Data Management Lead Specialist

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Data Management Lead Specialist to join our team and drive excellence in data governance, protection, and operational efficiency. This pivotal role is designed for seasoned professionals who thrive in dynamic environments, capable of developing strategic solutions to complex data challenges while providing guidance to junior team members. The ideal candidate will play a key role in shaping ZATCA’s data management policies, ensuring compliance with national standards, and implementing robust frameworks to enhance data integrity, automation, and security across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Data Management Planning and Strategy

The Data Management Lead Specialist will be responsible for aligning ZATCA’s data management practices with the National Data Management Office (NDMO) standards and policies. This includes:

• Reviewing and updating ZATCA’s data guides to ensure continuous adherence to NDMO requirements and industry best practices.
• Conducting comprehensive assessments to identify data management needs, challenges, and improvement areas, providing actionable insights to enhance operational efficiency.
• Developing and implementing data management policies, procedures, and guidelines that align with ZATCA’s strategic priorities and regulatory obligations.
• Creating and executing a data management awareness plan focused on data protection, automation, and secure storage practices across the organization.
• Defining and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of data management initiatives and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to communicate data management strategies, policies, and plans, ensuring clarity and fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making.
• Designing and deploying metadata and information asset management programs to safeguard data integrity and quality.
• Establishing clear data ownership frameworks by defining roles, responsibilities, and rules for data systems, enabling efficient traceability and accountability in the event of data breaches.

Data Management Operations and Execution

In this role, you will oversee the implementation of data management plans, address escalated issues, and drive continuous improvement through strategic initiatives. Your responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring the execution of data management plans, identifying data-related issues, and ensuring timely resolution to minimize operational disruptions.
• Proactively identifying areas for improvement and developing new data management projects to optimize data utilization while adhering to established policies and guidelines.
• Leading data management projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with timelines, management directives, and the functional requirements of ZATCA’s departments.
• Tracking the implementation of improvement action plans to reduce recurring data-related issues and enhance overall data governance.
• Generating and presenting comprehensive reports to stakeholders, highlighting ZATCA’s compliance levels with data standards and policies, and recommending corrective measures where necessary.

Organizational Leadership and Operational Excellence

As a leader in the data management domain, you will ensure that all processes are executed in a controlled, consistent, and compliant manner. This includes:

• Adhering to relevant policies, processes, and standard operating procedures to maintain high standards of operational integrity.
• Providing expert guidance and support to junior team members, assisting in problem-solving and ensuring efficient workflow execution.
• Escalating complex issues to the appropriate stakeholders to ensure timely resolution and prevent recurrence.
• Performing additional duties as assigned to support the broader goals of the data management function.

People Management and Development

This role also encompasses mentoring and developing junior staff to build a high-performing data management team. Responsibilities include:

• Training junior staff on core data management activities, processes, and best practices to facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development.
• Providing clear direction, prioritizing tasks, assigning responsibilities, and monitoring workflow to ensure optimal performance of subordinates and junior team members.
• Supporting direct reports and junior staff in executing their duties in accordance with established policies and processes, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment.

Qualifications and Competencies

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, or an equivalent field is required.

Experience

• A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in data management, governance, or related fields, with a proven track record of leading strategic initiatives and driving operational improvements.

Key Competencies

• Policy Making: Proficient in developing and implementing data governance policies and frameworks.
• Collaboration and Communication: Developing skills in fostering cross-functional teamwork and clear communication with stakeholders.
• Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to maintain high ethical standards and accountability in data management practices.
• Database Design and Operations: Proficient in designing, managing, and optimizing database systems to ensure performance and reliability.
• Data Analytics: Proficient in leveraging data analytics to derive insights and support decision-making processes.
• IT Compliance: Proficient in ensuring adherence to regulatory and organizational compliance requirements in data management.
• Results Oriented: Strong focus on achieving measurable outcomes and driving continuous improvement in data management practices.
• Customer Focus: Commitment to delivering high-quality data services that meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• Data Processing: Advanced skills in data processing techniques to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and security.
• Data Management Planning and Design: Advanced expertise in designing comprehensive data management strategies and frameworks.
• Enablement of Change and Innovation: Developing ability to drive organizational change and foster a culture of innovation in data management practices.