Data Manager - Work Management

Why we're hiring:

As a Data Manager in the WPP Enterprise Data Group, you will own and govern the Master Data Management (MDM) layer of the Work Management data programme. This is a new capability being established to ensure the integrity, consistency, and quality of master data that underpins WPP’s Work Management across the global agency network. 

 You will define and enforce data ownership, stewardship policies, and quality standards across master data entities. Our governance framework will ensure that cross-reference mappings between source systems and canonical identifiers are accurate, complete, and compliant with regulatory requirements across multiple countries. 

This role requires close collaboration with multiple data teams, the ET Work Management team, data architects, and operating company stakeholders. You will establish the processes, policies, and escalation paths that enable effective master data governance at scale. 

You will be joining a programme that is building the foundational data layer for WPP Work Management, directly enabling project management, resource planning, and financial reporting across the enterprise. 

What you'll be doing:

• Define and implement master data governance policies, standards, and procedures. 
• Establish data ownership and stewardship assignments for each master data domain.
• Develop and maintain the data governance framework including data quality thresholds, escalation procedures, and remediation workflows.
• Define data quality rules and acceptance criteria for all master data entities.
• Monitor data quality metrics and dashboards, driving continuous improvement across all datasets.
• Own the resolution of cross-system data conflicts, duplicates, and integrity issues.
• Oversee the integrity of cross-reference mappings between source systems and canonical identifiers.
• Manage the onboarding of new agencies and source systems into the master data framework.
• Ensure identity resolution processes maintain accuracy as the solution scales.
• Engage with operating company data owners and business stakeholders to align on data standards and requirements.
• Ensure master data practices comply with data privacy and regulatory requirements across all operating regions.
• Report on data governance maturity, quality trends, and risk to programme leadership. 

What you'll need:

• Proven experience in master data management, data governance, or data quality management roles.
• Strong understanding of MDM concepts including data ownership, stewardship, and cross-reference management.
• Experience with data quality frameworks, metrics definition, and continuous improvement practices.
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations (GDPR) and their implications for master data management.
• Experience working with ERP or HCM data domains (Workday, SAP, Dynamics, or similar) is highly desirable.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence data owners and business teams.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data relationships and identify quality issues.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience with Databricks, Unity Catalog, or cloud-based data platforms is an advantage.
• Organised, self-motivated, and able to establish new processes in a greenfield enviroment.

Who you are: