We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager to lead Master Data Management (MDM) across Pharmanovia, with a specific focus on our SAP S4/HANA ERP system. The role holder will own our master data strategy, governance framework and day-to-day master data operations, ensuring that material, customer, vendor and finance data is accurate, consistent and compliant across all our markets. This is a hands-on leadership role: you will line manage a Master Data Analyst while working with senior stakeholders across Commercial, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, Finance and IT to drive continuous improvement in data quality.

Key responsibilities

• Master Data Strategy and Leadership:

• Define and deliver a master data management strategy and roadmap aligned with Pharmanovia’s business and digital priorities.

• Act as the business-wide owner of master data, setting clear ownership and accountability for each data domain (e.g. material/product, customer, vendor and finance).

• Establish, maintain and enforce master data governance policies, procedures and standards.

• Promote the value of good master data across the business through clear communication and training.

• SAP S4/HANA Master Data Management:

• Own the master data model, data definitions and data standards within SAP S4/HANA.

• Ensure master data is accurately created, maintained and used within SAP S4/HANA, including for new product launches, market entries and acquisitions.

• Lead master data activities for data migrations, integrations and system changes, working closely with IT and implementation partners.

• Own the roadmap for master data tools (e.g. SAP MDG, automation and workflow tools) and ensure they are implemented and used in line with best practice.

• Data Quality and Integrity:

• Define data quality standards and monitor master data for accuracy, completeness, timeliness and consistency.

• Lead data validation, cleansing and remediation activities, addressing root causes as well as symptoms.

• Design robust approval workflows for all SAP master data changes, with a full audit trail of system inputs.

• Ensure master data processes comply with GxP, computerised system validation (CSV) and data integrity (ALCOA+) requirements.

• Team Leadership and Master Data Operations:

• Line manage, coach and develop the Master Data Analyst, setting clear objectives and holding regular performance reviews.

• Oversee day-to-day master data creation and maintenance requests, ensuring they are completed accurately and within agreed service levels.

• Maintain clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions so that master data tasks are carried out consistently.

• Plan team workload and priorities, and manage any external partners or contractors supporting master data activities.

• Data Stewardship and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Establish and lead a network of data owners and data stewards across functions and markets, providing training and ongoing support.

• Chair a master data governance forum to agree standards, resolve issues and track key decisions.

• Work closely with Commercial, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, Finance and IT to understand business needs and ensure master data supports them.

• Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure master data supports regulatory requirements, including product and marketing authorisation data, serialisation and, where relevant, IDMP.

• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (including UK and EU GDPR) for customer, vendor and other personal data.

• Identify, assess and mitigate master data risks, and support internal and external audits and inspections.

• Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

• Define and track master data KPIs, such as data quality scores, request turnaround times and error rates.

• Report regularly on master data performance, risks and improvements to the Head of IT and senior leadership.

• The role holder will need a strong understanding of how master data is used in practice across the business, so that work is prioritised appropriately and any issues that could affect decision-making are identified and clearly communicated.

Required skills and experience

• 7+ years’ experience in master data management or data governance, including 2+ years in a leadership role

• Proven hands-on experience of SAP S4/HANA master data and its data structures, ideally including SAP MDG.

• Experience of master data in a regulated environment, ideally pharmaceutical, life sciences or healthcare.

• Experience of line managing and developing junior team members.

• In-depth knowledge of data governance principles, data quality management and master data tools (e.g. SAP MDG, Informatica, Precisely).

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills, with excellent attention to detail.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain data topics to technical and non-technical audiences and to influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership.

• Track record of delivering master data services to agreed service levels

• Experience writing SOPs, work instructions and process documentation

• Experience driving a best-in-class data management strategy in a regulated environment

• Previous experience in a similar senior role

• Methodical worker with high attention to detail

• Interest in emerging data technologies, including automation and AI

• Highly approachable and supportive of your team

• Knowledge of ITIL 4 and change management practices

• Experience of project management tools and processes

• Adaptable to change, an ability to learn and implement new skills

• Experience of line managing junior team members, including objective setting and performance reviews

Qualifications and Professional attributes

• Degree or Equivalent e.g. Computer Science, Data Management

• Relevant certifications in data management (e.g. CDMP, DGSP) are desirable.

• Hands-on experience of SAP S4/HANA master data

• Experience of SAP MDG or an equivalent MDM tool

• Strong leadership ability, with experience of managing a small team and external partners

• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, including presentation skills

• Able to build strong, professional relationships with all relevant parties both internally and externally

• Creative innovator balanced with analytical and strategic discipline

• Strong knowledge of regulated healthcare; ability to spot industry trends

• Strong understanding of business principles and the ability to align services with stakeholder objectives. This includes considering financial implications, ROI, and long-term business impact.

• Pro-active and able to show initiative and deliver innovative ideas to advance the business

• Highly organised self-starter, able to balance strategic work with hands-on delivery.

What we offer (benefits & career development)

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Professional development and training opportunities to support career progression in data management and analytics.

• Opportunity to contribute to data governance, digital transformation and business improvement initiatives.

• Inclusive workplace culture with emphasis on well-being and work-life balance.

How to apply (application process & equal opportunities)

Please submit your CV outlining your relevant master data, data quality and analytical experience. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.