Sr. Associate, Data Governance

Santander Bank•Dallas, TX

About The Position

Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what's possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It's a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference. If you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You! The Sr. Associate, Data Governance for the Business/Operations domain will serve as a subject matter expert for designing end to end data governance structure for specific reporting and processes. They will liaise with business leaders and other stakeholders to ensure the delivery of quality products within the expected timeframes. Collaborates with Operations leadership to identify and prioritize critical data elements (KDEs) impacting operational efficiency, risk mitigation, or compliance. Serves as the primary liaison between the Operations department and the central data governance/IT teams to translate business needs into data requirements. Completion of data management deliverables (Business Glossary, Data Dictionary, Data Lineage and Data Quality Business Rules) for priority data management initiatives. Monthly reporting of Data Quality Business Rules results to Data Owners and assess root cause analysis for priority data quality defects. Builds future state governance strategy and roadmaps; presents to senior leadership. Identifies data governance gaps and assesses data governance maturity within a domain. Facilitates resolution of data conflicts across lines of businesses. Builds and sustains cross-functional relationships through consistent and predictable collaboration efforts. Provides oversight through collaboration and/or development of supplemental guidance to ensure successful implementation of policy requirements. Gathers critical information from meetings with various stakeholders to produce useful reporting working closely with department heads, technicians, and managerial staff. Presents data, results, and/or recommendations from projects or process implementations to senior leadership as directed. Prepares and analyzes extensive data for timely and accurate managerial reporting. Identifies trends, advises management and recommends actions based on sound advise. Ensures that solutions meet the business needs and adherence to company standards. Provides guidance and direction to less experienced data analysts on data analysis and maintenance of data infrastructure. Provides recommendations to complex business scenarios/problems.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience: Finance, Economics, Computer Science, Mathematics/Statistics, Actuarial Science, or other equivalent field. - Required.
9+ Years Audit, regulatory, compliance, operational, or financial experience with Data Governance - Required.
Advanced knowledge of data governance best practices, challenges, and approaches; metadata, data quality, and data stewardship.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements in financial services industry.
Ability to comprehend processes and systems associated with data management; evaluate and understand business challenges; their technical implications, and potential solutions for implementation.
Ability to profile data to understand, assess, and improve data quality by discovering structure, content, and relationships, ensuring accuracy for analytics, and enabling better decision-making.
Understanding of SQL/Python programming language preferred.
Ability to define, maintain, and enforce data quality rules and business glossaries for operational data (e.g. loan origination, servicing, payment processing, claims)
Understanding of data architecture, data models, BI platforms (Power BI), and integration with analytics/AI initiatives
Ability to interact with all levels of management and negotiate project priorities and deliverables.
Ability to work across multiple lines of business and facilitate large cross-functional meetings.
Strong project management skills.
Ability to interact with senior level management; experience interfacing with multiple levels of the organizational structure.
Ability to maintain and report on confidential information in an appropriate manner.
Ability to communicate at all levels with clarity, poise, maturity and precision both written and verbal.
Ability to exercise stakeholder confidentiality and discretionary judgment.
Ability to convey a sense or urgency and drive .
Ability to adjust to new developments/changing circumstances.
Ability to make effective decision making on complex matters.
Ability to lead, influence and direct peers, subordinates and management.
Results oriented; ability to work efficiently and meet strict reporting deadlines.
Self-directed, self-motivated and demonstrated experience providing ideas and solutions to further business understanding.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree: Finance, Economics, Computer Science, Mathematics/Statistics, Actuarial Science, or other equivalent field. - Preferred.
Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.
Experience in Microsoft Office products.

Responsibilities

Designing end to end data governance structure for specific reporting and processes.
Liaising with business leaders and other stakeholders to ensure the delivery of quality products within the expected timeframes.
Collaborating with Operations leadership to identify and prioritize critical data elements (KDEs) impacting operational efficiency, risk mitigation, or compliance.
Serving as the primary liaison between the Operations department and the central data governance/IT teams to translate business needs into data requirements.
Completion of data management deliverables (Business Glossary, Data Dictionary, Data Lineage and Data Quality Business Rules) for priority data management initiatives.
Monthly reporting of Data Quality Business Rules results to Data Owners and assess root cause analysis for priority data quality defects.
Building future state governance strategy and roadmaps; presents to senior leadership.
Identifying data governance gaps and assesses data governance maturity within a domain.
Facilitating resolution of data conflicts across lines of businesses.
Building and sustains cross-functional relationships through consistent and predictable collaboration efforts.
Providing oversight through collaboration and/or development of supplemental guidance to ensure successful implementation of policy requirements.
Gathering critical information from meetings with various stakeholders to produce useful reporting working closely with department heads, technicians, and managerial staff.
Presenting data, results, and/or recommendations from projects or process implementations to senior leadership as directed.
Preparing and analyzes extensive data for timely and accurate managerial reporting.
Identifying trends, advises management and recommends actions based on sound advise.
Ensuring that solutions meet the business needs and adherence to company standards.
Providing guidance and direction to less experienced data analysts on data analysis and maintenance of data infrastructure.
Providing recommendations to complex business scenarios/problems.