Senior Director, Data & Analytics in Toronto

We are seeking a forward-looking Senior Director, Data & Analytics to lead and evolve UPP’s enterprise data capabilities. Reporting to the Managing Director, Data and Technology, this role will work with business and technology leaders to improve how data is governed, integrated, managed and used across UPP. Its scope includes data in UPP’s enterprise data hub and across the broader cloud solutions ecosystem, including Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The Senior Director will help ensure data is trusted, accessible and fit for business reporting, analytics, automation and emerging AI workloads. This is an opportunity for an experienced data leader to shape an important enterprise capability and help UPP make better use of its data as the organization grows. This role is based in downtown Toronto under a hybrid work policy, allowing employees the flexibility to work remotely and in-office (two days per week in-office).

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Develop and evolve UPP’s enterprise data strategy and practices so data is well governed, reliable, discoverable and useful across the organization.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team responsible for data quality, data engineering, data integration, data operations and analytics enablement.
• Establish data standards and practices in partnership with business data owners, Architecture, Cybersecurity and other technology teams.
• Guide the use of cloud-based data capabilities, including GCP, to support reliable data integration, reporting and analytics.
• Improve data quality, access, lineage and governance so data is ready for responsible automation and AI workloads, in partnership with the teams accountable for AI platforms, architecture, privacy and cybersecurity.
• Partner with business and technology leaders to prioritize data needs and enable trusted, data-informed decisions.
• Establish the access patterns, tools, standards, training and controls that allow business users, including citizen data users, to work with data safely and at scale.
• Improve the reliability, quality, reuse and maintainability of data integration and transformation flows that support key processes, including pension data conversion, regular employer reporting, and Finance reporting and analysis.
• Leverage leading frameworks (such as DCAM) to continually mature and evolve the data strategy and frequently self-assess the capabilities for progress.
• Define and communicate data priorities, target capabilities and roadmaps, aligning plans with enterprise needs and available capacity.
• Research and establish peer connections to understand industry trends and their applicability to support data plans and strategies for the enterprise.
• Explain the value of trusted data and sound data management practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Oversee UPP’s data catalog and related metadata practices, working with Architecture and data owners to improve data discoverability and stewardship.
• Contribute to UPP’s reputation as a respectful employer, partner, and participant in the financial sector.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of demonstrated experience developing and leading enterprise data capabilities, including data governance, data engineering, integration, data operations and analytics.
• CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional) or an equivalent qualification is an asset.
• Significant progressive experience in data management, including data governance, architecture, integration, data quality, metadata and analytics.
• Experience leading data teams or capabilities in a cloud-based environment, with sufficient technical understanding of data platforms, databases, integration and transformation tools, analytics and visualization to set direction and make informed decisions.
• Experience with GCP or comparable cloud data platforms is an asset.
• Understanding of relational and non-relational data and the considerations involved in integrating and governing different data types.
• Experience working across complex business domains; experience in pensions, investments or financial services is an asset.
• Experience designing and evolving cloud-based data capabilities in partnership with internal teams and external service providers.
• Working knowledge of analytics methods and the interpretation of quantitative information.

ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent written and verbal communications.
• Ability to design and improve repeatable data practices.
• Ability to drive outcomes through collaboration across teams and contributors.
• Ability to engage and align business users, data owners and technology partners.
• Ability to effectively identify emerging technologies, trends, standards, and products that have a strong potential to better enable UPP business units.
• Ability to enable consistent, governed data use at scale.