Data Governance Program Director

About Us

Founded in 1908, Merz is a successful, family-owned specialty healthcare company with a rich history. As a leading global aesthetics business, our award-winning portfolio of injectables, devices, and skincare products empowers healthcare professionals to enhance confidence through aesthetic medicine. Our purpose is to fuel confidence by helping people look better, feel better, and live better. We believe you do not have to choose between living life and making a living. Live your best life with Merz Aesthetics.

A Brief Overview

The Data Governance Program Director establishes and leads the data governance program across the organization. This role ensures that data is managed, protected, and utilized effectively to support business objectives and regulatory requirements. This role requires a blend of technical, business, and leadership expertise and works in close collaboration with legal and IT teams, other business functions, and third-party vendors.

What you will do

• IT Asset Identification and Data Classification:
  • Lead the global function data stewards to embed IT asset identification and data classification processes and standards in the global functions. This includes deploying data management software and serving as the main point of contact for data retention and deletion
• New Technology Evaluations
  • Design and implement a go-forward process by which new global function IT assets are properly evaluated for risk, including any assets leveraging current or planned GenAI technology
• IT and Data Risk Assessments:
  • Based on accumulated IT Asset and Data Classification knowledge and information, deploy and analyze periodic risk assessments identifying critical systems and data within the Aesthetics global functions
• Guidance and Training:
  • Collaborate with Group IT to adopt and adapt Group policies to the Merz Aesthetics business model. Ensure Merz Aesthetics global functions are appropriately educated on appropriate use of IT resources, including new and emerging technologies, the new AI Governance policy, and other corresponding risks
• Regional Data Governance:
  • Design and implement a regional data Governance implementation “template” based on experience and lessons learned from global function deployment. Collaborate with the Project Management Office (PMO) on deployment initiative
• KRI Development and Reporting:
  • Analyze and interpret data governance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions when necessary. Assist Global Compliance Key Risk Indicator (KRI) evolution, data quality, and analytics
• Data Incidents:
  • Conduct an initial investigation for all significant data incidents across Merz Aesthetics and ensure appropriate mitigation. Coordinate with Legal and key stakeholders for all material cross-border data incidents in line with the Merz Aesthetics Data Breach Playbook. Periodically drill data breach responses with key stakeholders
• Data Strategy:
  • Develops and executes strategies designed to improve understanding of business process, data flow, data governance and data quality.
  • Collaborate with Group IT and Data Stewards to develop standards to enhance data quality feeding KRIs and metrics
• Governance:
  • Leads the activities of the Data Governance Committee including guidance and subject matter expertise, KRI production and analyses, leading discussion and decisions and identifying and resolving risk exposures within risk tolerance
• All other duties as assigned:
  • In addition to the specific responsibilities outlined above, the employee may be required to perform other tasks and duties as assigned. These duties are intended to support the overall goals and objectives of the organization and may vary based on the needs of the department. Flexibility and adaptability are key, as these tasks can range from administrative support to project-specific assignments, ensuring the smooth operation and success of the tea

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) In Information Management, Information Technology, Library Science, or a related field.
• 10 years of experience in administration of information systems and technology, with increasing level of responsibility
• Background in developing and implementing data governance frameworks and managing data quality, data compliance, and data security
• Experience in understanding business processes, how data flows through those processes, and how they support strategic goals
• Experience in leading change management efforts, particularly in implementing new data governance policies and practices

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree In Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field.
• Knowledge of medical aesthetics, pharmaceutical, or medical device industry
• Advanced certifications in data governance or data management

Technical & Functional Skills:

• Strong knowledge of data governance principles, practices, and frameworks.
• A solid understanding of data management concepts, methodologies, and technologies is essential. This includes knowledge of data quality tools, metadata management, and data lineage.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels and with limited IT experience. The ability to simply communicate complex issues and concepts that trigger a bias to action.
• Strong project management skills and capable leading cross-functional teams and driving data governance initiatives. across organizations