Executive Director – Data Management, Data Operations

MSD

. Define and execute the strategy, roadmap, investment priorities, operating model, and resource plan for master and reference data management across Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $255,800 - $402,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in Master and Reference Data Management, Data Governance, and Data Quality within highly regulated industries, while leading multidisciplinary teams and driving enterprise transformation. Proficient in aligning data strategies with business objectives and leveraging AI and advanced analytics for improved data operations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Master Data ManagementData GovernanceData Quality ManagementAgile Delivery ModelsStakeholder Relationship Management

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Data StewardshipOntology ManagementProduct Lifecycle ManagementBusiness AnalysisData ScienceDemand ManagementRequirements ManagementSourcing and ProcurementStrategic PlanningFinancial Planning

Soft Skills

Executive CommunicationLeadershipCoachingInfluencing StakeholdersGrowth Mindset

Tools & Technologies

MESLIMSVeeva QualityERPPLM

Certifications & Qualifications

MBA

Industry Keywords

BiopharmaceuticalLife SciencesManufacturingGxPRegulated Environments

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and execute the strategy, roadmap, investment priorities, operating model, and resource plan for master and reference data management across Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain
Own the product vision and lifecycle for MDM, PLM, data governance products, data quality capabilities, data operations, ontology management, and related integration services
Translate organizational priorities and emerging digital opportunities into a portfolio of products, platforms, services, and capabilities
Establish and sustain a scalable data stewardship operating model with ownership, decision rights, standards, workflows, controls, and performance measures
Lead the data quality function, including preventive controls, monitoring, issue management, and measurable quality standards
Resolve complex data management, ontology, and data quality challenges affecting operations and digital strategy
Deliver reliable, high-quality data services that reduce manual remediation and operational friction
Establish metrics, reporting, and analytics for data quality, service performance, adoption, compliance, and business impact
Set direction for MDM platforms, PLM capabilities, data catalogs, integration services, automation, methods, and tools
Apply AI-enabled capabilities to data quality monitoring, issue detection, root-cause analysis, remediation, and prevention
Define and maintain data management policies, standards, and guidelines
Build, lead, and develop a high-performing global multidisciplinary organization
Establish accountabilities across product teams and squads; coach and mentor leaders and team members; develop succession and capability-building plans
Lead organizational change and adoption of common data management practices
Build partnerships with business, digital, technology, and enterprise leaders
Own value realization and financial performance, including budget, investment planning, total cost of ownership, vendor and contract management, benefits tracking, and OKRs
Establish and manage the resource model supporting master data management across divisional platforms and business processes
Align systems development structures, platforms, methods, and tools with business strategy, regulatory expectations, and emerging digital opportunities
Report to the Associate Vice President of Digital Services in Global Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain & Innovation

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Management, or a related field
15+ years of progressive experience in data, digital, or technology leadership
Significant experience in the biopharmaceutical, life sciences, manufacturing, or another highly regulated industry
Deep expertise in master and reference data management, data stewardship, data governance, data quality, ontology management, or related enterprise data capabilities
Demonstrated leadership of enterprise data products, platforms, and services across their full lifecycle
Strong knowledge of manufacturing-related master and reference data, Product Lifecycle Management, data platforms, and Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain needs
Experience with MES, LIMS, Veeva Quality, Supply Planning, ERP, PLM, or similar business domain applications
Experience leading a sizable, multidisciplinary organization, including organizational design, talent development, coaching, succession planning, and capability building
Accountability for significant budgets, investment portfolios, financial planning, vendor performance, and total cost of ownership
Ability to influence senior stakeholders, align organizations on complex technical and business decisions, resolve cross-functional dependencies, and drive accountability
Experience leading enterprise transformation and adoption in a global, matrixed environment
Experience with Agile and Scrum delivery models, product management, and product owner responsibilities
Strong executive communication skills and ability to translate complex data and technology topics into clear decisions, priorities, and business outcomes
Growth mindset with a record of challenging the status quo, introducing innovative approaches, and delivering measurable improvements
Required skills: Business Analysis, Data Science, Demand Management, Innovation, Requirements Management, Sourcing and Procurement, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Strategic Planning
Preferred: MBA or master’s degree in a relevant field
Preferred experience in global technology centers or geographically distributed delivery organizations
Preferred experience applying lean, agile, and people-centered design techniques
Preferred experience in manufacturing, GxP, or other regulated environments
Preferred experience applying AI, advanced analytics, or automation to data quality, stewardship, metadata management, or data operations
Experience evaluating and implementing generative or agentic AI capabilities in governed, secure, and regulated data environments

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable
Medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits for employee and family
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate and sick days
Relocation information is not specified
Hybrid work arrangement