Master Data Manager: guaranteed data management

Every month, Robert Walters puts a job in the spotlight that is in high demand on the Belgian job market.

Audrey Bostvironois, Managing Consultant in the interim management division, explains the challenge for large organisations to acquire a Master Data Manager (MDM), as they have a crucial role in the efficient management of an organisation's data.

What does a Master Data Manager do?

“A Master Data Manager is the manager of reference data, i.e. the most important data of a company, for example those related to products, customers, suppliers, assets, sites, staff, etc.”

What are the main tasks of a Master Data Manager?

"The main role of a Master Data Manager is to establish governance in the management of a company's critical data. Through a set of techniques, tools and processes, Master Data Managers will ensure all reference data of an organisation is correct, reliable and usable by all divisions in the organisation.

Company reference data is often dispersed across different tools, such as CRM, WMS and ERP. The role of a Master Data Manager is to decompartmentalize critical data specific to the different departments or activities of a company. All information must be centralised in a single file, the Master file. This makes it easier to clean data, make updates and avoid duplication. It is also easier for the different teams in the organisation to share data.”

What are the qualities of a Master Data Manager?

"A good Data Manager must have an analytical mind and a good understanding of computer systems. Communication skills are essential to promote the importance of good governance in data management internally. Finally, a Master Data Manager must be business-oriented and have a good understanding of the working methods in the organisation.

Why should companies have an in-house Master Data Manager?

Control and several validation mechanisms enable the Master Data Manager to ensure the quality and integrity of data. Obsolete or redundant data may result into incorrect analyses. These can lead to poor decisions that can have a significant impact on business, customer experience, performance, etc.

Having an in-house Master Data Manager can be a big advantage for large organisations as their master data is usually dispersed in different entities. Any organisation undergoing a transformation project such as digitisation or a merger, should consider hiring a Master Data Manager.”