Whether internal or external, big data comprises a vast amount of information that needs to be managed.

The data manager is responsible for this dense and rich source of data.

Data refers to all the digital information collected on the web or other platforms… It is now essential for artificial intelligence, business management and the development of a company’s offerings.

Overview and responsibilities of the data engineer

The data manager, also known as a data management officer or chief data officer, is the official person in charge of a company’s big data. They are required to work with all departments, as they manage both external information and internal information, which is less frequently discussed. Examples include personnel data within HR departments or job applications…

Their role is to facilitate access to data. Understanding how it could benefit different stakeholders helps them determine the best organisational structure. They develop a big data governance strategy. Combining statistics, strategy and IT, they create databases and then establish links between them. They liaise with other staff across the company (finance, HR, marketing, production, etc.) as well as with data professionals (data scientists, data engineers, data analysts, etc.).

Their main responsibilities include collecting, classifying, managing, updating and securing data, as well as compiling statistics. In the context of a medical research project, for example, a data manager might manage data from clinical trials.

Business implications

Pharmaceutical companies, banks, insurance firms and polling organisations were among the first to recruit data managers.

The profession is now found across all sectors: e-commerce, public sector organisations, recruitment and temporary employment agencies, etc.

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Ethical implications
When we talk about big data, we inevitably also talk about ethics. The storage and use of data are now regulated. Data managers are familiar with these issues. Lawyers specialising in data and AI, and ethics officers, help them to explore these matters in greater depth.
aivancity’s programmes incorporate all aspects of artificial intelligence and its challenges – whether technical, technological, commercial, ethical or legal – into their curriculum. These are comprehensive, blended learning programmes that enable future engineers to acquire the highest possible level of knowledge and a broad range of expertise.

Key skills

Monitoring, organising and optimising the use of big data requires a great deal of rigour and concentration. For the chief data officer, a rapid understanding of the data-related challenges facing the company in which they work is essential. This enables them to compile statistics.

Proficiency in information systems is an integral part of the role. The ability to listen, good interpersonal skills and a team-oriented approach contribute to success. Analytical, reasoning and synthesis skills are expected. Discretion is, of course, required given the confidential nature of certain data.

The data manager also plays a strategic role: they must anticipate changes in their sector to manage data proactively (focusing on a particular trend, new statistics, etc.). Keeping abreast of technological developments is second nature to them.

Trends and drivers of change

Data managers work in companies or in start-ups specialising in big data. They may also set up their own business. Heading up a department is one of the career progression opportunities available to them. They may also become an information systems manager or specialise in a particular sector, such as healthcare, and move into a role as a biostatistician.

Data is a dense and complex field. Tools and methods evolve as the volume of data increases. The data manager plays a key role: the effective use of data depends on their ability to summarise and prioritise information.