VP, Data Operations and Governance; Remote​/Canada, Europe J.D. Power

Job Description

Position: VP, Data Operations and Governance (Remote, USA/Canada, Europe) J.D. Power

Job Description

Title: VP, Data Operations and Governance

Location: Remote – USA and/or Canada, Europe

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

The Role:

The Vice President of Data Operations and Governance will build a world-class global data operations function from the ground up, transforming how the company acquires, processes, governs, and delivers data assets across a $1B automotive data and analytics business. Leading a team of over 500 people across North America and Europe, this role will consolidate fragmented teams operating across different organizational groups into a unified, scalable, and efficient operation.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the VP will lead a comprehensive transformation from manual, fragmented processes to an automated, AI-enabled operation with standardized processes, consolidated systems, and real-time performance visibility. This is a hands‑on position requiring deep operational expertise, transformation leadership, and the ability to drive measurable results quickly in a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment.
The Impact You Will Have in This Role

Through the transformation of how the company acquires, processes, governs and delivers data assets across the globe, you will foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement, aligning with the company’s values. These impacts collectively position the organization for greater efficiency, agility, growth, and market leadership in automotive data and analytics.
What You’ll Be Doing in This Role Transformation Leadership & Process Automation
• Build Global Data Operations Function: Establish unified data operations capability consolidating fragmented teams across NA and EU into a cohesive organization with standardized processes, clear accountability, and consistent quality standards.
• Lead Manual‑to‑Automated Transformation: Identify high‑volume manual processes suitable for automation and drive implementation of RPA, workflow automation, and AI/ML solutions. Establish clear criteria for where to apply automation based on volume, complexity, error rates, and ROI. Deliver measurable reduction in manual effort and cycle time.
• Leverage AI & Emerging Technologies: Drive innovation through application of AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies to transform data operations. Implement AI‑enabled solutions for data validation, quality assurance, content processing, and analytics to enhance speed and accuracy.
• Execution: Dive deep into operational details to understand current state, identify transformation opportunities, and build credibility with teams. Transition to strategic oversight as leadership team is built and processes mature.
Systems Strategy & Rationalization
• Own Systems Strategy &

Roadmap:

Define strategy and roadmap for systems consolidation and rationalization across data operations. Partner with technology organization on implementation while owning business requirements, prioritization, and adoption. Drive reduction in platform/system count and elimination of redundancy.
• Technology Evaluation & Selection: Assess current technology landscape and identify opportunities to consolidate, modernize, or replace systems. Build business cases for technology investments and ensure alignment with enterprise architecture.
• Coordinate Cross‑Functional Implementation: Work closely with technology teams to ensure systems roadmap aligns with operational needs and transformation priorities. Manage business side of system implementations including requirements, testing, training, and change management.
Metrics, OKRs & Real‑Time Performance Management
• Establish Metrics Framework: Implement comprehensive metrics and OKR framework to provide real‑time visibility into operational performance. Define and track KPIs for quality, speed, cost, throughput, and capacity across all teams.
• Build Real‑Time Dashboards: Create executive dashboards providing real‑time visibility into data operations performance. Enable data‑driven decision making and rapid identification of issues and opportunities.
• Drive to Measurable Targets: Set efficiency targets and drive accountability for achieving them. Establish baseline…