Data Governance &Information Architecture

Location: Durham, NC or Memphis, TN (remote considered for exceptional candidates; on‑site as needed) Term: Contract‑to‑hire Function: Global Master Data & Governance About The Role We are building data foundations from scratch. Reporting into Global Master Data & Governance, you will own the business side of data governance and information architecture—establishing data ownership, definitions, access policies, and process workflows, while translating business requirements into clear domain/data models for technology teams. You will be the program driver who gets the business aligned and delivers tangible outcomes in the first 90 days. What You’ll Do • Define ownership: Establish business ownership and stewardship across data domains (with emphasis on business partner data). • Standards & glossary: Lead creation of business terms, definitions, reference/master data standards, and approval workflows. • Policies & processes: Implement data policies (access, quality, change, retention) and request→review→approve→create workflows. • Access governance: Define access rules/roles and partner with security/compliance to operationalize. • Information architecture: Distinguish patient vs. physician vs. healthcare data; translate requirements into conceptual/logical models and data contracts. • Boundaries & interfaces: Map what data is produced/consumed by applications; clarify systems of record and downstream consumers. • Data quality: Define DQ rules, controls, and remediation processes; set acceptance criteria with the business. • Program leadership: Build and manage timelines, RAID, and stakeholder forums; push the business to decisions and hold teams accountable. • Change & communication: Tell the story, create clear artifacts (RACI, glossaries, process maps), and enable adoption across regions and functions. • SAP/MDM enablement: Align governance with SAP Business Partner processes; design now for a future SAP MDM implementation. What You’ll Bring • 8–10 years in data governance, information architecture, or related MDM/governance roles. • Proven experience establishing governance before an MDM platform is in place; familiarity with SAP Business Partner Master Data. • Strong program/project management skills—driving cross‑functional timelines and decisions. • Ability to work hands‑on at a granular level (e.g., drafting policies, definitions, RACI, workflows). • Clear communicator who can tell the story and influence senior stakeholders. • Leadership style: empathetic, collaborative, and non‑authoritarian; known for building trust and momentum. • Industry background in medical device/life sciences preferred; financial services/insurance acceptable with strong domain translation. • Bachelor’s degree in information systems, data management, business, or related (or equivalent experience). Nice to Have • Experience with SAP MDM/MDG planning or rollout. • Exposure to regulated environments (e.g., validation, audit readiness, SOX/GxP). • Familiarity with common governance frameworks (e.g., DAMA/DMBOK) and metadata tools.