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 methodologies leveraging AI and advanced technologies.

· Support strategic growth opportunities and operational scalability.

· 10+ years of experience in Data Management, Data Processing, Survey Programming, Analytics Operations, Market Research Operations, or Business Process Transformation.

· Proven experience leading large-scale transformation and change initiatives.

· Strong knowledge of survey scripting, data processing, tabulation, coding, and reporting workflows.

· Experience managing regional and multi-country operational teams.

· Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills.

Preferred

· Experience within Market Research, Consumer Insights, or Analytics industries.

· Expertise with AI, Automation, RPA, Agentic AI, and workflow technologies.

· Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

· Experience implementing operational excellence and quality frameworks.

· Experience working within global shared-service or CoE environments.

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/info/niqs-ai-safety-policies/

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence.  All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion