Program Manager – MDM & DG

Job Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Manager to lead and oversee the Data Governance and Master Data Management (MDM) Program for a large banking organization. The Program Manager will be responsible for the successful execution of data governance initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, promoting data quality, and fostering a culture of data stewardship across the enterprise. This role requires a strategic thinker with exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills to align cross-functional teams and drive the adoption of governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Program Leadership:

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive Data Governance strategy aligned with the organization’s objectives and regulatory requirements.
  • Act as a liaison between senior leadership, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to ensure program alignment and success.
  • Drive organizational change to establish a culture of data governance and stewardship.
  • Focus on program risk identification and timely reporting with action plans to address them.
  • Perform cost-benefit analysis and justification for investments.

• Planning and Project Management:

  • Engage in project planning, scheduling, and tracking.
  • Prioritize work effectively and manage resources efficiently.
  • Identify and report risks proactively.
  • Conduct team planning and management.
  • Provide regular status reporting.

• Governance Framework Implementation:

  • Establish and manage a robust Data Governance framework, including policies, standards, roles, and responsibilities.
  • Implement data cataloging, metadata management, and data lineage tools to enhance data visibility and accessibility.
  • Oversee the creation of workflows and processes to ensure adherence to governance policies.

• Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Report to CXO level executives on program status, risk management, and outcomes.
  • Collaborate with business units, IT teams, and compliance officers to identify governance priorities and resolve data-related challenges.
  • Facilitate Data Governance Council meetings to ensure effective decision-making.
  • Serve as a point of contact for internal and external auditors regarding data governance-related queries.

• Compliance and Risk Management:

  • Ensure adherence to industry regulations and banking-specific compliance requirements.
  • Identify and mitigate risks related to data usage, sharing, and security.

• Monitoring and Reporting:

  • Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the effectiveness of the Data Governance Program.
  • Provide regular updates to CXO level executive leadership on program status, risks, and outcomes.
  • Prepare and present audit and compliance reports as required.

• Team Leadership and Mentorship:

  • Lead cross-functional teams, including data stewards, analysts, and governance professionals.
  • Provide training and mentoring to promote awareness and understanding of data governance practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Management, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or equivalent experience preferred.
• 16+ years of experience in Program Management, with at least 6+ years focused on data governance or data management with MDM in the banking or financial services sector.
• Strong knowledge of data governance frameworks, principles, and tools (e.g., Collibra, Informatica, Alation).
• Experience with regulatory compliance requirements for the banking industry, such as GDPR, CCPA, BCBS 239, and AML/KYC regulations.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large, complex programs with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and align diverse groups.
• Familiarity with data analytics, data quality management, and enterprise architecture concepts.
• Certification in program or project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) or data governance (e.g., DGSP, CDMP) is a plus.

Preferred Skills

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in program management tools and methodologies.
• Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities.

Experience

• 16+ years of experience in program management, with specific expertise in data governance or data management within the banking or financial services sector.

Environment

• Location: UAE (Dubai)
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Reporting To: Director of Data Governance