Data Specialist - Contract

The Opportunity:  At Equitable, we believe great things happen when we work together. We’re a Canadian mutual company driven by purpose - putting people first and helping Canadians protect today and prepare for tomorrow. If you’re passionate about making a difference and growing your career in an inclusive and collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you. Our culture is built on care, passion and curiosity. We put people above all else, strive to be our best and welcome new ideas to deliver positive outcomes.   Are you passionate about turning data into actionable insights? We’re looking for a Data Specialist to join our dynamic Data Governance and Quality team. In this role, you’ll report directly to the Head of Data Governance and Quality and play a key part in shaping the future of data at Equitable.   This Data Specialist will drive data analysis and uncover insights that power business decisions, lead process improvements and enhance tools to support our strategic goals and collaborate across teams to strengthen the foundation of our Insights and Impact organization. Join one of the region’s top employers and be part of something that truly makes a difference.Work Arrangements: This is a hybrid role. You will work in our office in Waterloo, ON a minimum of two (2) assigned, consecutive days every other week, plus a fifth (5th) assigned day per month. You are welcome to work from the office more than the minimum requirement, and there may be some roles that are required to work in our office more than the minimum requirement. What you’ll do: Implement and promote data governance practices across the enterprise. Contribute and support data initiatives for the data platform/hub, collaborating with cross functional teams Manage the Master Data Management (MDM) solution, overseeing issue identification, root cause analysis, and resolution in partnership with business and technology teams. Facilitate secure and timely data access for the enterprise data platform. Advise on metadata concepts and collaborate to maintain accurate metadata in the enterprise data catalog. Document functional and non-functional requirements, user stories, and features; lead review sessions with business sponsors, stakeholders, and IT partners. Develop process documentation and user guides to drive adoption and consistency. Identify and implement process improvements; maintain and enhance data governance tools. Perform data analysis to uncover insights and support informed decision-making. Build strong, collaborative relationships with business and technology stakeholders to embed governance and quality into daily operations. Oversee data issue management from identification through resolution.     What you’ll bring: Proven experience in data governance, data quality, and master data management. Strong capabilities in business analysis, data analysis, root cause analysis, testing/validation, and requirements documentation. Knowledge of metadata management and data lineage, with experience contributing to enterprise data catalogs. Proficiency in Power BI (or similar BI tools) for KPI design and dashboard development. Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and drive adoption across diverse groups. A collaborative mindset, coupled with curiosity, creativity, and a self-starter approach to continuous improvement. Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally, secure buy-in, and adapt to changing priorities. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize effectively. Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, simple language for business and technical audiences. A data-driven approach to bridging business and technical teams, ensuring alignment and actionable insights. What’s in it for you: Career Growth: Regular learning sessions and development opportunities Total Rewards: Allowance provided in place of vacation pay and benefits Flexibility: Healthy work-life balance with employee wellness always top of mind, complemented by a “dress for your day” approach At Equitable, we’re committed to fair pay and an inclusive, accessible hiring experience. If you need accommodations or alternative formats at any stage, just reach out to us at careers@equitable.ca. We’re happy to help.   Your base pay will be based on your skills, qualifications, experience and education.   If you’re selected to move forward, our Talent Acquisition team will walk you through all the details of our total rewards program, so you know exactly what’s included. Reports To: Head of Data Governance and QualityDepartment: Enterprise Data Insights and Impact - Data Governance Term:  Temporary Full-Time, Twelve (12) Month Contract