Job Application

Our client is looking for an experienced Senior Data Program Manager

Job Description:

Today, the customer is confronted with the evolution of the energy landscape (integration of renewable energy and decentralized production, arrival of new players on the market, closure of central generation units, arrival of batteries, EV, CRM, CEP, etc.) and the possibilities of digitalization (automation, AI, remote monitoring,...) combined with the great ambitions of the main activities (support electrification, integration flexibility, congestion management, ...)

Data plays a key role in supporting these evolutions: more and more, data is an enabler for the decision-making process (operational, tactical, strategic). However, we are faced with a number of data-related challenges:

• Roles and responsibilities around data management are not clear and aligned today
• Problems with the timely/qualitative delivery of data initiatives

To meet these challenges, the client wants to focus on:

• Setting up data domains. All data is assigned to a domain, to which an owner is assigned. The owner then becomes accountable for the data in their domain. They are supported by the data steward, who is responsible for monitoring data quality, etc.
• The switch from IT-led data products to business-led data products. The responsibility for high-quality, timely delivery of data products will lie with the business. The elaboration of the data products is then done by multidisciplinary (business and IT) teams and is led by a data product owner.
• Extensive training and coaching to make and support transitions.
• Governance of all this is important and will be set up

Before planning a rollout of the new roles and responsibilities, business-data products and supporting training and governance across the organization, a number of pilots will be set up to test and refine the approach. A first wave of pilots is planned for 2024 Q4, with more pilots to follow in 2025 before a general rollout.

Job Responsibilities:

These transitions require a structured approach and support guided by a Program Manager (PM). We expect the PM to take on the following tasks:

• The PM develops the vision (including the why story) for the program, manages the scope, budget and timing.
• Elaborates governance (detailing, aligning, etc.). of terms of references, processes linked to this governance, etc.).
• Manages and chairs steerco for its program.
• Setting up structured pilots (eg scoping, follow-up progress, etc.), in consultation with business and IT.
• The PM is helping to prepare a second wave of pilots.
• Helps to set up data product teams
• Prepares the transition from IT-led to business-led data products, in close collaboration with business and IT.
• Plan training courses and other initiatives to increase data competences, first in function of the pilots that will start later this year, then in function of a second wave of products and finally for the entire impacted population. The customer provides the content of the training program.
• Coach the data product owner, data domain owner and data steward.
• Acts as SPOC to business and IT for the implementation of the data program. Provides feedback to ensure that the model is implemented consistently.
• Setting up and facilitating so-called communities of practice for Data Stewards, Data Owners,.... The PM ensures the feedback from data stewards, data owners and data products to management.
• It is possible that ad hoc cross-cutting initiatives on data quality will be set up. The PM manages such initiatives in the programme, and can lead one or more of these initiatives if necessary.

Requirements

• Demonstrable and extensive experience/knowledge in data management, governance, architecture, modelling, ... And certainly in data mesh principles.
• Proven experience as a program manager. You have extensive experience in managing data-related programs, setting up and leading governance/steercos,... Experience in setting up and supervising the introduction of data products or initiatives aimed at increasing data quality and exchange between different users (internal) and publications (external)
• Knowledge of the business and context is a plus.
• Strong communication skills (both with more technical data profiles and management profiles)
• You are analytical, flexible and have excellent planning and organizational skills.
• You have a master's degree, preferably as a (commercial) engineer or IT
• You are trilingual (French, Dutch, English). German is an asset.
• You can work independently and in a team and come up with creative solutions.

Languages:

You are fluent in Dutch, French and English

Location:

Hybrid role, 3 days per week can be remote with 2 days per week required onsite in Brussels Belgium, ideally candidates will already be based in Belgium.