Item Configuration & Master Data Management Lead

Position Summary

The Item Configuration & Master Data Management Lead is a management role responsible for governing, maintaining, and continuously improving master item data across the enterprise. This role serves as the primary bridge between Engineering teams that generate item data and a Philippines-based data entry team responsible for execution within the ERP.

Key Responsibilities

• Master Data Ownership & Governance

• Own and manage master item data across its full lifecycle, from engineering release through implementation and maintenance
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data related to: Routings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), Compliance and regulatory data, Shipping and logistics attributes
• Establish, document, and enforce master data governance standards, controls, and approval workflows
• Act as the escalation point for complex or cross-functional master data issues

• Cross-Functional Partnership (Engineering & Operations)

• Serve as the primary liaison between Engineering teams supplying item data and the data entry team responsible for system execution
• Partner with Engineering, Planning, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Compliance, and IT to ensure data requirements are clearly defined and met
• Translate engineering changes and technical requirements into standardized, executable data inputs

• ERP Systems & Transformation

• Learn and operate within Knowles’ current ERP system to support day-to-day master data needs
• Lead master data readiness activities in support of the planned Oracle ERP transition
• Partner with IT and business stakeholders on data migration, cleansing, validation, and future-state data design
• Help define best practices and standards for master data within Oracle

• Quality, Metrics & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor data quality metrics and proactively identify trends or systemic issues
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce errors, rework, and cycle time
• Develop and maintain SOPs and process documentation to support scalability and consistency

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of experience in master data management, item configuration, or related data-focused roles
• Prior people management experience, including leading teams in global or offshore environments
• Strong background in managing complex data structures such as BOMs and routings
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering and Operations teams
• Willingness to work overlapping hours with Philippines-based team as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Oracle ERP (Oracle Cloud, EBS, or similar)
• Prior experience supporting ERP implementations or major system transitions
• Background in manufacturing, supply chain, regulated products, or compliance-driven environments

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people-management capabilities
• Exceptional attention to detail and data discipline
• Ability to influence across functions without direct authority
• Process-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
• Clear communicator across technical and non-technical audiences
• Comfortable operating in a global, matrixed organization

Compensation

• Knowles' Total Compensation Structure includes a Base Salary and Bonus Percentage.
• Competitive base salary: $78,000 - $117,000 (commensurate with experience).

Reporting Relationship

Reports to: Item Configuration Manager, Operations Management

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