Lead Specialist: Metadata and Reference Data

In the ever-evolving landscape of data management, Absa is seeking a seasoned professional to lead their efforts in establishing robust metadata and reference data governance. This pivotal role will be instrumental in enhancing the organisation's overall data governance framework, ensuring a more profound understanding, consistent application, and secure management of critical data assets across the business.

About the Role

The Metadata and Reference Data Lead Specialist will be at the forefront of driving data maturity within Absa. This position is designed for an individual who can translate complex data concepts into actionable governance strategies. The core responsibility involves overseeing the meticulous management of business glossaries, detailed data lineage documentation, comprehensive reference data controls, and the establishment of authoritative metadata standards. By excelling in these areas, the incumbent will directly contribute to improved data quality, enhanced traceability, and greater confidence in the data used for decision-making throughout the organisation.

This is a hands-on leadership position with a broad scope of responsibilities. The day-to-day activities will revolve around actively developing, maintaining, and enhancing the organisation's business data glossary. This includes ensuring that terminology is consistent, definitions are clear, and that there is a shared understanding of business language across all departments.

A significant focus will also be placed on documenting and validating data lineage. This involves mapping the journey of data from its source through various systems, reports, and processes, with a particular emphasis on Critical Data Elements. You will coordinate and facilitate reviews of reference data, ensuring that all values, hierarchies, ownership, and usage are clearly defined and rigorously controlled.

Collaboration will be key. You will work closely with Data Owners, Data Stewards, Product Owners, and System Owners to confirm data definitions, validate lineage, and establish metadata requirements. This partnership approach extends to supporting the identification and meticulous documentation of Critical Data Elements, detailing their definitions, sources, usage, ownership, and control mechanisms.

Maintaining accurate metadata records, ensuring alignment with established Data Governance standards, and proactively identifying gaps in metadata, glossaries, lineage, and reference data will be ongoing tasks. You will also be responsible for tracking remediation actions and preparing regular governance updates, dashboards, and reports to communicate progress and highlight any emerging risks or issues. Furthermore, the role will support audit, risk, and regulatory evidence requirements, ensuring that data traceability, ownership, and control are consistently demonstrable.

What They're Looking For

Absa is looking for a candidate with substantial experience in the data governance domain, ideally spanning 5 to 8 years. This experience should encompass a strong background in metadata management, reference data governance, data quality, business analysis, reporting, risk management, or information management.

A proven track record in developing or maintaining data glossaries, business definitions, metadata repositories, or data catalogues is essential. Experience in meticulously documenting data lineage across diverse systems, reports, processes, and data flows will be highly valued. Furthermore, exposure to reference data governance, including the management of code sets, hierarchies, ownership, and change control processes, is crucial.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to work effectively with Data Owners, Data Stewards, Technology teams, and various business stakeholders. Experience gained within a regulated environment, particularly within the financial services or banking sector, would be a significant advantage.

An applicant should possess a relevant diploma or degree, with preferred fields of study including Data Management, Data Governance, Information Management, Information Systems, Computer Science, Business Analysis, Risk Management, Compliance, Business Administration, or Data Analytics. While not essential, certifications in Data Governance, Metadata Management, DAMA, Information Management, Data Quality, or Data Architecture would be considered a strong asset.

In South Africa, specialist roles in data governance and management are in high demand, particularly within the financial services sector where Absa operates. Salaries for such positions can vary significantly based on experience and specific responsibilities, but typically range from R600,000 to over R1,000,000 per annum. Absa, as a major financial institution, offers a stable environment with opportunities for career progression within its extensive data and technology divisions.

Qualifications and Education

• Relevant diploma or degree
• Certification in Data Governance, Metadata Management, DAMA, Information Management, Data Quality or Data Architecture would be advantageous.

Field of Study

Preferred fields include:

• Data Management or Data Governance
• Information Management
• Information Systems
• Computer Science
• Business Analysis
• Risk Management or Compliance
• Business Administration
• Data Analytics or Reporting

Work Experience

• 5 - 8 years’ experience in Data Governance, Metadata Management, Reference Data, Data Quality, business analysis, reporting, risk or Information Management.
• Experience developing or maintaining a data glossary, business definitions, metadata repositories or data catalogues.
• Experience with data lineage documentation across systems, reports, processes or data flows.
• Exposure to reference data governance, including code sets, hierarchies, ownership and change control.
• Experience working with Data Owners, Data Stewards, Technology teams and business stakeholders.
• Experience in a regulated environment, preferably financial services or banking, would be advantageous.
• Experience using tools such as Collibra, Informatica, Ataccama, Microsoft Purview, Power BI, Excel, SharePoint or similar platforms would be beneficial.

Competencies

• Strong understanding of data governance principles.
• Good knowledge of metadata, glossary, lineage and reference data concepts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to translate technical data concepts into clear business language.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through on actions.
• Structured, disciplined and process-oriented approach.
• Comfortable working across business, technology, risk and governance teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint. Experience with data governance or metadata tools would be advantageous.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies