Position Title: Head of Data Governance and Quality
Reports To: VP, Head of Data Strategy - Insights and Impact
Department: Corporate/Impact
Term: Permanent Full-Time

Work Arrangements: This is a hybrid role. You will work in our office in Waterloo, ON a minimum of two (2) assigned, consecutive days every other week, plus a fifth (5th) assigned day per month. You are welcome to work from the office more than the minimum requirement and there may be some roles that are required to work in our office more than the minimum requirement.

The Opportunity: Equitable is growing! We are looking for a Head of Data Governance and Quality to join our Corporate/Impact team!

The role will establish a robust enterprise-wide Data Governance and Quality capability so support all lines of Business and Corporate functions with the goal of enabling transparency and trust in our data, supporting ease of access, and mitigating data risk. This includes partnering with Business and Corporate leaders and stakeholders to design, implement, operate, and evolve the processes, tools, and policies needed for a strong Data Governance and Quality capability.

Now is an exciting time to join one of the Waterloo Area's and Southwestern Ontario's Top Employers for 2024!

What you will be doing:

• Data Governance: Design and implement a comprehensive enterprise-wide data governance approach including data community engagement, issue/change resolution, and data decision making, while also incorporating data privacy, data protection, and data risk aspects. This will include the processes, tools, policies, and metrics/reporting to support the Data Governance approach.
• Data Quality Management: Establish the framework, processes, metrics, and tool needed for implementing a repeatable Data Quality (DQ) monitoring program that is integrated with the overall Data Governance approach. This includes managing specific 'Master Data' domains such as Client and Advisor along with implementing 'fit for purpose' business relevant DQ controls in partnership with the business. Engaging the business and embedding DQ monitoring into the daily operational activities is key.
• Data Access / Sharing: Build and run process to request, approve, and track access to data ensuring business and key control partner oversight. Enable compliance with regulations and guidelines, collaborating closely with privacy, risk, legal, and compliance teams to address data privacy, security, and reporting requirements.
• Metadata Management: Define / manage metadata standards and partner with business to gather relevant metadata to build an enterprise data catalog. Establish a mechanism to ensure the metadata remains updated / accurate. Additionally, support with data lineage documentation in alignment with the build of the Enterprises data platform
• Data Platform and Initiatives: Partner with the Enterprise Data Technology team to establish robust Data Governance and Quality processes for the Enterprise Data Platform including initiatives involving the ingestion, curation, and consumption of data for reporting, analytics, operations, and digital capabilities.
• Stakeholder Collaboration and Data Community Engagement: Build and support an engaged data community consisting of business, corporate function, and technology leaders/stakeholders. Collaborate to understand data needs and priorities and embed data governance practices into daily operations to ultimately drive client impact.
• Communications, Training, and Change Management: Build and disseminate effective communication materials using diverse channels/approaches to elevate Data Governance knowledge in the organization. Adopt change management principles and enable efforts to foster a data-driven culture within the organization, emphasizing the importance of data governance and quality in decision-making and client interactions.
• Performance and Effectiveness: Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of data governance and quality program/processes while providing regular reports and insights to senior management.
• Leadership and Coaching: Build and guide a high performing team of professionals who utilize a collaborative approach with focus on achieving outcomes and delivering valuable interactions with partners / stakeholders

What you will bring:

• 10+ years of experience with a mix of Data Governance, Data Quality, Master Data Management (MDM), business analysis / data analysis, project management, and data analytics / data science
• Experience with establishing an Enterprise Data Governance model and process to support business goals and outcomes.
• Experience with establishing a Data Quality process and ongoing monitoring / remediation including exposure to tools and methodologies.
• Experience with MDM (Master Data Management) concepts, processes, and tools preferably with focus on Client and Advisor data in an insurance business
• Experience with databases and data modelling concepts including data extraction and manipulation using SQL or similar tools; expertise using Power platform suite of tools such as Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI etc. to build solutions to support/scale Data Governance and Quality capabilities.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to influence and collaborate effectively across business functions and with external stakeholders/partners.
• Demonstrable track record of working cross-functionally with stakeholders to secure buy-in, creating accepted solutions, and working flexibly to accommodate changing priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely and present complex / technical concepts simply.
• Analytical mindset and problem-solving approach; focus on bridging the gap between business and technical teams from a data perspective.
• Experience leading and guiding data teams with varying skill sets to deliver on the established data objectives / outcomes.
• Experience in Insurance or Financial Services industry is an asset; specifically, familiarity with insurance-specific data models and operational/business processes, with experience in insurance core systems (e.g., policy administration, claims management) is highly desirable.
• Relevant data certifications and knowledge of data governance/management tools and knowledge of coding/programming languages (e.g. Python, Java, C#) is an asset.
• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business or another relevant field; Master's degree in a related field in an asset.

What's in it for you:

• A healthy work-life balance with employee wellness top of mind
• Annual bonus program, annual vacation allowance, and company-paid benefits program
• An additional paid volunteer day each year so you can spend time giving back to the community
• Immediate enrollment in the company's pension program with employer matching
• Employee resource groups that support an inclusive work environment
• Tuition support and specialized program assistance
• An onsite, full-service cafeteria with a variety of daily options
• Discounts on company products and services, and access to exclusive employee perks
• Regular EQ Together events focused on company togetherness and collaboration
  
  

As part of the recruitment/offer process you will be required to:

• Provide two professional references (minimum one supervisor and above)
• Undergo a criminal background check

To learn more about Equitable, we encourage you to explore our organization.

At Equitable, we are committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities across our organization. Please contact our HR team at careers@equitable.ca if you would like to receive our job postings in an alternative format or require an accommodation with the application process.

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