VP, Data Architecture & Governance

Upbound Group

VP, Data Architecture & Governance (On-site in Plano, TX)

Upbound Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: UPBD) is a technology and data-driven leader in accessible and inclusive financial solutions that address the evolving needs and aspirations of underserved customers. The Company's customer-facing operating units include industry-leading brands such as Acima, Brigit, and Rent-A-Center that facilitate consumer transactions across a wide range of store-based and digital channels, including over 2,300 company branded retail units across the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

Upbound Group, Inc. is headquartered in Plano, Texas.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Vice President of Data Architect & Governance will lead the development and implementation of data governance strategies across Upbound, reporting to the Chief Technology Officer. Your expertise in data architecture & engineering, data management, AI governance, and regulatory compliance will help us stay ahead of the curve and ensure the highest level of data quality and integrity. You will lead a team of senior data owners in implementing data management strategies that align with Upbound's strategic goals, which includes data architecture, managing data risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing business processes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Data Architecture & Engineering

• Defining the overall data strategy, including data governance policies, data quality standards, and future architecture roadmaps to meet evolving business needs.
• Designing and implementing data architectures, selecting appropriate technologies (data warehouses, data lakes, cloud platforms), and ensuring scalability and performance.
• Establishing mechanisms to monitor and maintain data quality throughout the data lifecycle.

Data Strategy and Leadership

• Define and execute the organization's enterprise data strategy to support value-based initiatives, including population management, performance analytics, and risk adjustment.
• Partner with senior executives to align data initiatives with the company's strategic goals, ensuring data assets drive operational and financial improvements.
• Build and lead a high-performing data team, including data scientists, data engineers, data architects and analysts, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Data Governance & Compliance

• Establish and enforce robust data governance policies, ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and security.
• Maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements and other relevant standards for managing sensitive data.
• Ensure proper stewardship of data related to customers and business partners to uphold trust and integrity.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with the technology leadership team, key stakeholders, and financial teams to translate business needs into data-driven solutions.
• Provide leadership and support for data-driven initiatives to drive for optimal performance across our business lines.
• Act as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, presenting insights and recommendations derived from data.

Innovation & Thought Leadership

• Stay abreast of trends and advancements in data science, analytics, and value-based care.
• Champion the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to support innovative delivery and operational efficiencies.
• Represent the organization in industry forums, conferences, and partnerships as a thought leader in data and analytics.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10+ years of relevant experience in a leading technology leadership role.
• The successful candidate will have a bachelor's degree in computer science or related technology field, preferred master's degree.
• Experience delivering re-engineering in a complex environment.
• Organizational and planning skills, showing an ability to operate in a matrix organization; managing and where necessary leading activities through cross-functional teams, with the discipline to track delivery of complex deliverables over multiple months.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex concepts and strategies successfully.
• Proven ability to meet new challenges, assimilate new information, and to influence people through maturity of approach.
• Solution-oriented - able to identify pain points and suggest the path to resolution.
• Deep subject matter expertise around e2e data flows within technology ecosystem.
• Demonstrates consistent track record of having worked as a Program or Project Manager, or working on large, strategic cross-functional projects, including the ability to delegate and follow up effectively.
• Strong people management skills to lead a motivated team and ability to coach and develop talent.
• Collaborate effectively by building partnerships and working well with others to meet shared objectives - collaborating Operations, Product & Technology.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills across a variety of stakeholders at various levels.
• A deep understanding of data modeling, data management, and data governance principles.
• Experience with database management software.
• Experienced in agile data and development engineering methods.
• Experience with scaling and improving a variety of vendor and open-source technologies.
• Excellent attention to detail.