Vice President, Head of US Data Governance

This is an opportunity to join Ascot Group - one of the world’s preeminent specialty risk underwriting organizations.

Designed as a modern-era company operating through an ecosystem of interconnected global operating platforms, we’re bound by a common mission and purpose: One Ascot. Our greatest strength is a talented team who flourish in a collaborative, inclusive, and entrepreneurial culture, steeped in underwriting excellence, integrity, and a passion to find a better way, The Ascot Way.

The Ascot Way guides our people and our organization. Our underwriting platforms collaborate to find creative ways to deploy our capital in a true cross-product and cross-platform approach. These platforms work as one, deploying our capital creatively through our unique Fusion Model: Client Centric, Risk Centric, Technology Centric.

Built to be resilient, Ascot maximizes client financial security while delivering bespoke products and world class service — both pre- and post-claims. Ascot exists to solve for our clients’ brightest tomorrow, through agility, collaboration, resilience, and discipline

Position Overview:
Reporting to the Group Head of Data Strategy & Insights, the Vice President, Head of Data Governance for Ascot US ensures effective data management and utilization within Ascot US, a growing specialty insurance company. This newly established role involves building a data governance foundation, leading practices, driving regulatory compliance, and ensuring data integrity, security, and accessibility. As part of Ascot’s Group Data Office, the Vice President, Head of US Data Governance collaborates across departments to turn data into a strategic asset.
We seek someone who thrives on building robust processes and foundation, motivated by helping people and making meaningful impacts, passionate about better data, with strong abilities in building relationships with both business and technology teams and a service mindset to support business needs.
As the Vice President, Head of US Data Governance, you will build a data governance foundation, influence key decisions, shape the organization’s data approach, and contribute to growth in a competitive market. 

Key Responsibilities:
Data Governance Framework

• Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive data governance framework tailored to the needs of the specialty insurance sector.
• Establish policies and processes for data quality, security, privacy, and accessibility.
• Define roles and responsibilities for data stewardship and governance across the organization.
• Lead US Data Council, listen to business’ data pain points and needs, align data governance initiatives with the company's broader business strategy and identify opportunities for leveraging data to improve various processes

Data Quality and Integrity

• Develop and enforce policies to maintain high data quality and integrity across all systems.
• Implement metrics and KPIs to monitor and improve data accuracy and reliability.
• Collaborate with IT and data teams to resolve data inconsistencies and anomalies.

Collaboration and Leadership

• Lead US Data Council, and collaborate closely with stakeholders across underwriting, operation, claims, actuarial, finance, risk management and other departments to address data needs.
• Provide leadership and guidance to ongoing and upcoming business and technology projects, ensuring they adhere to the best practices and policies of data governance.
• Advocate for a data-driven culture within the organization, emphasizing the value of accurate and secure data.

Data Strategy and Innovation

• Align data governance initiatives with the company's broader business strategy.
• Identify opportunities for leveraging data to improve underwriting, pricing, and claims processes.
• Promote the use of advanced analytics and technology solutions to enhance data management capabilities.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure adherence to industry standards and regulations relevant to insurance.
• Lead audits and assessments to ensure compliance with internal and external data governance mandates.
• Stay updated on evolving regulatory requirements and incorporate them into the governance strategy.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in data governance, data management, or data strategy roles within the insurance industry. 
• Experience with specialty insurance is highly preferred. 
• Experience with data management and data governance to enable digital transformation is highly preferred.
• Proven track record of implementing data governance frameworks at detailed and strategic level, driving organizational change.
• Strong knowledge of data protection regulations and compliance frameworks.
• Proficiency in data management, data governance, data cataloging, data quality tools and platforms. 
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in data, analytics, risk management, computer science, business administration or related areas. 
• Commitment to The Ascot Way: Embody The Ascot Way in their daily interaction with colleagues, fostering colleague engagement and development, collaboration, inclusivity, and individual accountability.
• Analytical Thinking: Exceptional ability to analyze complex data environments, assess governance needs, and develop strategic solutions.
  Regulatory Acumen: Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance standards in data management, especially in finance or healthcare sectors.
• Technical Expertise: Proficient in various data management technologies and tools, with the ability to guide their effective use for governance purposes.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, inspire collaboration, and drive governance initiatives.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication abilities, capable of clearly conveying complex data governance concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Skilled in identifying challenges in data governance and devising practical, innovative solutions.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of data governance processes and documentation.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to develop long-term data governance strategies that align with organizational goals and adapt to evolving data landscapes.
• Change Management: Proficiency in managing change, advocating for new processes, and facilitating the adoption of data governance practices across the organization.
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices in data governance and management.

***This position may be filled at a different level, depending on experience***

Compensation
Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to experience, subject matter expertise, and skills. The base pay is just one component of Ascot’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include an annual cash bonus and other forms of discretionary compensation awarded by the Company. 

The salary range for this position in Chicago and New York Metro is $185,000-$205,000

Company Benefits

The Company provides a competitive benefits package that includes the following (eligibility requirements apply):

Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical (including prescription coverage), Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Commuter Account, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, AD&D, Work/Life Resources (including Employee Assistance Program), and more

Leave Benefits: Paid holidays, annual Paid Time Off (includes paid state /local paid leave where required), Short-term Disability, Long-term Disability, Other leaves (e.g., Bereavement, FMLA, Adoption, Maternity, Military, Primary & Non-Primary Caregiver)

Retirement Benefits: Contributory Savings Plan (401k)

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