Data Management Lead (Operational Risk Management) (Finance)

Americas Risk Department

The Americas Risk Department, as a second line of defense organization, provides common risk management oversight and services to all businesses and legal entities across Mizuho U.S. Operations (MUSO). Effectively managing risk on a consistent and holistic basis is critical to Mizuho's success in the Americas and in meeting evolving regulatory expectations. The Non-Financial Risk (NFR) Team has built a repeatable and sustainable operational risk framework across the enterprise and is now expanding to include a dedicated focus on Data Management.

Position: Data Management Lead (Operational Risk Management)

We are seeking an experienced Data Management SME to join our team as a critical partner in strengthening our bank's data management capabilities. In this role, you will provide strategic oversight, constructive challenge, and advisory expertise to ensure our data governance, data quality, metadata management, and data architecture practices align with regulatory expectations and industry best practices. This role offers the opportunity to shape and influence data risk strategy at the highest organizational levels.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Oversight:

• Collaborate with senior divisional leadership to embed Data Management into strategic, risk-driven decision-making, ensuring robust practices around data governance, data quality, data lineage, and data controls.
• Provide second line oversight of the Data Management program, constructively challenging first line assessments, practices, and implementations at a strategic and operational level.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, offering constructive, independent review and challenge of data management frameworks, including data governance structures, data quality processes, metadata standards, and data architecture decisions.

Monitoring, Assessing, and Continuous Improvement:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive continuous monitoring program leveraging SME knowledge to evaluate data governance, identify data quality gaps, emerging data risks, and recommend actionable enhancements.
• Conduct deep-dive assessments and thematic analyses focused on key Data Management areas, including data risk assessments, data lineage validation, metadata management processes, and data control effectiveness.
• Oversee targeted reviews and thematic analyses to pinpoint gaps, ensure timely remediation, and recommend strategic enhancements to the data risk control framework.

Regulatory and Industry Best Practice Advisory:

• Provide expert guidance on regulatory expectations and supervisory requirements for Data Management, demonstrating strong expertise in frameworks such as BCBS 239, GDPR, and CCPA.
• Maintain a deep understanding of industry best practices and evolving trends in Data Management, including DAMA-DMBOK, Data Management Maturity Model (DMM), and EDM Council's DCAM.
• Prepare and deliver impactful presentations for senior management, business partners, and regulators regarding the status of data management programs, risk assessments, and data management improvements.

Governance and Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Lead and actively participate in data governance meetings, engaging key stakeholders to analyze the current and emerging data risk environment proactively.
• Mobilize and coordinate cross-functional resources—including Data Governance, IT, Cybersecurity, Compliance, Audit, and the broader NFR team—to address identified data-related risks effectively.
• Collaborate with NFR colleagues on new initiatives to integrate advanced data risk frameworks into existing risk management processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Data Management, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in Data Management roles within financial services, ideally with Corporate & Investment Banking or Capital Markets exposure.
• Experience in both first-line data management roles and second-line operational risk management or audit roles is highly desirable.
• Relevant professional certifications such as Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), DAMA-certified credentials, or similar designations.
• Expertise with data management industry frameworks, particularly DAMA-DMBOK, Data Management Maturity Model (DMM), EDM Council's DCAM, and BCBS 239 compliance standards.
• Familiarity with data lineage tools, metadata repositories, data quality assessment platforms, and other relevant data management technologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to effectively assess complex data scenarios and provide strategic and actionable solutions.
• Exceptional interpersonal, relationship management, and communication skills, with the ability to translate technical data concepts clearly for diverse stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively challenge first-line inputs and data management plans with informed, constructive feedback, driving continuous improvements.
• Strong project management capabilities with agility to manage shifting priorities and unforeseen circumstances effectively.
• Familiarity with risk management in Corporate and Investment Banking as well as Capital Markets.
• Compliance or audit experience related to data management is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, to develop impactful presentations and communicate insights clearly.

The expected base salary ranges from $170,000 - $220,000 Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications and licenses obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.

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