Sr. Director - Master Data Management & Data Governance

Sr. Director - Master Data Management & Data Governance
Work Mode: Onsite

Location: Onsite – Kohler, WI

Kohler is seeking a Senior Director, Master Data Management (MDM) & Data Governance. This role is a strategic enterprise leader responsible for defining and executing the organization’s master data and governance vision. The leader will establish governance frameworks, operating models, standards, policies, procedures, and technologies required to ensure high-quality, trusted, and business-aligned data across domains including Customer, Product, Material, BOM, Vendor, Finance, and Operations.

Reporting to the VP-IT Enterprise Applications & ERP Transformation, this leader will drive enterprise-wide data standardization, stewardship, quality, and compliance initiatives—enabling analytics, AI, digital transformation, and operational excellence.

This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, business partnership, organizational leadership, and hands‑on execution oversight.

Specific Responsibilities
Enterprise MDM Strategy & Execution

Define and lead the enterprise Master Data Management strategy aligned to business and digital transformation priorities

Establish a scalable, domain-driven MDM operating model with clearly defined roles and responsibilities cross‑functionally across all domains

Establish and document all standards, definitions, policies, and procedures for master data management across all domains

Enable the execution of quality master data management through technology

Oversee master data lifecycle management, golden record creation, hierarchies, and reference data management

Enable and automate master data management where possible through technology, determining the right tech stack for the defined people and processes at Kohler

Data Governance Leadership

Design and implement a pragmatic enterprise data governance framework

Establish data ownership, stewardship, and accountability models across business functions

Help establish data governance council in partnership with IT Data Leader and Business champion

Establish charters for managing master data domains in partnership with business owners and functional leads

Define and enforce data standards, policies, and controls

Ensure regulatory compliance (privacy, financial controls, industry‑specific regulations)

Enable and automate data governance where possible through technology, determining the right tech stack for the defined people and processes at Kohler

Data Quality & Controls

Develop and operationalize enterprise data quality standards and KPIs

Implement monitoring, issue management, and remediation processes

Establish root cause analysis processes to prevent recurring data defects

Partner with security, internal audit, risk, and compliance teams to ensure strong data controls

Business Partnership & Enablement

Partner with Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Finance, Marketing, Commercial, Operations, and IT leaders to align master data priorities to business outcomes

Translate business requirements into scalable data capabilities

Enable analytics, AI, ERP modernization, and digital initiatives through trusted data foundations

Evangelize the value of governed, high‑quality master data across the enterprise

Organization & Talent Development

Build and lead a high‑performing IT MDM and Data Governance team

Define clear roles for Data Owners, Data Stewards, and Domain Leads

Build and lead a matrix environment of IT and Business leaders across domains

Develop data literacy and governance training programs

Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and data‑driven decision‑making

Skills/Requirements

12–15+ years of experience in Data Management, MDM, Data Governance, or Enterprise Data Leadership

5+ years in a senior leadership role managing enterprise‑scale programs

Proven experience implementing and/or managing MDM platforms (e.g., Informatica, Reltio, SAP MDG, Profisee, etc.)

Experience building and operationalizing enterprise data governance frameworks cross‑functionally across multiple MDM domains

Demonstrated success leading large cross‑functional teams to own master data domains and create governance standards, policies, procedures, definitions, etc.

Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Experience

Experience in manufacturing, consumer products, retail, or supply chain‑intensive industries

ERP transformation experience (SAP S/4HANA, Oracle, etc.)

Experience enabling advanced analytics and AI through governed data foundations

Familiarity with data privacy regulations and compliance frameworks

Leadership Competencies

Enterprise mindset with strong business acumen

Ability to influence without authority across matrixed environments

Strategic thinker with operational execution discipline

Change agent comfortable driving cultural transformation

Strong balance of technical fluency and business storytelling

Key Performance Indicators

Enterprise master data quality improvements (accuracy, completeness, consistency)

Adoption of governance framework and stewardship model

Reduction in data‑related operational defects and rework

Improved time‑to‑insight for analytics and AI initiatives

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

The salary range for this position is $205,900 - $334,600. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation.

About Us
It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact kohlerjobs@kohler.com. Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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