Vendor Data Manager

Softcat plc.; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology solutions provider in Manchester is seeking a Vendor Data Manager. The role involves overseeing the entire lifecycle of product data, ensuring integrity and accessibility, and collaborating across teams. Ideal candidates will have experience in data quality management and master data management, along with strong analytical skills. This position offers flexible working arrangements, including a hybrid model.

Benefits

Hybrid working - 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home.

Flexible hours with school pick-up/drop-off accommodations.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of data governance and data quality.
• Experience managing data-centric products or platforms.
• Knowledge of data integration and ETL processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the lifecycle of product data, ensuring integrity and security.
• Develop a roadmap for data products aligned with business goals.
• Implement rules and processes to cleanse and validate data.

Skills

Data Quality Management

Master Data Management (MDM)

Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking

Agile methodologies

Project Management

Communication with non-technical stakeholders

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

MS Purview

CluedIn

PowerBI

Job description

The Vendor Data Manager is a strategic and cross-functional leader, responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of product data within Softcat from its acquisition to its eventual deletion. A key part of this is ensuring integrity, security and accessibility of vendor data by collaborating with different teams to maintain high standards and high data quality.,

Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Working with the Head of Business Partnering to develop a clear roadmap for data products aligned with business goals and user needs.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities for improvements to Softcat's vendor data. This could include looking at new sources of data (from our vendors) to further enhance the enrichment of our vendor data or understanding best practice for managing our vendor data.
• Master Data Management (MDM): Responsible for creating and maintaining a single, consistent and accurate source of truth for Softcat's critical vendor data. The data manager is responsible for ensuring this data is standardised across all systems, preventing inconsistencies and errors. The development and management of business processes to support these responsibilities will form a major part of the job for this Vendor Data Manager.
• Data Quality Management: Responsible for the process of ensuring data is accurate, complete, consistent and timely. The Data Manager will implement rules and processes to cleanse data, validate its quality and monitor it for any issues. This is a continuous effort to maintain a high level of trust in the data used for business decisions.
• Responsible for implementing and managing security measures to protect sensitive data from unauthorised access, breaches and cyberattacks. This involves ensuring that data platforms and services are regularly audited to ensure policies are followed (such as ROPAs) and access controls are in place. This will be done in conjunction with the data owners and owners of the different services.
• Work with the data leadership team to create and maintain a comprehensive data strategy for vendor data that aligns with Softcat's business goals. This includes defining what to collect, how it will be stored, and how it will be used to drive decisions. Strong understanding of data analytics, data engineering, and machine learning concepts.
• Have a strong understanding of data governance and data quality. Knowledge of how data integration and ETL works in an organisation like Softcat. Solid understanding of data security and compliance or the ability to learn this in the context of managing vendor data for Softcat.
• Knowledge or experience of MS Purview, CluedIn and PowerBI would be beneficial.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies, product road mapping, and user-centred design.
• Attention to detail: A focus on the finer details is crucial as small errors in data can lead to a significant impact.
• Experience managing data-centric products or platforms.
• Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking: Must be able to identify and resolve data-related issues, whether they are quality problems or technical glitches.
• Knowledge of Softcat's Vendor landscape or a similar company would be advantageous for understanding the root cause of issues.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

We also acknowledge that the confidence gap and imposter syndrome are a real thing and can get in the way of us meeting fantastic talent, so please don't hesitate to apply - we would love to hear from you!

Here at Softcat, we don't prohibit the use of AI (artificial intelligence) in our application process, as we understand how far it can go to creating a truly equitable candidate experience. That being said, as a culture-driven organisation, we believe that the genuine essence of each person is what truly matters, so we highly encourage you to be as authentically you as possible when submitting your application to showcase your true and whole self.

We recognise that everyone is different and that the way in which people want to work and deliver at their best is different for everyone too. In this role, we can offer the following flexible working patterns:

• Hybrid working - 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home.
• Working flexible hours – flexing the times you start and finish during the day.
• Flexibility around school pick up and drop offs.

Working with us Wherever you work, we want you to experience the freedom and autonomy to realise your potential. You will feel supported by a team that celebrates individuality, encourages different perspectives, and embraces every background.