EMEA HR Data Steward

Canon is recruiting for an EMEA HR Data Steward role.

Job Description

The EMEA HR Data Steward is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and governance of HR data across the EMEA region. The role supports both central and local HR teams by defining HR data standards, overseeing HR master data, and ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.

This is an EMEA-wide role with strong visibility across HR, working closely with HR Operations, HR Digital, IT, and senior HR stakeholders. Positioned between these functions, the HR Data Steward plays a key role in strengthening compliance, enabling reliable decision-making, and supporting HR transformation initiatives across the region.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape how HR data governance is implemented in practice. You will be expected to build a strong understanding of Canon’s HR processes across EMEA, identify risks and improvement areas, and define practical measures for HR data completeness and accuracy. Success in the role means that HR data is trusted, audit-ready, and consistently applied across countries, with local HR teams supported by clear standards and guidance.

The role offers a high degree of autonomy and ownership, making it well suited to someone who enjoys taking responsibility, influencing without formal authority, and turning governance principles into concrete, workable solutions.

Responsibilities

HR data governance & quality

• Establish and maintain HR data standards, definitions, and validation rules across EMEA
• Ensure employee, job, and organisational data is complete, accurate, and consistent
• Maintain and update the EMEA HR Data Dictionary

HR master data management

• Oversee HR core master data (e.g. employee attributes, roles, organisational structures) in central HR systems
• Ensure alignment between central and local HR systems and resolve data discrepancies
• Act as decision-maker for HR data quality topics within scope

Collaboration with HR stakeholders

• Work closely with local HR teams to support correct data entry and usage
• Provide guidance on HR data governance and best practices

System integration & data flows

• Monitor HR data flows between central systems, local payrolls, and external providers
• Identify data risks or inconsistencies caused by system or process changes

Data issue resolution & compliance

• Investigate HR data issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
• Support HR compliance activities and audits, including GDPR-related requirements
• Ensure adherence to internal data governance policies

Reporting & data readiness

• Ensure HR data is fit for use in dashboards, KPIs, and standard reports
• Support HR analytics teams by improving data completeness and accuracy

(This role focuses on data quality and governance rather than building reports)

Qualifications

Experience & knowledge

• 5+ years’ experience in HR data management, HRIS, HR operations, or data governance
• Strong understanding of HR master data domains (e.g., employee records, organizational structures, job classifications) and their interdependencies and core HR processes
• Experience working in a regional or multinational environment
• Knowledge of data privacy and compliance requirements in an HR context
• Exposure to enterprise HR systems (e.g. Oracle HCM, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors)

Skills & ways of working

• Structured, detail-oriented approach with a strong governance mindset
• Ability to analyse data issues and address root causes
• Confidence working with multiple stakeholders across countries and functions

Canon Core Behaviours

• Drive for results
• Focus on the Customer
• Take ownership and accountability
• Act as a team player
• Shows courage and conviction
• People orientated
• Caring for self and others