Manager of Master Data Maintenance

About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, Fairway® and Gourmet Garage® banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

Summary

The Manager of Master Data is responsible for the timely, accurate execution of the responsibilities of the Master Data Department. This encompasses the development, instruction and oversight of associates including Supervisors, Data Stewards and 3rd party associates as needed. The activities/responsibilities of the Master Data Department include (but are not limited to) the set up and maintenance of master data associated with all product sourced through the warehouse, DSD or local vendor, vendor and site for the entire life cycle of that entity In this role, this individual supports the retail members, ecommerce, merchandising, logistics, advertising, social media and the product divisions including Own Brands to provide complete and accurate item data. Although a business function of the organization, this manager must understand the complex relationship of the interaction of systems and technologies with various business activities across the organization comprised of those areas Master Data supports. This individual is responsible for the department budget including financial reconciliation member/vendor fees and is a key contributor to the evolution of data governance in the organization. The Manager of Master Data, a strong agent of change, participates in the development of new processes, technologies and applications to better serve the organization, and ultimately the consumer. This includes assessing, and sometimes assuming, organizational processes to improve the governance of the same in the organization.

Essential Functions

• Ensuring Product, Vendor and Site Master Data is complete and accurate and is managed efficiently and effectively throughout its lifecycle from creation and acquisition to archiving and disposal.
• Leads and mentors a team of data management professionals, supporting development to enhance their skills and understanding of organization goals and data governance processes.
• Daily oversight of department supervision in the prioritization, distribution and execution of work including special requests and projects.
• Combining business acumen with acute technical knowledge effectively provides problem solving for various issues affecting both divisional and store activities including CGO, back door receiving, UPLs, POS, Retail Shrink Avoidance, ecommerce.
• Develops new corporate standards for the processing of item data, creating a work environment for Data Stewards to achieve the highest standards of data accuracy.
• Provides expertise, collaborating with Wakefern Divisions and members to understand their data requirement needs and in the development of new projects/ventures which have article attribution as a foundational requirement and/or require the creation of data governance processes.
• Collaborates with CISD to enhance technological solutions to improve data accuracy, as well as efficiency.
• Provides for accurate master data through the analysis of item attributes and ensures the team understands the interdependence of those attributes to support supply chain, replenishment, consumer transparency and regulatory requirements.
• Analyzes the intersection of business process with technology and recommends innovative solutions to resolve issues or promote efficiencies.
• Monitors metrics and KPIs to measure efficiency and productivity as well as compliance and impact of corporate initiatives and data governance processes.
• Collaborates with the Manager of Enterprise Data Governance to support evolving processes and data needs.
• Continually evaluates and enhances the data governance policies to support evolving internal and external factors such as changing consumer needs, technology and regulatory requirements.
• Ensures the development of documentation and departmental associates to train and support members, divisions and vendors on the utilization of Wakefern’s technology and systems related to master data as well as the associated data governance policies.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree preferred
• PMP Certification desired. Candidates will be required to pass said certification if they do not already have it.
• Five plus years’ experience in Data Governance/Master Data required, plus other industry related experience such as work history in retail, replenishment, procurement or logistics.
• Experience navigating the Cooperative Culture is required.
• Knowledge of both Brick & Mortar and the omni-channel retail environment is necessary.
• Demonstrated aptitude for technology, and proficiency for quick learning required.
• Must be a team player with the ability to work across departmental silos.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills including the ability to write and deliver both informal and formal presentations.
• Ability to work in fast paced environment, with demonstrated ability to multi-task and resolve problems effectively, efficiently and professionally.
• Proven leadership, assertiveness, interpersonal and analytical skills proficiency is essential.
• Ability to develop and manage all levels of associates to provide for future succession required, and ability to do so in a hybrid work environment.
• Able to create a work environment that promotes diversity and belonging.
• Must be proficient in the following PC programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, with ability to be trained on additional technologies.