Data Manager : job description
The data manager has a strategic role that blends technology, analysis, and business insight. Whether you're overseeing the collection, storage, and protection of customer information, or developing a data policy that ensures privacy and security, your responsibilities shape the very foundation of the organization.
As companies collect multiple streams of personal data, from apps to internal systems, the demand for skilled managers who can analyze, organize, and interpret this information has exploded. It's a career where technical skills meet strategic thinking, and where a strong grasp of statistics, software, and algorithms enables smarter, faster, more informed decisions. With the right training and degree, you’ll be equipped to create systems that not only make access easier and more efficient, but also help teams at every level.
Curious how to become the key player in a company’s data strategy? Let’s break down the tools, techniques, and benefits of stepping into this vital role.
What is a data manager ?
The data manager oversees the entire data lifecycle, from collection and storage to quality control, security, and the enhancement of an organization's information assets. Their responsibilities range from defining data management strategies to implementing technical solutions.
In the banking sector, the data manager consolidates customer data to optimize credit scoring and fraud detection. In the pharmaceutical industry, they ensure the traceability and compliance of clinical research data with international standards. In retail, they structure sales data to refine marketing strategies and optimize inventory management.
With the exponential growth of data, the multiplication of data sources (IoT, social media, online transactions), and increasing regulatory demands, data management has become a major challenge. According to IDC’s Worldwide Transformation Spending Guide, this market is valued at $132.3 billion.
What are the types of data management?
Data management encompasses various practices that ensure data is accurate, secure, and valuable to an organization. Key types include data governance, which sets rules for data usage and compliance; data integration, which merges data from multiple sources for unified access; master data management, which creates a consistent view of core business entities; and data quality management, which ensures data is reliable and usable. These approaches help companies manage different types of data—from customer information to operational metrics—effectively and responsibly.
What are the responsibilities of a data manager ?
A data manager's role encompasses several key areas:
- Defining project requirements: They collaborate with business teams to establish data project specifications, requiring an in-depth understanding of operational needs and technical constraints.
- Designing data architecture: This includes selecting technologies, defining data schemas, and optimizing system performance to accommodate large data volumes.
- Ensuring data governance: They implement validation processes, quality standards, metadata definitions, reference data management, and automated controls. Compliance with industry regulations (e.g., Basel III for finance, GMP for pharmaceuticals) is also part of their duties.
- Overseeing data analysis: They work closely with data scientists to develop predictive models, identifying opportunities for business improvement and innovation.
Skills and qualifications: what It takes to excel as a data manager
- Analytical Skills & Business Process Understanding : A data manager must analyze data, identify trends, and provide decision support to help a company optimize operations.
- Database & Programming Proficiency : Expertise in database management systems like Oracle, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB is required. Knowledge of programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL is critical for managing data, and real-time analysis.
- Cybersecurity & Privacy Policies : With increasing concerns over personal data protection, a data manager must ensure secure data storage and compliance with privacy policies to avoid risks.
- Project & Data Management : Familiarity with test data management, software testing, and data engineering helps in managing data efficiently.
How to become a data manager ?
The role typically requires a Master’s degree (Bac+5) in data management, specialized engineering programs in information systems, or business school programs with a data management focus.
Beyond formal education, professionals can enhance their credentials with certifications such as:
- CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional)
- IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
- Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure)
Studying Data Management at emlyon
BSc in Data Science
emlyon business school offers an innovative Bachelor of Science in Data Science for Responsible Business, preparing students for careers in data management. This program combines management fundamentals with technical expertise and emphasizes hands-on experience through real-world projects. Students benefit from internships, international exposure (English-taught courses), and a partnership with École Centrale Lyon.
Master in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Strategy
The Master in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Strategy at emlyon business school is designed to train future leaders in digital transformation and prepare them to design and implement innovative and responsible strategies based on data and AI. Through a teaching approach that combines academic excellence, real-world projects, and international immersion, students develop the technical, strategic, and managerial skills needed to support companies in their high-impact projects. A springboard to promising careers in AI, consulting, finance, and technology.
Master in Digital Marketing & Data Analytics
The Master's in Digital Marketing & Data Analytics is ideal for becoming an expert in data and digital marketing. It teaches you how to design and manage marketing strategies based on data analysis, while mastering key tools (Google Analytics, SQL, Power BI, Python, Google Ads) and the ethical and legal issues related to data. This comprehensive program will teach you how to measure performance, optimize your actions, and support strategic decisions in a constantly evolving digital environment.
Data manager salary
Salaries vary based on experience and sector:
- Entry-level: Around €2,750 gross per month
- 3-5 years of experience: €45,000 - €55,000 gross per year
- Senior roles: Over €54,000 annually
- Banking & insurance: Up to €70,000 for experienced professionals
Chief Data Officers (CDOs) in large corporations can earn over €120,000 annually, often with performance-based bonuses (15-20% of salary) and corporate savings plans.
Career Opportunities and Growth
Data manager roles are in high demand across industries, including CAC 40 companies and French Tech startups.
Career progression can lead to positions such as:
- Data scientist
- Data architect
- Head of data governance
- Chief Data Officer (CDO)
As a key player in digital transformation, the data manager must navigate evolving data architectures and emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. This strategic, high-growth field offers strong career prospects and attractive salaries.
Conclusion
The role of a data manager is anything but static. It’s a career that demands technical precision, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of how data fuels every part of a modern organization, from improving customer experience to driving smarter product decisions.
By overseeing the full lifecycle of data collection, storage, integration, and analysis, data managers ensure that every company can trust the quality, security, and value of its data assets. Whether they’re defining a data governance framework, designing efficient data architecture, or supporting cross-functional communication, these professionals play a key part in building resilient, data-driven strategies.
Equipped with the right skills, training, and education, aspiring managers can unlock diverse job opportunities across industries, from banking to healthcare to tech. And with the rise of data science, analytics, and emerging data technologies, the field is only growing in scope and influence.
If you're looking for a career that blends business intelligence, management, and technology, and puts you at the edge of innovation, becoming a data manager could be the smartest decision you make.
FAQ
Data managers use tools like SQL, Microsoft Excel, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Tableau, and Power BI to manage, analyze, and report data. Depending on their experience level, industry, and job role, they may also use database management systems (like Oracle or MySQL), data visualization platforms, and data security or compliance software to ensure accuracy and accessibility across the organization.
Data managers can work in a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, education, and government, where they manage, secure, and analyze large data systems. Employers such as Google, Microsoft, and global organizations hire data managers to oversee databases, ensure data quality, and support business decision-making through analytics and reporting.
Starting a career as a data manager is a smart step if you want to build strong technical and analytical skills while working at the core of data-driven decision-making. With a degree in computer science, business administration, or data analytics, you can access high-demand positions, gain valuable insights into database design and management software, and enjoy competitive salaries according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A data manager focuses on organizing, storing, and maintaining large sets of raw or historical data, ensuring its quality, security, and accessibility. A data analyst, on the other hand, uses that data to generate insights, create reports, and support decision-making through statistics and sometimes machine learning. In short, data managers build the foundation, while data analysts interpret the results.