Reference Data Lead

, United Kingdom

Job Family Group:

Trading Jobs

Worker Type:

Regular

Posting Start Date:

June 5, 2026

Business Unit:

Trading and Supply

Experience Level:

Experienced Professionals

Job Description:

What’s the role

The Reference Data lead is responsible for owning and managing Shell’s data sources of reference data across Trading and Supply. This role requires a strong background in master data management and ensures that reference data is accurate, consistent, and governed, forming the backbone for analytics, automation, and ETRM and reporting. This includes counterparty data, calendars/holidays, units of measure (UoM), and settlement details.

By defining data contracts, stewarding lineage, and embedding governance practices, this role enables interoperability across platforms like Data.Shell, reduces duplication, and supports regulatory compliance. Acting as a trusted partner to Risk, Finance, Front Office, and IDT, the Reference Data lead drives adoption of a single source of truth and fosters a culture of data stewardship and ownership.

What you’ll be doing

Key Responsibilities

1. Reference Data Strategy

• Develop and maintain a unified reference data strategy aligned with Trading and Supply priorities.
• Own golden sources for key reference data domains (counterparty, calendars/holidays, UoM, settlements).
• Define and enforce data contracts, lineage, and stewardship practices.

1. Enable Consistency & Integration

• Ensure all business units—especially ADA and ASPIRE projects—operate from a single, trusted source of reference data.
• Integrate reference data with TED and Data.Shell platforms to enable interoperability and governance.

1. Business Enablement & Adoption

• Partner with business, Data governance team, Risk, Finance, Front Office, and IDT to ensure adoption and compliance with reference data standards.
• Support ADA and ASPIRE projects by providing accurate, accessible, and governed reference data for analytics and automation.

1. Data Quality & Control

• Establish and monitor data quality metrics for reference data domains.
• Drive continuous improvement to eliminate duplication and reduce reconciliation efforts.

1. Governance & Oversight

• Work with the Head of Data Governance to set up a Reference Data Council for oversight and alignment.
• Ensure reference data practices support regulatory compliance and auditability.

Key Benefits of the Role

• Improved data quality and trust across business processes.
• Faster onboarding of new data-driven initiatives.
• Simplified integration and reporting.
• Stronger data governance and stewardship.

What you bring

• Strong understanding of reference data management in trading environments
• Experience in data governance, lineage, and data contracts
• Familiarity with enterprise data platforms, master data management, and governance tools (e.g., Unity Catalog, Collibra, Informatica)
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive adoption of standards
• Ability to translate and communicate complex requirements, with a strong understanding of how critical data underpins business processes
• Exposure to regulatory requirements and audit processes

Exposure to Generative AI and Agentic AI tools and processes a plus

What we offer

You bring your skills and experience to Shell and in return you work with talented, committed people on one of the most important challenges facing our planet. You’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills you need to grow in an environment where we value honesty, integrity, and respect for one another. You’ll be able to balance your priorities as you become the best version of yourself.

• Progress as a person as we work on the energy transition together.
• Continuously grow the transferable skills you need to get ahead.
• Work at the forefront of technology, trends, and practices.
• Collaborate with experienced colleagues with unique expertise.
• Achieve your balance in a values-led culture that encourages you to be the best version of yourself.
• Benefit from flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote/mobile working.
• Perform at your best with a competitive starting salary and annual performance related salary increase – our pay and benefits packages are considered to be among the best in the world.
• Take advantage of paid parental leave, including for non-birthing parents.
• Join an organisation working to become one of the most diverse and inclusive in the world. We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and life experiences to apply.
• Grow as you progress through diverse career opportunities in national and
• international teams.
• Gain access to a wide range of training and development programmes.

Shell is working to advance an inclusive, psychologically safe and accessible environment where people with disabilities can excel. If you require any accommodations or accessibility adjustments (e.g. assistive technology, communication support, any other) during the application or interview process, please let us know directly via careers@shell.com . We strive to ensure that our process and workplace is accessible to everyone and are dedicated to making reasonable adjustments to support your needs.

Shell in The United Kingdom

Shell UK remains one of the North Sea’s biggest producers, supplying around 10% of the UK’s total oil and gas needs. But perhaps the most recognisable face of Shell in the UK is our network of over 1,000 Shell-branded service stations.

In the years ahead, as the UK looks to strengthen energy security and deliver its 2050 net-zero goal, Shell UK aims to play a crucial role. We aim to be a major investor in the UK energy system by helping our customers decarbonise with a focus on transport and industry.

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DISCLAIMER:

Please note: We occasionally amend or withdraw Shell jobs and reserve the right to do so at any time, including prior to the advertised closing date. Before applying, you are advised to read our data protection policy. This policy describes the processing that may be associated with your personal data and informs you that your personal data may be transferred to Shell/Shell Group companies around the world. The Shell Group and its approved recruitment consultants will never ask you for a fee to process or consider your application for a career with Shell. Anyone who demands such a fee is not an authorised Shell representative and you are strongly advised to refuse any such demand. Shell is an Equal Opportunity Employer.