Data Steward

Purpose Statement:

The Data Steward is responsible and accountable for ensuring the distribution of accurate item data to our customers, both internal (Wakefern product divisions and staff) and external (All Member Banners, Import/Export Stores and Wholesale). The Associate must possess technical and business proficiencies pertaining to all systems and applications that are dependent upon the item information processed by this department and demonstrate the ability to quickly resolve complex problems and situations. Responsibilities include the ability to analyze all new item requests to properly support the item for both traditional and digital business including the inspection of over 150 attributes supporting multiple operational systems (CGO, Store Inventory, POS, Backdoor Receiving, and SRfH), and accurately execute maintenance on every article for its entire life cycle The data steward, utilizing their system expertise and business acumen, must assess the information attached to new items, and make the decision to either accept or reject the submission based on its compliance with Wakefern's Data Governance Standards. This same analysis must be applied to requests for item maintenance. The successful Data Steward is inquisitive, with a need to understand the 'why' of every action, and is capable of dealing with conflict when asked to compromise Data Governance Standards. Essentially, the data steward is the conduit for communicating complete and accurate data for every master data object during the various life stages: the creation, modification, sharing, reuse, retention, archiving and deletion of data. If any issues emerge regarding the conformance of data to the defined policies over the lifetime of the data, it is the steward's responsibility to resolve them.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Core Functions / Minimum Requirements

The core functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Analyzes and executes the setup of all new items, validating over 150 attributes associated with items for all departments for Wakefern, Member Groups, and Wholesale Customers
2. Understands and aptly assesses the proper alignment of article attributes needed to support the multitude of item configurations transported through the supply chain, this includes five different item types, procured from a variety of sources, across 10 product divisions, 49 members, 52 departments, 7 warehouses, 3 micro fulfillment centers, all supporting a multitude of systems and an Omni channel consumer environment
3. Understands, audits and analyzes the data attributes and the relevant business function they support including procurement, logistics (both warehouse and transportation as well as manual and robotic), replenishment, finance, regulatory, consumer transparency, and merchandising. Provides various levels of support, delivering problem resolution pertaining to a variety of 'article' issues received from multiple communication channels, from both internal and external customers. This requires the Data Steward to serve as an interpreter between the business units and technology.
4. Maintains detailed documentation pertaining to issues reported and communicates timely and succinct information and resolutions to management, peers and customers via verbal discussions, and written messages as required.
5. Efficiently handles all requests for master data changes and maintenance, understanding the need for the change and determining potential impacts across systems and operations.
6. Fosters effective relationships within and without the organization serving as primary interface/liaison between (including but not limited to) stores, product divisions, operations and suppliers. Developing relationships is critical given that the Data Steward may have to deny requests, at times, based on non-compliance with data governance standards.
7. Responds to emergency situations, assisting divisions with requests for immediate new article set-up and/or article maintenance, while maintaining standards for data completeness and accuracy

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

1. Four-year college degree or individual actively seeking degree is desired.
2. Two (2) years' experience in data stewardship, or retail in general is preferred.
3. Must be a self-motivator with the ability to work productively from an assigned corporate location or home
4. Ability to work in fast paced environment, with demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize and resolve problems effectively and efficiently.
5. Must be proficient in the following PC programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint with ability to be trained on Microstrategy, RAPID, SAP and other, multiple, mainframe applications.
6. Experience with SAP S/4 HANA a plus.
7. Ability to learn quickly, in an environment where change is constant and conversely train others as expertise is developed.
8. Ability to professionally handle conflict with vendors, divisions or members who may want to sacrifice completeness and accuracy for speed.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

1. Ability to sit in front of a computer for long periods of time.
2. Ability to work in a warehouse or store environment as assigned
3. Ability to work overtime, weekends and holidays as needed or part of rotation