutions

Training & Support

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 & Cross-Functional Collaboration

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

Performance & Continuous Improvement

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

Collaboration

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 (customers, shipments, tariffs, locations, etc.)

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 (e.g., Informatica, Semarchy, Microsoft MDS, Profisee)

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