Master Data Manager

Lightera•Norcross, GA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Master Data Manager will lead the development, governance, and global deployment of the company's Master Data Management (MDM) strategy across a complex, multi-site optical fiber and cable manufacturing organization operating on four continents. This senior leadership position is responsible for establishing a scalable master data governance framework that enables operational excellence, digital manufacturing, supply chain optimization, financial accuracy, and enterprise analytics. Reporting directly through the Office of the CFO, this role will serve as the enterprise owner for Product, Material, Customer, Vendor, BOM, Routing, and Manufacturing Master Data. The Master Data Manager will partner closely with Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, IT, Commercial, Engineering, and Quality teams to create a single source of truth across ERP, MES, PLM, CRM, and analytics platforms. The successful candidate will have proven experience architecting and implementing a Master Data Management program within a global manufacturing environment, including establishing governance structures, organizational ownership models, data standards, stewardship processes, and supporting technology platforms. This position is a hybrid position requiring on-site attendance a minimum of two days/week and is located in Norcross, GA.

Requirements

A Bachelor's Degree in Business, Information Systems, Engineering, Supply Chain, Data Management, or related field. MBA strongly preferred.
12+ years of experience in data management, ERP governance, business systems, supply chain, operations, or manufacturing environments.
Minimum 5 years in a leadership role overseeing enterprise master data programs.
Proven experience establishing and implementing a Master Data Management framework from the ground up in a manufacturing organization.
Experience leading global data governance programs across multiple business units and geographic regions.
Demonstrated success managing large-scale data transformation, ERP implementation, or digital manufacturing initiatives.
Deep expertise with: Master Data Management principles, Data Governance frameworks, Data Quality Management, BOM and Product Data Management, Material Master Governance, Manufacturing data structures.
Experience with ERP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Microsoft Dynamics, or equivalent.
Familiarity with MES, PLM, CRM, Data Warehouse, and Analytics platforms.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain operations, costing, and financial controls.
High attention to detail with strong analytical skills
Demonstrate effective communications (verbal, written) skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Strategic thinker with enterprise-wide perspective.
Ability to build organizational alignment in a matrixed global environment.
Exceptional communication and executive presentation skills.
Strong change management and stakeholder influence capability.
Data-driven decision maker.
High degree of integrity and accountability.
Proven ability to lead global transformation initiatives.
Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information
Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures
Exhibit all of Lightera “Standards of Conduct”

Nice To Haves

Experience within industrial manufacturing, telecommunications, optical fiber, cable manufacturing, electronics, or similarly complex manufacturing environments strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a global Master Data Management strategy aligned with business objectives and digital transformation initiatives.
Establish and lead the enterprise Master Data Governance Council and supporting regional governance structures.
Define ownership, stewardship, accountability, and approval workflows for all master data domains.
Create a long-term roadmap for data standardization, governance maturity, and process harmonization across global operations.
Serve as the executive-level advisor to the CFO and senior leadership team on data governance and enterprise data quality initiatives.
Develop governance policies, procedures, standards, and controls for master data creation, maintenance, validation, and retirement.
Establish enterprise data quality metrics, scorecards, and monitoring processes.
Define global naming conventions, classification structures, hierarchies, and business rules.
Implement controls to ensure compliance with audit, financial reporting, regulatory, and customer requirements.
Drive a culture of data ownership and accountability throughout the organization
Lead governance of: Product Master Data, Material Master Data, Bill of Materials (BOM), Routings, Specifications, Manufacturing Process Data, Customer and Supplier Master Data.
Partner with Operations and Manufacturing teams to standardize product, production, and engineering data across all facilities.
Support manufacturing network optimization through consistent data definitions and structures.
Ensure alignment between engineering, manufacturing, quality, and commercial master data requirements.
Act as business owner for MDM-related technologies and processes.
Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to integrate master data across ERP, MES, PLM, CRM, Data Lake, BI, and analytics platforms.
Support enterprise initiatives involving SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Microsoft platforms, MES systems, and future data architecture initiatives.
Lead master data migration, cleansing, harmonization, and governance activities associated with ERP and manufacturing transformation programs.
Establish enterprise-wide data quality monitoring and reporting.
Identify and remediate root causes of master data defects.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on data accuracy, completeness, consistency, and governance efficiency.
Develop KPIs and executive dashboards that measure business impact and governance effectiveness.
Lead cross-functional teams spanning North America, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM.
Influence senior business leaders and functional teams to adopt governance standards and best practices.
Develop and deliver global training programs that promote data literacy and stewardship.
Facilitate alignment among Finance, IT, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Commercial leadership teams.
Other duties as assigned and role requires approximately 35% travel both internationally and domestically.