Director, Master Data Management

Vertex Inc. • Boston, MA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Vertex is entering a transformative phase in its data journey—where trusted, governed master data is foundational to enabling enterprise-wide analytics, AI, and operational excellence. We are seeking a visionary and execution-focused Director of Master Data Management (MDM) to lead our enterprise MDM strategy and operations across Customer, Supplier, and Product domains. This role will lead the modernization of our Global Customer Master, oversee the expansion of our Supplier MDM, and drive the design and implementation of a new Product MDM capability. The Director will also be responsible for integrating AI/ML and large language model (LLM) technologies into MDM operations to improve data quality, stewardship automation, and semantic enrichment.

Requirements

• Deep expertise in Master Data Management (MDM) principles, data lifecycle management, and multi-domain MDM (Customer, Supplier, Product) in the biopharmaceutical or life sciences industry.
• Proven experience with MDM platforms, including data modeling, match/merge configuration, survivorship rules, and integration with enterprise systems (e.g., Veeva, Oracle ERP, Salesforce, Snowflake).
• Strong understanding of data governance frameworks, data quality management, metadata management, and stewardship operating models.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale MDM transformation initiatives, including cloud migrations and enterprise-wide adoption.
• Familiarity with AI/ML and large language model (LLM) technologies and their application in MDM use cases such as intelligent data matching, semantic enrichment, anomaly detection, and stewardship automation.
• Knowledge of cloud data platforms and services (e.g., AWS, Snowflake, Databricks) and modern data architecture patterns.
• Strong awareness of data privacy, security, and compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, Sunshine Act) and experience embedding these into MDM practices.
• Excellent leadership and team-building skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams and vendor/partner relationships.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and change management skills, with the ability to translate complex data concepts into business value.
• Proficiency in Agile methodologies, project management, and continuous improvement practices.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, or related field required.
• 10+ years of experience in data management, with 6+ years in MDM leadership roles.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Data Science, Information Management, or Business preferred.
• Experience in life sciences or other highly regulated industries strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership Define and execute the enterprise MDM strategy aligned with Vertex’s data and business priorities.
• Lead the modernization and cloud migration of the Customer Master.
• Oversee the expansion of Supplier MDM to support Source-to-pay, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality functions.
• Lead the design and phased implementation of a new Product MDM capability.
• Champion the use of AI/ML and LLM technologies to automate data matching, enrichment, anomaly detection, and stewardship workflows.
• Team & Program Management Build and lead a high-performing MDM team, including domain leads, platform managers, MDM analysts, and stewardship coordinators.
• Establish and manage a cross-functional MDM governance model in collaboration with business data owners and stewards.
• Partner with the Data Governance, Ontology, Data Engineering, and Compliance teams to ensure alignment with enterprise data standards and regulatory requirements.
• Platform & Technology Oversight Own the MDM platform roadmap and architecture.
• Ensure scalability, performance, and resilience of MDM platforms and integrations with enterprise systems (e.g., Veeva, Salesforce,Oracle ERP, Snowflake, Databricks).
• Evaluate and implement AI/LLM-based tools for intelligent data mastering, semantic matching, and metadata generation.
• Operational Excellence & Innovation Define and track KPIs for master data quality, stewardship efficiency, and platform performance.
• Drive continuous improvement in MDM processes using agile methodologies and data-driven insights.
• Stay ahead of industry trends in AI, data governance, and MDM to evolve Vertex’s capabilities and influence enterprise data strategy.

Benefits

• This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards.
• From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director