Reference Data Lead
About this role
, United Kingdom
Job Family Group:
Trading Jobs
Worker Type:
Regular
Posting Start Date:
June 5, 2026
Business Unit:
Trading and Supply
Experience Level:
Experienced Professionals
Job Description:
What’s the role
The Reference Data lead is responsible for owning and managing Shell’s data sources of reference data across Trading and Supply. This role requires a strong background in master data management and ensures that reference data is accurate, consistent, and governed, forming the backbone for analytics, automation, and ETRM and reporting. This includes counterparty data, calendars/holidays, units of measure (UoM), and settlement details.
By defining data contracts, stewarding lineage, and embedding governance practices, this role enables interoperability across platforms like Data.Shell, reduces duplication, and supports regulatory compliance. Acting as a trusted partner to Risk, Finance, Front Office, and IDT, the Reference Data lead drives adoption of a single source of truth and fosters a culture of data stewardship and ownership.
What you’ll be doing
Responsibilities
- 1. Reference Data Strategy
- Develop and maintain a unified reference data strategy aligned with Trading and Supply priorities.
- Own golden sources for key reference data domains (counterparty, calendars/holidays, UoM, settlements).
- Define and enforce data contracts, lineage, and stewardship practices.
- 2. Enable Consistency & Integration
- Ensure all business units—especially ADA and ASPIRE projects—operate from a single, trusted source of reference data.
- Integrate reference data with TED and Data.Shell platforms to enable interoperability and governance.
- 3. Business Enablement & Adoption
- Partner with business, Data governance team, Risk, Finance, Front Office, and IDT to ensure adoption and compliance with reference data standards.
- Support ADA and ASPIRE projects by providing accurate, accessible, and governed reference data for analytics and automation.
- 4. Data Quality & Control
- Establish and monitor data quality metrics for reference data domains.
- Drive continuous improvement to eliminate duplication and reduce reconciliation efforts.
- 5. Governance & Oversight
- Work with the Head of Data Governance to set up a Reference Data Council for oversight and alignment.
- Ensure reference data practices support regulatory compliance and auditability.
- Key Benefits of the Role
- Improved data quality and trust across business processes.
- Faster onboarding of new data-driven initiatives.
- Simplified integration and reporting.
- Stronger data governance and stewardship.
- What you bring
- Strong understanding of reference data management in trading environments
- Experience in data governance, lineage, and data contracts
- Familiarity with enterprise data platforms, master data management, and governance tools (e.g., Unity Catalog, Collibra, Informatica)
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive adoption of standards
- Ability to translate and communicate complex requirements, with a strong understanding of how critical data underpins business processes
- Exposure to regulatory requirements and audit processes
- Exposure to Generative AI and Agentic AI tools and processes a plus