Global Manager - MDM Systems & Process

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. 

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. 

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