Item Configuration & Master Data Management Lead

The Item Configuration & Master Data Management Lead is a management role responsible for governing, maintaining, and continuously improving master item data across the enterprise. This role serves as the primary bridge between Engineering teams that generate item data and a Philippines‑based data entry team responsible for execution within the ERP. The position owns end-to-end master item data processes, including routings, bills of materials, compliance, and shipping data, and requires strong leadership, deep data management experience, cross‑functional collaboration, and the ability to work effectively across time zones.

Key Responsibilities

Master Data Ownership & Governance

• Own and manage master item data across its full lifecycle, from engineering release through implementation and maintenance
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data related to:
• • Routings
  • Bills of Materials (BOMs)
  • Compliance and regulatory data
  • Shipping and logistics attributes
• Establish, document, and enforce master data governance standards, controls, and approval workflows
• Act as the escalation point for complex or cross-functional master data issues

Cross‑Functional Partnership (Engineering & Operations)

• Serve as the primary liaison between Engineering teams supplying item data and the data entry team responsible for system execution
• Partner with Engineering, Planning, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Compliance, and IT to ensure data requirements are clearly defined and met
• Translate engineering changes and technical requirements into standardized, executable data inputs

ERP Systems & Transformation

• Learn and operate within Knowles' current ERP system to support day‑to‑day master data needs
• Lead master data readiness activities in support of the planned Oracle ERP transition
• Partner with IT and business stakeholders on data migration, cleansing, validation, and future‑state data design
• Help define best practices and standards for master data within Oracle

Team Leadership (Philippines‑Based Data Team)

• Manage, coach, and develop a team of data entry and data management professionals located in the Philippines
• Establish performance expectations, quality standards, and KPIs
• Provide regular feedback, training, and career development support
• Coordinate priorities and workloads to meet business timelines
• Maintain strong communication and engagement across time zones, including required overlap with Philippines working hours

Quality, Metrics & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor data quality metrics and proactively identify trends or systemic issues
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce errors, rework, and cycle time
• Develop and maintain SOPs and process documentation to support scalability and consistency

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of experience in master data management, item configuration, or related data-focused roles
• Prior people management experience, including leading teams in global or offshore environments
• Strong background in managing complex data structures such as BOMs and routings
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering and Operations teams
• Willingness to work overlapping hours with Philippines-based team as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Oracle ERP (Oracle Cloud, EBS, or similar)
• Prior experience supporting ERP implementations or major system transitions
• Background in manufacturing, supply chain, regulated products, or compliance-driven environments

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people‑management capabilities
• Exceptional attention to detail and data discipline
• Ability to influence across functions without direct authority
• Process-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
• Clear communicator across technical and non-technical audiences
• Comfortable operating in a global, matrixed organization

Travel

• Occasional travel may be required to support system implementations, site coordination, or team development

Shift: First Shift
Compensation: $76,000 - $114,000 per year
Additional Details : Knowles' Cornell Dubilier brand is a leading designer and manufacturer of custom high-energy discharge capacitors used in a wide range of medical, military, and commercial pulsed energy applications. Knowles high-performance capacitors, RF and microwave filters, advanced medtech microphones, balanced armature speakers, and miniaturization products enable and enhance the performance of technologies with the power to change, improve, and save lives. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has grown into a global organization with employees spanning 11 countries. Why Join Us? BENEFITS DAY 1 * Paid holidays * Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Plans * Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with employer matching * Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, STD and LTD * FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) on site two days per week * Employee Referral Program * Competitive pay and benefits package *Opportunities for professional development and growth * A collaborative work environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement Equal Opportunity Statement: We prohibit pay discrimination and discrimination of any kind based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status. ITAR Statement: Please note that this position may require access to technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must be U.S. persons (citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status) or have the necessary authorization to access controlled technical data. Compliance with ITAR and EAR regulations is a condition of employment. Notice to Staffing Agencies, Search Firms, and Recruitment Agencies: The recruitment process at Knowles is managed through the Human Resources department. Knowles does not accept resumes submitted from 3rd party agencies outside of our system. To submit resumes, 3rd party agencies will need to be a pre-approved vendor with a valid contract in place, be actively engaged by Knowles to recruit for a specific position and have agency login credentials to submit candidates to our career portal. Please do not submit resumes via e-mail, external website, or directly to our employees. Any resumes submitted in this way become the property of Knowles and will not be eligible for any placement fee.