Head of Data Solutions

Our client is a Captive Managed Services provider offering services to a captive group of 200+ global organizations within the portfolio of their sister Investment Management firm. This is a new position.

We are looking for a VP, Data Solutions to design, build and operate the firm's data solutions which includes platforms for master data management, business intelligence/analytics, data warehousing and data integrations with a "cloud first" strategy. The role will expand the foundational elements already laid for data warehousing (Snowflake), Business intelligence (Tableau), and integrations (Informatica) and develop new capabilities in Master Data Management, Data Governance and advanced integrations (e.g.. Data as a Service).

As the firm and the companies in their portfolio continue to grow rapidly in size and complexity, we are looking for a dynamic, organized, and customer-focused data-centric Leader who can shape their long-term data solutions strategy. The candidate will work with their business partners to drive the data solutions strategy and develop, execute and continuously manage the implementation roadmap. In the process the candidate and the team will develop a deep understanding of the customer data and how it can best be leveraged to meet business objectives going beyond the technology elements to become true business partners. The candidate should be deeply familiar with data integration, visualization, data management & governance implementation methodologies and technologies and have prior experience delivering full suite implementations. The candidate understands cloud technologies and has experience architecting and implementing solutions in a cloud environment. The successful candidate will be hands-on, where necessary, while setting and driving the strategic direction and building the team.

The VP, Data Solutions will report to the CIO and work with the customers in the portfolio companies.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a world-class Data Solutions organization to support the data needs of our customers.
• Combine input obtained from all stakeholders to further develop the firm's data solutions strategy and enhance our current data solution capabilities (repositories, governance, integration, analytics & visualization architecture) with a "cloud first approach".
• Obtain a deep understanding of our customer's data and how the data can best be used to drive business success. Use these insights to become a true business partner that proactively suggests and develops business solutions, going beyond the technical aspects.
• Work with our customers to understand their diverse systems landscape and data sources (ERP, HR, EMR, external/3rd party sources, SaaS, etc.) and their integration needs to support data integration & reporting requirements.
• Architect, select, design, develop and maintain best-in-class end-to-end data solutions building on our Snowflake cloud DW/Tableau BI/Informatica solutions; develop programs with each customer to meet their reporting/dashboarding/data integration/master data management needs using these systems.
• Build out the associated processes for data integration and master data management working closely with the respective data owners/stewards; compliment current tool set with additional solutions.
• Provide leadership and guidance regarding data modelling/governance/quality best practices and ensure adherence to governance standards; maintain credibility and reputation of high-quality data.
• Develop and execute comprehensive solution roll-out plans covering systems, processes and people.
• Ensure our data solutions and processes are compliant with applicable policies, procedures and regulations such as HIPAA (neededf by some of our customers).
• Drive the use of Client technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for automation and analytical insights.
• Interface directly with various business units (user to executive) to serve as ambassador for our strategy, roadmap and solutions and solicit their feedback and input.
• Mature the operating model to maintain our data solutions and support users after roll-out.
• Serve as escalation point for production and/or platform issues and engage vendors as necessary.
• Develop and manage effective collaborative relationships with other departments, groups and peers.
• Keep current with technology trends, evaluate, work on proof-of-concept and implement innovative technologies based on their merit.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in information science, data management, computer science or related field preferred. MBA or equivalent degree preferred.
• 10+ years of technology management experience, 7+ years of experience building and leading a data focused technology organization.
• High degree of flexibility and ability to work with employees at all levels of the organization with diverse backgrounds.
• Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to effectively present information in both technical and non-technical terms, including the capability to translate technical matters to a non-technical audience.
• Strong consulting skills and mindset; prior experience with a large consulting firm is a plus, but must have ability to adapt for middle market environment.
• Recognized as a thought leader and change agent within the company.
• Enjoy working in a fast-paced, agile environment and resolve unplanned incidents quickly.
• Strong customer service focus.
• Ability to use ambiguity as an opportunity to shape the environment.
• Excellent team player with the ability to influence others.
• Self-motivated, proactive, independent and responsive; requires little supervisory attention.
• Strong analytical, communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.

Technical Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience with enterprise data solutions (BI/DW/MDM/Data Integration) with 3 years of experience in technical or solutions architecture.
• Experience with Snowflake, Tableau (Cloud) or Informatica (Cloud) a strong plus.
• Extensive knowledge of cloud-based data warehousing and business intelligence best practices, processes, tools, standards, and methodologies with outstanding knowledge of data modelling and database design.
• Experience with real-time data streaming architecture and solutions, including tools such as Kafka.
• Deep understanding of data repositories, tools and archiving strategy and processes.
• Cloud platforms (Microsoft Azure, D365, Workday) a plus.
• Ability to interpret functional requirements, perform system analysis, and provide architectural expertise with a focus on Data Architecture
• Experience of leading the BI assessment and road mapping exercises
• Experience in relational databases and non-relational databases
• Experience working with 3rd party vendors or contractors to execute projects
• Proven capabilities in project management

Job Location and Travel Requirements

• Location: Dallas
• Travel anticipated: <30%

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.