Head of Data Management

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Within COO AM, we are building an organization that is ready to meet rising expectations from clients, regulators, and technological developments. Do you want to help drive this transformation and create long-term value for our clients? Then this leadership opportunity at APG Asset Management might be the perfect fit for you.

The Role

To support APG’s 2030 strategy, COO AM is evolving into a more value-driven, scalable, and collaborative organization. We are strengthening the connection between business and COO, simplifying our processes and ways of working, and enabling faster responses to evolving clients investment strategies. Following the first phase of our organizational optimization in 2024, we are now entering a new phase focused on aligning our structure and priorities with business value creation. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to that transformation and help shape the COO organization of the future. As Head of Data Management, leading the change will be a vital part of your role.

What you would do

As Head of Data Management within COO AM, you will play a critical role in ensuring the operational excellence of data delivery, support, and governance across the organization. You are responsible for leading the newly established Data Management department, integrating teams and capabilities into a cohesive unit that delivers high-quality, timely, and consistent data services.

You will translate the strategic direction of the Data Office into a clear operational vision, of the master data domain and data delivery model. Consequently, you develop and execute a roadmap aligned with business priorities and implement a new data operating model based on the hub-spoke-satellite principle. With a strong focus on data quality, cost efficiency, and compliance, you will lead major strategic data initiatives and foster collaboration across business, IT, and governance functions.

As a leader, you will empower multidisciplinary teams, promote agile and self-organizing ways of working where relevant, and drive continuous improvement. Your role is essential in building a future-proof data foundation that supports APG’s ambitions and enables data-driven decision-making at scale.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams across Data Support, Data Delivery & Analysis, and Master Data Management, fostering a culture of ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Empower teams to take responsibility for their performance and development. Inspire teams by connecting their work to APG’s broader mission and strategy, and by demonstrating authentic, value-driven leadership.
• Act as a strategic partner to internal stakeholders (e.g., CFI, CIO, COO, CFRO), aligning data services with business priorities and facilitating cross-functional collaboration.
• Translate the strategic direction of the Data Office into a clear operational vision for data management, aligned with business needs and cost-efficiency goals.
• Develop and maintain a roadmap for the Data Management department, including the implementation of the hub-spoke-satellite model and integration of master data capabilities.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and consistent delivery of data services that support both operational and strategic business needs.
• Monitor key performance indicators related to data quality, delivery, and operational efficiency, and use insights to drive improvements.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations, and support the implementation of governance standards in close cooperation with the Data Governance team.
• Lead change by integrating existing and new teams into a cohesive unit, creating clarity, stability, and a strong foundation for future growth.

What you bring

• At least 10–15 years of relevant experience in data management, data governance, or related fields within financial services or asset management.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to align diverse interests and foster cross-functional collaboration.
• Proven leadership in building and guiding multidisciplinary teams, with a focus on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and implement new operating models, such as the hub-spoke-satellite structure, in alignment with strategic goals.
• Strategic and analytical thinking skills to translate business needs into operational data solutions and drive data-driven decision-making.
• A customer-centric mindset, ensuring that data services meet and exceed user expectations while maintaining compliance and efficiency.
• Strong understanding of data governance, data quality, metadata, and master data management, including experience with relevant tooling. Deep knowledge of regulatory requirements and financial reporting.
• Commitment to leadership development themes such as:
  • Empowerment: enabling teams to take ownership and deliver results.
  • Vision-driven change: leading transformation with clarity and purpose.
  • Authenticity and self-awareness: reflecting on your own impact and leading by example.
  • Connection and collaboration: building strong relationships and fostering team cohesion.
  • Result orientation: balancing strategic direction with operational execution.

What we offer you

• Competitive salary based on a 40-hour workweek, alongside attractive employment terms focusing on flexibility.
• A guaranteed year-end bonus of 8.33%;
• A generous mobility budget;
• Ample attention to your vitality and personal development;
• Ability to grow your professional network, internally as well as externally;
• Working from home for 2 to 3 days, and working from one of our beautiful offices;
• And of course, a well-organized pension.

Where you will work

For pension provider APG, pension is about people, life, and living together. With careful asset management, pension administration, communication and advice, we work on a livable future for current and future generations. One in which we share prosperity and well-being fairly and sustainably. Now and later.

APG is committed to around 4.5 million people in the Netherlands, which is why we believe it is important to be a reflection of Dutch society. This means that APG strives for an inclusive work environment, in which everyone can be themselves and where your unique qualities are embraced.

When you choose to work at APG, you're choosing a job where you contribute to a bright future. And that's not all. You're also choosing the best employer in the Netherlands in the financial sector! Curious why APG scored so well in the Randstad Employer Brand Research? Check out the article and apply now!

More information or interested?

Financial Assets Executive Search is supporting APG in this procedure. For questions or application please contact Ton van de Steenoven via email tvds@financialassets.nl or phone +31(0) 6 25 08 2198 or Joost Frequin via mail joostfrequin@financialassets.nl or phone +31(0) 6 270 087 55.

We do not appreciate acquisition in response to this vacancy.