Data Governance Head – Global Data Team

Data Governance Head – Global Data Team

Location: Hyderabad

Role Purpose / Summary

The Data Governance Head will establish and scale data governance capabilities within Lonza, with a primary focus on SAP. The role jointly supports corporate accounting, financial compliance, and external reporting in case of data‑critical questions (audit, month‑end closing). Initially, the position will focus on knowledge transfer and operational takeover of critical enterprise structure data management.

Over time, the role will evolve into building and leading a Data Governance Function, including frameworks, policies, and a growing team. This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring both expertise and execution. The Data Governance Head manages Lonza’s enterprise structure data as well as critical supply chain and financial tables used in SAP and related systems, driving company‑wide governance for best practice data management.

Key Accountabilities

Knowledge Transfer & Transition (Initial Phase)

• Lead the transition and takeover of enterprise structure data management into Lonza’s Global Capability Center.
• Ensure continuity, accuracy, and completeness of critical enterprise structure data and tables.
• Establish governance controls during transition (data quality checks, issue resolution).
• Mentor initial team members supporting operations.
• Perform governance tasks for key enterprise structure elements (profit centers, company codes, plants, currencies, regions, etc.).
• Advise on setup of critical tables to ensure first‑time‑right transactions (e.g., Sales & Distribution tables).
• Provide insights on current and future enterprise structure setups during financial planning cycles.
• Act as escalation point for complex enterprise structure, master data, or transactional data questions.
• Operate team with KPI‑driven plan‑do‑check‑act cycle.
• Contribute to enterprise projects (e.g., integrated Profit Center – Cost Center – Work Center concept with SAP S/4HANA).

Team Leadership & Growth

• Start with 1 direct report, scaling the team to 5+ members over time.
• Build a high‑performing team within the shared service model.
• Establish clear career paths, training, and governance culture.
• Own and drive Lonza’s Data Framework concept across cross‑functional teams.
• Champion data literacy and promote a culture of data‑driven decision making.
• Identify opportunities for automation, tooling, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as primary interface between business, IT, and shared services.
• Drive alignment on data ownership, standards, and priorities in close collaboration with the S/4HANA rollout project.
• Facilitate governance forums and decision‑making bodies.

Key Requirements

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in a scientific discipline, complemented by extensive practical experience and recognized professional training (e.g., SAP advisor certification TS410/IEE2E, DAMA Data Management, APICS CPIM).
• 10+ years of experience in chemical, biochemical, or pharmaceutical custom manufacturing industries.
• Practical experience across manufacturing and financial/commercial roles.
• Broad experience in S&OP, financial steering & reporting, project management, and IT project implementation.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep SAP ERP expertise across modules with hands‑on application experience.
• Strong analytical skills, strategic and conceptual thinking combined with robust operational execution.
• Comprehensive knowledge of modeling business processes across all levels.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies (5+ years) guiding global teams through ambiguity and change.
• Proven people development, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management in a matrix organization.
• Effective communication skills with focus on process excellence, KPI management, and innovative thinking.
• Builder mindset—comfortable in ambiguous, evolving environments; pragmatic and execution‑focused.
• Ability to scale from operator to strategic leader.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With more than 30 sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values—Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion, and Integrity—define how we work together and succeed. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives. Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. Lonza is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every employee can grow and make a meaningful impact.