Data Quality and Master Data Management Expert (Employed or freelance)

The Data Quality and Master Data Management Expert role is part of a data team supporting Belgium's healthcare and social security system. The team includes data engineers, reporting experts, functional data analysts, architects, project managers, data quality specialists and AI experts. Together, they transform healthcare data into insights that support policy, healthcare and medical control decisions. Large volumes of data are received from multiple organisations.

The data must be validated, monitored and prepared before integration into central data platforms. The role also covers reference data used by the organisation and its partners, with a focus on accuracy, consistency and availability. The technology landscape includes Azure Cloud, Databricks, SQL Server, SSIS, SSAS and Power BI.

Tasks and responsibilities: Translate business data quality requirements into effective validation rules and monitoring processes. Analyse data flows from both business and technical perspectives to assess data quality and fitness for use. Define, document and maintain data quality controls, including technical, or syntactic, and business, or semantic, validation rules. Execute data quality assessments with a validation engine, analyse the results, produce quality reports and coordinate remediation actions with Data Owners and Data Stewards.

Own, maintain and monitor the quality, integrity, availability and lifecycle of reference data assets used across the organisation and its partner ecosystem. Coordinate and support master data quality monitoring and improvement activities with Business Owners and Data Stewards, ensuring that data issues are identified, tracked and remediated. Assess new data flows and reference datasets, identify opportunities to improve quality and contribute to their documentation and governance.

Configure, maintain and continuously improve the data validation platform and reference data management solutions. Collaborate with business and technical stakeholders to promote data quality practices and support data governance initiatives. Flexible working hours are organised within a 70-hour weekly time window, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., with fixed slots between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. and between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Teleworking is possible three days per week.

Technical Skills: Master's degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience. At least 7 years of practical and professional experience in large data teams. At least 5 years of practical and professional experience in a Data Quality or MDM role. Hands-on experience with SQL and Azure Databricks. Prior experience as a data engineer or data functional analyst is an advantage.

Your profile: Affinity with Data Quality and good knowledge of Master Data Management. Ability to translate business needs into technical data solutions. A proactive attitude, with a strong sense of ownership and autonomy. Strong problem-solving skills, a pragmatic approach and a focus on delivery. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a transversal organisation. Good written and verbal communication skills. Professional command of both national languages.

Willingness to learn and an open-minded attitude.

Languages: Dutch, English, French. The stated language profile is Dutch or French as a mother tongue, with passive knowledge of the second national language.

Job description summary: The Data Quality and MDM Expert ensures the quality, consistency and compliance of data by defining, executing and monitoring data quality controls. The role also involves managing and maintaining reference and master data to ensure its reliability, availability and integrity across the organisation.

Level of expertise: Data Quality Management: expert, 10 years. Master and Reference Data Management: confirmed, 7 years. Data Analysis and Data Validation: expert, 10 years. Data Governance and Data Stewardship: beginner, 3 years.

Azure Databricks: beginner, 3 years.

SQL: beginner, 3 years.

Offer: You will be part of a growing Belgian SME where initiative and personal development are encouraged. We will provide you with an enjoyable work environment with fun colleagues. We will work out a career plan with you, with attention and a budget for extra education/certification. You can count on an attractive salary, supplemented with extra-legal benefits, including a company car. (Freelance is also possible)