Nikunj Bhadja

Enterprise Master Data Management professional with 17+ years of experience leading business-critical Customer, Vendor and Vessel Master Data platforms supporting global operations. Proven expertise in Data Governance, enterprise data quality, stakeholder management, business process optimization and operational excellence across global organizations. Successfully managed large-scale master data ecosystems, improved governance standards, enabled AI-driven operational efficiencies and partnered with global business leaders to deliver trusted data that supports strategic business decisions.

Technology Operation - L3 (Enterprise Master Data & Data Governance) at Maersk Global Service Centre, Pune (2021-07 – Present)

• Led enterprise Master Data operations across Customer, Vendor, and Vessel domains, enabling uninterrupted business operations for 25,000+ global users while consistently delivering 96% SLA.
• Strengthened enterprise data governance by driving proactive data quality initiatives, enabling trusted business data for faster and more informed decision-making.
• Spearheaded AI-driven automation using Microsoft Copilot, reducing manual reporting effort and providing leadership with actionable operational insights.
• Improved service resilience by leading Incident, Problem, and Change Management initiatives that minimized recurring issues and enhanced business continuity.
• Established robust access governance and control mechanisms, improving compliance, reducing operational risks, and strengthening enterprise security.
• Influenced cross-functional stakeholders across business, technology, and vendor teams to deliver operational excellence, governance improvements, and sustainable process enhancements.
• Championed a culture of continuous improvement by identifying automation opportunities that increased efficiency, reduced operational overhead, and elevated customer experience.

IT-Analyst (Master Data and Enterprise Application) at Maersk Global Service Centre, Pune (2013-03 – 2021-07)

• Managed enterprise Master Data platforms supporting critical business functions, ensuring high availability and reliable data services across global operations.
• Led service delivery for Customer, Vendor, Vessel and Deadline applications, consistently meeting business SLAs while minimizing operational disruptions.
• Drove Root Cause Analysis initiatives that improved application stability, reduced recurring incidents and enhanced operational reliability.
• Designed and implemented enterprise-wide access governance, strengthening data security, audit compliance and process standardization.
• Partnered with global vendors and business stakeholders to successfully deliver application enhancements aligned with evolving business priorities.
• Built knowledge management and capability development frameworks that improved team productivity, accelerated onboarding and standardized operational excellence.
• Successfully transitioned Customer Master Data operations from London to Pune, ensuring zero business disruption and maintaining stakeholder confidence throughout the transition.

Business Analyst at Maersk Global Service Centre, Pune (2011-09 – 2013-03)

• Analysed complex business data and trends to provide actionable insights, supporting strategic decision-making and improved business performance.
• Developed and implemented comprehensive business process models and enhancements, driving efficiency and eliminating operational bottlenecks across departments.
• Led cross-functional teams through complex project initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and timely delivery.
• Facilitated stakeholder workshops to gather and translate business requirements into high-impact technical specifications.
• Ensured successful project delivery and documented success stories and lessons learned for future initiatives.

Financial Controller at Maersk Global Service Centre, Pune (2008-11 – 2021-09)

• Managed financial controlling and reporting processes using SAP BW and HFM, enabling accurate financial reporting and informed business decisions.
• Partnered with external auditors and global finance teams to deliver compliant year-end reporting, ensuring timely statutory and regulatory submissions.
• Collaborated with headquarters in Copenhagen to support global financial close, strengthening governance and maintaining reporting accuracy during critical reporting cycles.
• Led the successful transition of HFM controlling activities to Pune, ensuring business continuity, operational stability, and earning the Award of Excellence.

Chartered Financial Analyst in CFA – ICFAI – Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University, Tripura (2015)

Master of Business Administration in Finance – Dr. D. Y.

Patil

School of Management, Pune (2006 – 2008)

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Chemistry – Saurashtra University, Gujarat (2003 – 2006)