Head of Data Services

How would you like to join one of the most highly regarded financial institutions in New Jersey with deep roots in the community?  Provident is a successful and highly regarded multi-billion-dollar bank that continues to grow with branches in New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania and New York.  Our longevity is a testament to our commitment to placing our employees, customers, and the communities we serve at the center of all we do.  At Provident Bank, we are committed to enhancing our customer and employees’ experience. 

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Head of Data Services is a senior leadership role responsible for defining and executing the organization's data strategy in alignment with overall business objectives and regulatory frameworks. This position leads enterprise-level data initiatives, including data architecture, engineering, integration, business intelligence and analytics (BIA), and governance, while ensuring performance, compliance, and scalability.

The ideal candidate will bring deep domain knowledge of banking systems, preferably with proven experience in IBS and BIC platforms, and will have a demonstrated ability to lead and influence stakeholders at all levels. Experience in building a Data function for a bank from the ground up and successful scaling of the program is required. Prove ability running the data vertical at a bank, building and managing the program within the parameters and constraints of the institution including managing teams, budgets, and technology.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Direction & Leadership

• Define and champion the enterprise data strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory frameworks.
• Establish clear objectives, accountability frameworks, and role definitions across data architecture, integration, governance, and analytics functions.
• Develop and communicate a unified vision for the Data Services division that promotes cohesion and cross-functional alignment.
• Lead by example, promoting a culture of collaboration, transparency, and ownership.

Team & Stakeholder Leadership

• Provide technical guidance to architecture, data integration, and analytics teams, ensuring alignment to strategy and engineering standards.
• Clarify roles and responsibilities across functional areas under Data Services, resolving ambiguity and preventing duplication of effort.
• Proactively mediate and resolve team conflicts, remove blockers, and ensure delivery harmony across verticals.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders, communicating complex technical ideas in business terms

Building the Data Program

• Set the foundation and build the program, show steady progress in maturity, and functional improvements in a measurable way.

Data Architecture & Engineering

• Lead the design and implementation of robust, scalable enterprise data architectures.
• Ensure system interoperability across cloud and on-prem platforms, with a focus on extensibility and performance.
• Align architecture decisions with technology standards, security, and compliance needs.
• Data Integration (ETL)
• Lead the strategic design and governance of enterprise-wide data integration and ETL frameworks.
• Oversee implementation and monitoring of ETL pipelines from source to warehouse, ensuring accuracy, quality, and timeliness.
• Partner with teams to optimize data ingestion, orchestration, and transformation processes across systems—including legacy banking platforms and cloud-based solutions.

Banking Technology and Core Systems

• Experience in the banking or financial services industry.
• Experience with FIS Core & Warehouse - IBS (Integrated Banking System) and BIC (Business Intelligence Center ) is mandatory.
• Ensure secure, compliant, and efficient data flow across core banking platforms and third-party solutions.

Data Governance & Compliance

• Establish and manage a formal Data Governance Program, including data ownership, quality, classification, and security policies.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations

Business Intelligence & Analytics

• Lead the development of enterprise analytics capabilities.
• Support data democratization and dashboard/reporting standardization across business units.
• Ensure alignment of BIA tools and models with organizational performance objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in banking or financial institutions, including knowledge of FIS Systems - IBS core and Business Intelligence Center (BIC) data platform.
• Minimum of 10 years in data services or data strategy leadership roles.
• Proven experience in building and scaling data teams and programs.
• Advanced expertise in data architecture, engineering, and integration.
• Strong understanding of banking operations and compliance standards.
• Demonstrated success in standing up enterprise data governance frameworks.
• Proficiency in cloud-based data platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS), data lakes, ETL, and BI tools.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)
• Cloud Certification (AWS, Azure, or GCP Data Engineer or Architect)
• Master’s degree

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is mainly performed in a normal office environment.  Noise levels usually are moderate. May also involve travel to customers and property locations.

• Prolonged sitting
• Lifting from 5 to 10 lbs. (printer paper, storage boxes)
• Occasional bending or overhead lifting (storing files or boxes)
• The hazards are mainly those present in a normal office setting.

This job description may not be all-inclusive.  Employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned and directed by management.  Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.

Provident Bank recognizes and supports the importance of creating a socially and culturally diverse employee base. We understand, value, and appreciate the unique perspectives that a diverse workforce can contribute to our organization. We put the employee and the customer at the center of strategy because culture is a critical differentiator for why people choose to work here. 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law.

Pay Details:

$133,800-$191,100

Please note, the base pay actually offered may vary based upon the candidate's skills and experience, job-related knowledge, education, geographic location, internal equity, and other applicable business and organizational needs. 

This role is an incentive eligible based upon company, business, and/or individual goal achievement and performance.

Team members accrue paid time-off (PTO), receive Holiday (PTO) and are eligible to participate in the bank’s Health and Wellness benefits including Medical, Dental and Vision Plans, Flexible and Health Savings Accounts, and a 401(k) Retirement Plan. In addition, the company provides Disability Insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, and Basic Life Insurance. Company sponsored Tuition Disbursement and Loan Repayment programs are also available. Voluntary benefits include Supplemental Life Insurance, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal plans.

#LI-hybrid