SA&I APAC Data Management (DM) Transformation Leader

The SA&I APAC DM Transformation Leader will spearhead the transformation of Data Management capabilities and Multi -Country Projects across APAC, driving standardization, automation, AI adoption, quality excellence, and scalable delivery models. This role will be responsible for modernizing the end-to-end Data Management ecosystem, aligning regional execution with global standards while improving speed, quality, productivity, and commercial competitiveness. The need for stronger DM transformation, AI-led efficiencies, quality enhancement, and closer integration between regional and global operations is a key pillar of the APAC Operations Transformation agenda. The role will act as the strategic bridge between APAC markets, Global Data Management, Global Operations, Quality, Technology, and Commercial teams to establish a future-ready AI-enabled Data Management function. Key Responsibilities Data Management Transformation Strategy · Develop and execute the APAC Data Management Transformation roadmap. · Define the future-state operating model for Data Management across APAC. · Lead large-scale transformation initiatives across scripting, data processing, tabulation, quality control, automation, and reporting. · Build a multi-year capability roadmap aligned with APAC growth priorities. AI & Automation Enablement · Drive adoption of Agentic AI, GenAI, workflow automation, and intelligent quality control solutions across DM operations. · Partner with technology teams and external vendors to implement AI-enabled Data Processing and Survey Programming capabilities. · Identify opportunities to reduce manual effort, eliminate repetitive activities, and improve turnaround times. · Build business cases and measure realized benefits from automation initiatives. · Lead implementation of zero-touch or low-touch data management workflows. Data Quality & Operational Excellence · Establish robust data quality frameworks and governance standards. · Drive continuous improvement in data validation, data processing accuracy, coding consistency, and tabulation quality. · Implement proactive quality monitoring and predictive risk identification. · Lead root-cause analysis and preventive action programs. · Partner with Operations Excellence to drive First-Time-Right delivery. Standardization & Process Governance · Standardize scripting, coding, tabulation, data processing, and delivery methodologies across APAC. · Develop and maintain SOPs, playbooks, templates, and best-practice frameworks. · Reduce market-specific variations while preserving critical client requirements. · Ensure consistent governance, auditability, and compliance across all Data Management activities. Capability Building & Talent Development · Build APAC Data Management capability strategy. · Develop future-ready talent in AI-enabled Data Management, advanced scripting, automation, analytics, and quality management. · Lead training, certification, mentoring, and capability development programs. · Identify and build specialist talent pools to support APAC growth priorities. Global Alignment & Stakeholder Management · Serve as the primary APAC liaison between Regional Operations and Global Data Management teams. · Drive adoption of global DM standards, processes, and technologies. · Partner with Commercial, CS, Operations, and Delivery teams to improve client outcomes. · Influence senior stakeholders to support and accelerate transformation initiatives. Performance Management & KPI Governance · Define and govern Data Management KPIs across APAC. · Track productivity, quality, automation adoption, turnaround times, and capacity utilization. · Develop executive dashboards to support decision-making. · Establish workload drivers and benchmarking standards across markets. Commercial & Client Impact · Support proposal teams through efficient and scalable DM solutions. · Improve delivery speed and project profitability through automation and standardization. · Enable innovative methodolog