Sr. Manager, Foundational Data Management

Sr. Manager, Foundational Data ManagementApex Systems is partnering with one of North America's largest and most respected infrastructure and industrial organizations to hire a Sr. Manager of Foundational Data Management. Our client is building a growing enterprise data organization that is collaborative, bold, and focused on using trusted data to drive smarter decisions and lasting value.Position OverviewOur client is seeking a forward-thinking Sr. Manager to serve as a future enterprise leader within its emerging Data Management Services function. This role will be pivotal in advancing the maturity of the organization's data ecosystem and building scalable services that enable consistent, trusted, and well-governed data across all domains.You will play a critical role in establishing and scaling foundational capabilities, including metadata management, enterprise data cataloging, data lineage, data quality, and data governance. You will partner closely with data strategy and data architecture leadership, domain-aligned data managers, IT, and business stakeholders to design and implement a modern data management foundation.This is a high-visibility, high-impact role with direct exposure to senior leadership. The ideal candidate thrives in complexity, influences without authority, balances hands-on execution with strategic vision, and aspires to grow into executive-level data leadership.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategy and LeadershipDevelop and maintain a forward-looking strategy for foundational data management services aligned with enterprise goals and industry best practices.Serve as a trusted advisor to data leaders, architects, and business stakeholders on enterprise data management capabilities.Define, measure, and communicate progress through clear roadmaps and KPIs.Core Data Management ServicesOversee the delivery and evolution of key foundational data services, including:Data governance frameworksMetadata management and catalogingData lineage and impact analysisData quality monitoring and remediationFoundational data management principlesPartner with data and platform teams to design scalable services adopted across multiple data domains.Execution and Change ManagementDrive adoption of data governance and quality practices across technical and non-technical teams.Lead pilots and proofs of concept to refine metadata management tooling and workflows.Translate complex concepts into clear narratives that build adoption and business support.Build a culture of data stewardship and data literacy across the organization.Collaboration and InfluenceWork closely with the foundational data management team, domain managers, business leaders, and engineering teams to identify gaps and opportunities.Collaborate with data architects and product teams to align foundational services with technical implementation.Navigate complex enterprise structures with confidence, building coalitions and momentum across diverse teams.People LeadershipMentor and lead a small but growing team of data management professionals.Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on execution, continuous improvement, and business impact.Preferred Qualifications8–12 years of progressive experience in data management roles within large organizations (ideally $5B+ in revenue).Proven success implementing data governance, data quality, metadata, or MDM programs.Experience working in or closely with data architecture teams and enterprise IT.Strong understanding of modern data stack components, including data lakes, catalogs, lineage tools, ETL pipelines, and reporting and analytics technologies.Experience with tools such as Collibra, Alation, Informatica Enterprise Data Catalog, Atlan, or Microsoft Purview.Strong written and verbal communication skills with executive presence.Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution.Bachelor's or master's degree in data science, information systems, computer science, or a related field preferred.Experience in construction, engineering, energy, or manufacturing is a plus.Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP is a plus.Why This Opportunity?Join a growing enterprise data organization within an industry-leading company.Lead foundational efforts with lasting impact across the business.Be part of a culture that values excellence, initiative, and long-term thinking.Access mentorship, professional development, and a clear path toward greater leadership responsibility. Apex Systems