Senior Product Manager, Data Governance

Position: Senior Product Manager, Data Governance

Date: 7/19/2023

Department: IT, Product Management

Report to: Director, Product Management, Data Services

Position Summary:

As the Senior Product Manager for Data Governance, you will play a critical role in shaping and implementing the data governance program. Reporting directly to the Director of Data Services, you will be instrumental in the ideation and execution of the data governance strategy, ensuring that data assets are managed effectively, in compliance with regulations, and aligned with business objectives. Your expertise in data governance, product management, and leadership will be essential in establishing a robust data governance framework and enabling the organization to harness the full potential of its data assets.

Job Responsibilities:

• Data Governance Strategy and Roadmap:
  • Collaborate with the Director of Data Services and key stakeholders to develop the data governance strategy and roadmap.
  • Define clear goals, objectives, and KPIs for the data governance program, aligned with overall business objectives.
• Ideation and Policy Development:
  • Contribute to the ideation of new data governance policies and procedures, covering data privacy, data security, data access, and data lifecycle management.
  • Work closely with legal, compliance, and data teams to ensure data policies are in line with regulatory requirements.
• Data Governance Framework Implementation:
  • Drive the implementation of the data governance framework, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and standards.
  • Develop data governance processes and workflows, outlining roles, responsibilities, and accountability for data stakeholders.
• Data Governance Tools and Technology:
  • Evaluate and select appropriate data governance tools and technology to support data management, data cataloging, data lineage, and data quality initiatives.
  • Collaborate with data engineering teams for successful tool implementation and integration.
• Data Compliance and Risk Management:
  • Ensure compliance with relevant data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and monitor data governance risks across the organization.
  • Develop and execute mitigation strategies to address data governance risks proactively.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand their data governance needs and provide guidance on adhering to data governance policies.
  • Function as a subject matter expert and advocate for data governance principles and best practices.
  • Build strong relationships with business leaders and secure their support for the delegation of data stewards within their space.
  • Collaborate with data stewards and data owners across various business units to establish a cohesive data governance structure.
  • Facilitate data governance working groups, bringing together stakeholders from different departments to share responsibilities and ensure broad representation in decision-making.
  • Work closely with data stewards to define data quality standards, data definitions, and data lineage for critical data elements.
  • Educate and train data stakeholders on data governance principles, policies, and procedures to promote a culture of data ownership and responsibility.
  • Function as a trusted advisor to business leaders, providing guidance on data governance implications for new initiatives and projects.
  • Foster a collaborative environment to address data governance challenges and conflicts, collaborating with stakeholders to find mutually agreeable solutions.
  • Engage with external partners and vendors to align data governance practices and expectations in collaborative data-sharing scenarios.
  • Promote data transparency and accessibility, encouraging stakeholders to share relevant data and insights within the boundaries of the data governance framework.
  • Regularly communicate the benefits and progress of the data governance program to the entire organization, showcasing the value of data-driven decision-making and improved data quality.
  • Participate in cross-functional initiatives and committees to integrate data governance considerations into strategic planning and operational processes.
  • Champion the importance of data governance at all levels of the organization, advocating for compliance with data governance policies and promoting a data-centric mindset company-wide.
• Performance Tracking and Reporting:
  • Establish metrics to measure the effectiveness of the data governance program.
  • Provide regular updates and reports on data governance initiatives and progress to the Director of Data Services and other key stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience (8+ years) in product management or product ownership of data governance, product management, or a related field, with a history of successfully implementing data governance programs.
• Strong understanding of data governance frameworks, data policies, and industry best practices.
• Proven experience in ideating and implementing data governance strategies and policies.
• Familiarity with data privacy regulations and data security standards.
• Experience with data governance tools and technologies is a plus.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and drive alignment around data governance strategies.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to derive actionable insights from complex data sets.
• Experience using roadmap and agile project management tools (Jira, Aha, Rally, etc.) preferred.
• Strong experience defining product requirements including functional requirements and supporting non-functional requirements.
• Background in product roadmap management, both development and execution of a long-term vision.
• Ability to develop a clear, complete understanding of customer needs and problems through careful listening, probing, encouraging or summarizing, and document them using natural language.
• Develop and deliver communications (both oral and written) that have clarity and impact.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with customers.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Dedication to exceeding customer expectations and requirements.
• Effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to operate in a fluid, fast-paced environment.
• BA or BS degree in MIS, Computer Science, or related area preferred.