Market Data Operations Specialist. in London

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Strategic Data Management Specialist to join our Global Data Operations function in London, to cover the EMEA region. This role is critical in overseeing the relationships with our external vendors, and liaison with Investment professionals and Business Management to ensure data needs are met. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of the Investment process particularly with regards to equity markets and a robust background in vendor management, operations, finance, and process optimization. Broad Market Data product knowledge is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Vendor Management:

• Vendor Relationship Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with key vendors, including market data providers, exchanges, trading platforms, and technology service providers.
• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate contracts and service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure the best terms and conditions for the firm.
• Performance Management: Manage vendor performance against SLAs and KPIs, seeking continuous improvement, ensuring compliance and addressing any issues or discrepancies.
• Cost Management: Manage vendor-related expenses, seeking opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with vendor relationships, ensuring business continuity and compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Data Governance: Develop and implement data governance policies and procedures to ensure data quality, consistency, and security.
• Data Quality Assurance: Implement data quality assurance processes to monitor and improve data accuracy and completeness.
• Data Analytics: Collaborate with the analytics team to ensure the availability of high-quality data for analysis and decision-making associated to data vendors.
• Technology Implementation: Contribute to the development and implementation of data management technologies and tools to enhance data processing and storage capabilities for data sets managed.

• Investment Team Liaison: Quickly establish credibility and trust with Investment Teams and serve as a valued partner in ensuring that data requirements are met.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamline operations processes to enhance efficiency and reduce operational risk.
• Workflow Management: Oversee daily vendor operational workflows, ensuring smooth execution and timely resolution of any issues.
• Compliance: Ensure all vendor related operational activities comply with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Product Knowledge: Utilize in-depth knowledge of hedge fund strategies (e.g., equities, fixed income, commodities, quant services) and the Data ecosystem to support operational processes and decision-making.

• Budgeting and Forecasting: Assist in budgeting and financial forecasting for vendor-related expenses.
• Financial Reporting: Collaborate with the finance team to provide accurate and timely financial reports related to associated vendor expenses.
• Cost Analysis: Conduct cost-benefit analyses to evaluate vendor services and operational initiatives with business lines across the firm (Equities, Fixed Income, Commodities, etc.).
• Cost Allocations: Work closely with finance to ensure vendor services have proper allocation methodologies, inventory/users.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a numerate discipline. A Master’s degree in Business, Analytics or relevant certifications (e.g., CFA, CAIA, FRM) is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in hedge fund operations, finance, vendor management, data management, and client relationship management.
• Skills: Strong understanding of the investment process, hedge fund operations, finance, and the financial services industry. Proven experience in managing vendor relationships and negotiating contracts. Expertise in data governance, data integration, and data quality assurance. Proficiency in data management tools and technologies. In-depth knowledge of hedge fund products such as equities, fixed income, and derivatives. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.