Assistant Manager, Data Strategy & Assurance

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Assistant Manager / Manager – Data Acquisition & Enrichment is responsible for driving the acquisition, expansion and enrichment of strategic data assets for CTOS.

The role focuses primarily on identifying and developing new data acquisition opportunities, building strategic partnerships, engaging and onboarding data contributors, and expanding CTOS's data ecosystem. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners, the incumbent will support the development of commercially valuable data assets while ensuring appropriate data quality, governance and regulatory requirements are met.

This is a commercially and partnership-oriented role requiring strong business development, stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Data Acquisition & Business Development

• Drive the identification and acquisition of new strategic data sources to expand CTOS's data ecosystem and market coverage.
• Identify, research and engage potential data contributors, strategic partners and service providers across relevant industries.
• Develop and manage the data acquisition pipeline from prospect identification and engagement through negotiation, onboarding and go-live.
• Develop compelling value propositions and partnership propositions to encourage organisations to participate in CTOS's data programmes.
• Support commercial discussions and negotiations relating to data partnerships, data-sharing arrangements and strategic collaborations.
• Conduct market and industry research to identify emerging opportunities, alternative data sources and potential strategic partnerships.
• Evaluate the commercial and strategic value of potential datasets and partnerships to support CTOS's product and business growth.

Strategic Partnership & Contributor Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with financial institutions, non-bank lenders, fintechs, government agencies, telecommunications companies, digital platforms and other strategic partners.
• Act as a key relationship manager for assigned data contributors and strategic partners.
• Maintain regular engagement with existing contributors to ensure continuous data contribution and identify opportunities to expand existing partnerships.
• Conduct periodic reviews with key contributors and address issues affecting data submission, onboarding or operational performance.
• Represent CTOS in external meetings, presentations and engagement sessions.

Data Contributor Onboarding & Programme Delivery

• Coordinate the end-to-end onboarding of new data contributors and partners.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders across Commercial, Product, Technology, Legal, Compliance and Operations to coordinate commercial discussions, contractual arrangements, technical implementation, testing and production rollout.
• Support contributors throughout the onboarding journey and help resolve issues that may affect implementation timelines.
• Conduct presentations, engagement sessions and training relating to CTOS data programmes and submission requirements where required.
• Monitor onboarding progress and drive initiatives through to successful implementation and go-live.

Data Enrichment, Quality & Governance

• Identify opportunities to enrich and expand CTOS's existing data assets through new datasets and strategic partnerships.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to address data quality issues and support corrective actions.
• Support the assessment of new data acquisition initiatives against relevant data quality, legal, privacy, regulatory and governance requirements.
• Ensure appropriate controls and requirements are considered throughout the data acquisition and contributor lifecycle.

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain visibility over the data acquisition pipeline, contributor onboarding and strategic partnership initiatives.
• Monitor progress, identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements to strengthen acquisition, onboarding and contributor engagement processes.
• Prepare management updates and reports on key data acquisition initiatives and opportunities.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL

Requirements/Experience

• 3-5 years of relevant experience
• Experience in Business Development, Strategic Partnerships, Account Management, Data Acquisition or related commercial roles.
• Proven ability to identify, develop and manage business or strategic partnerships.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building experience.
• Experience in financial services, fintech, credit reporting, telecommunications, government agencies or data-driven businesses is an advantage.
• Exposure to data products, data partnerships, data-sharing arrangements or regulatory environments would be beneficial.

Competencies

• Strong business development, commercial and partnership management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management, relationship-building and communication skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to identify new business opportunities.
• Ability to manage discussions and negotiations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong planning, coordination and project management capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives from prospecting through onboarding and implementation.
• Strong presentation, proposal-writing and communication skills.
• Proactive, resourceful, commercially driven and results-oriented.
• Able to work effectively with both business and technical stakeholders.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Marketing, Economics, Finance, Banking, Information Systems, Data Management, Law, or other relevant disciplines.
• Candidates with strong and relevant experience in Business Development, Partnerships, Financial Services or Commercial Roles may also be considered.