Head of Global Data Governance

Job Overview

We are seeking a strategic and analytical leader to serve as the Head of Global Data Governance, driving enterprise-wide data governance initiatives to ensure data integrity, consistency, and accessibility across our global operations. This role is critical in unifying and optimizing data assets to enhance personalized shopping experiences, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making while ensuring compliance and long-term business growth.

As the Head of Global Data Governance, you will oversee a global team spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, responsible for key data governance pillars, including data quality, master data management (MDM), data cataloging, and lineage initiatives. You will set and execute the data governance strategy, aligning with business objectives and collaborating closely with senior business leaders and technology teams to drive seamless data integration across all touchpoints.

This role demands strong leadership and managerial expertise, with a proven ability to build and develop high-performing teams while successfully implementing large-scale data governance frameworks and technology solutions.

The Head of Global Data Governance will report to the Vice President, Global Data and Analytics and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of enterprise data governance. Some travel is expected.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive Data Governance strategy, ensuring alignment with business and technology goals while driving enterprise-wide data consistency and integrity.
• Manage and prioritize team delivery, demand prioritization, and activities to ensure work aligns with Global Data & Analytics, Global Technology, and Business strategies and outcomes.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Global Technology, Data Analytics, Data Science, and Business leaders in Finance, Merchandising, Real Estate, Digital/Customer, Fuel, Operations, etc., to support enterprise data needs and drive a unified approach to data management.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing global Data Governance team, fostering a culture of continuous learning, professional development, business understanding, operational excellence, and leadership growth.
• Promote flexibility in career growth by supporting both individual contributor and leadership career tracks within the Data Governance function and the Global Data & Analytics group.
• Ensure seamless integration of Data Governance within enterprise architecture and business strategies, enabling data-driven decision-making across the organization.

Data Governance Capabilities

• Oversee the implementation of data governance policies, standards, and best practices to ensure data quality, compliance, and security across all business functions.
• Establish and enforce frameworks for data quality, integrity, and security, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and internal governance policies.
• Oversee the selection, implementation, and maintenance of Master Data Management (MDM), Data Catalog and Data Quality tools, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture.
• Guide the definition of metadata standards and workflows, supporting enterprise-wide metadata management and business requirements alignment.
• Support the implementation of data modeling, lineage, and documentation processes to ensure consistent source-to-target data mapping and transformation.
• Partner with Enterprise Architecture and Data Engineering teams to implement data warehousing and analytics platforms, refine data models and ensure alignment with evolving business and technology needs.
• Lead data governance committees, acting as a sponsor or active contributor to drive governance initiatives and ensure alignment with enterprise data objectives.
• Oversee vendor management for data governance solutions, ensuring optimal partnerships, contract negotiations, performance tracking, and alignment with business objectives.

Performance Monitoring

• Establish key Data Governance performance metrics and targets, ensuring transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Drive the execution of testing and validation activities to maintain high data accuracy and integrity in compliance with architectural and governance standards.
• Identify and implement automation opportunities to enhance efficiency in data governance workflows and minimize manual efforts.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track business performance, identify trends, and provide actionable insights for improvement.

Executive Communication & Business Buy-In

• Communicate Data Governance priorities, progress, and business impact effectively with senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Ensure data governance performance and compliance updates are shared regularly with executive teams and business units.
• Provide insights into the effectiveness of data governance strategies through regular reporting and presentations.
• Work closely with business leaders to align data governance initiatives with business goals, demonstrating the value of high-quality data.
• Foster a data-driven culture across the organization by ensuring governance practices empower business insights, operational efficiency, and customer-centric innovation.
• Ensure cross-functional collaboration to drive adoption and compliance with governance policies and best practices.

Process Improvement

• Continuously refine data governance processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance across business functions.
• Identify and implement automation opportunities to enhance efficiency in data governance workflows and minimize manual efforts.
• Improve workflows related to metadata management, data lineage, and governance frameworks to support business needs.

Thought Leadership

• Explore and assess emerging technologies, industry trends, and innovative solutions to enhance data governance frameworks and maintain a competitive edge.
• Stay ahead of industry best practices in data governance, regulatory changes, and advancements in data management solutions.
• Advocate for a forward-thinking, scalable approach to data governance that enables long-term business growth.

Key Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in Data Governance, Data Management, Analytics with at least 10 years of people leadership experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Management, or Business Administration. Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Possess a strong understanding of Data Quality Management, Master Data Management, and Data Catalog and Lineage.
• Experience developing and deploying Data Governance strategy and roadmap within a large-scale, matrixed and complex organization. Experience in Retail, B2B, and B2C businesses is highly preferred.
• Proven track record of delivering business value through data management and governance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to present to, communicate with, and influence senior executives.
• Enjoys working in a collaborative environment with multiple partners including members of the business, technology, and enterprise security.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information, issues, and solutions to executive business stakeholders in an easily understood format.
• Gets energized by fast-paced environments and capable of leading multiple projects - can identify primary and secondary objectives, prioritize time, and communicate timelines to team members.
• Strong leadership profile and excellent negotiation skills coupled with the ability to say no or offer alternative solutions and approaches when needed.
• Demonstrable leadership abilities in changing, ambiguous, and challenging situations.
• Extensive experience managing vendor partners and driving productivity.

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Circle K is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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