Head of Data Sources and Acquisition Strategy, Senior Director - London

As a leading, global financial information services provider, Fitch Group delivers vital credit and risk insights, robust data, and dynamic tools to champion more efficient, transparent financial markets. With over 100 years of experience and colleagues in over 30 countries, Fitch Group’s culture of credibility, independence, and transparency is embedded throughout its structure, which includes Fitch Ratings, one of the world’s top three credit ratings agencies, and Fitch Solutions, a leading provider of insights, data and analytics.

Fitch's Technology & Data Team is a dynamic department where innovation meets impact. Our team includes the Chief Data Office, Chief Software Office, Chief Technology Office, Emerging Technology, Shared Technology Services, Technology, Risk and the Executive Program Management Office (EPMO). Driven by our investment in cutting-edge technologies like AI and cloud solutions, we’re home to a diverse range of roles and backgrounds united by a shared passion for leveraging modern technology to drive projects that matter to our organization and clients.

Fitch Group is currently seeking a Head of Data Sources and Acquisition Strategy, Senior Director based out of our New York or London office. Fitch Group’s Chief Data Office (CDO) is seeking a Head of Data Sources and Acquisition Strategy, Senior Director to shape and execute our enterprise approach to external data sourcing.

In this senior role, you will oversee Fitch’s portfolio of external data partnerships—identifying, evaluating, and optimizing high-value financial, ESG, and alternative data that support Fitch’s research, analytics, products, and AI-ready data initiatives. You’ll combine deep knowledge of financial markets data with commercial and contractual expertise to ensure Fitch maximizes the value of its data investments while maintaining full compliance with data rights, licensing, and governance standards. This position reports to the Head of Data Strategy within the Group CDO.

At Fitch, data is the foundation of our insights. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how Fitch acquires, governs, and uses external data to drive enterprise value. This is an opportunity to apply your expertise in financial data, negotiation, and strategy to a complex, global organization where data quality, compliance, and business alignment truly matter.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Lead Fitch’s enterprise data sourcing strategy, aligning external data investments with business priorities and analytical needs.
• Partner with business and Finance teams to define and manage the annual third-party data budget, aligning investments with business priorities and enterprise planning cycles.
• Identify and negotiate strategic partnerships with financial and alternative data providers, ensuring clear rights, value realization, and ongoing compliance.
• Track spend, value realization, and cost optimization opportunities across Fitch’s portfolio of external data sources.
• Define and enforce enterprise standards for data contracts, licensing, redistribution rights, and derivative data use.
• Partner with Procurement, Legal, InfoSec, and Data Governance to manage due diligence, data rights, and regulatory compliance (GDPR, DORA, etc.).
• Collaborate with the Data Marketplace team to ensure sourced data is discoverable, governed, and accessible to internal users.
• Advise senior stakeholders on emerging data opportunities, vendor landscapes, and spend optimization across Fitch.

You May be a Good Fit if:

• 10+ years of experience in data sourcing, vendor management, or financial data strategy.
• Strong understanding of financial market data (credit, fixed income, macroeconomic, ESG, or alternative datasets).
• Proven success negotiating and managing complex data contracts, including rights of use and redistribution.
• Deep understanding of data licensing models, data rights, and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across business, legal, and technology teams.
• Experience with data governance or catalog tools (e.g., Collibra, Starburst, Snowflake) is a plus.

Why Choose Fitch:

• Hybrid Work Environment: 2 to 3 days a week in office required based on your line of business and location.
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity.
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning, financial wellness and tuition reimbursement programs that empower you to achieve your short and long-term goals.
• Promoting Health & Wellness: Comprehensive healthcare offerings that prioritize a healthy body & mind.
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family-first policies, including a generous global parental leave plan, designed to help you balance career and family life effectively.
• Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days and support for community engagement initiatives.

Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch’s credibility and reputation, our employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interests or any appearance of a conflict of interest. Should you be successful in the recruitment process at Fitch Ratings you will be asked to declare any securities holdings and other potential conflicts prior to commencing employment. If you, or your immediate family, have any holdings that may conflict with your work responsibilities, you may be asked to divest yourself of them before beginning work.

Fitch is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.