At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the market data strategy and optimise vendor relationships in a fast-paced trading environment.
- Company: A top-tier proprietary trading firm at the forefront of global financial markets.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary, substantial bonuses, comprehensive benefits, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of market data and make a real impact on trading strategies.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in Market Data Management with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Market Data to join a highly successful proprietary trading firm at the forefront of global financial markets.
This is a pivotal leadership role offering the opportunity to shape the firm's market data strategy, commercial direction and governance framework, ensuring the business has access to the data it needs to support trading, research and continued growth.
Working closely with senior leaders across Trading, Technology, Legal, Compliance and Finance, you'll lead the firm's market data function, taking ownership of vendor relationships, commercial negotiations, licensing, governance, cost optimisation and the evaluation of new data sources.
This position offers significant visibility across the organisation, genuine strategic influence and the opportunity to make a measurable impact within a fast-paced, technology-led trading environment.
It is accompanied by a highly competitive remuneration package, including an excellent base salary, discretionary bonus and market-leading benefits.
The Role
Reporting into senior leadership, you will define and execute the firm's market data strategy, ensuring it evolves alongside the business and supports discretionary trading, quantitative research, systematic strategies and market making.
You will drive best practice across market data governance, licensing compliance, vendor management and operational excellence, while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency through automation, AI and emerging technologies.
As the firm's market data expert, you will provide strategic guidance across the organisation, partnering with business and technology stakeholders to deliver commercially effective, scalable and compliant market data solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the firm's market data strategy, aligning data capabilities with business objectives and future growth.
- Lead commercial relationships with exchanges, vendors and market data providers, negotiating licensing agreements, commercial terms and renewals.
- Own the market data budget, identifying opportunities to optimise costs while maintaining high-quality data services.
- Ensure compliance with exchange licensing obligations, contractual commitments and regulatory requirements.
- Drive continuous improvements across governance, reporting, inventory management and operational processes.
- Partner with Technology teams to automate workflows and enhance market data management capabilities.
- Identify, assess and procure both traditional and alternative data sources to support trading, research and quantitative strategies.
- Act as the firm's subject matter expert for all market data matters, advising stakeholders across Trading, Technology, Legal, Compliance and Finance.
- Monitor industry developments, exchange policy changes and emerging technologies to ensure the firm's market data capability remains best in class.
About You
You'll bring 7+ years experience within Market Data Management, Market Data Licensing or Vendor Management gained within a proprietary trading firm, hedge fund, investment bank, exchange, financial technology business, market data vendor or consultancy.
You'll possess an in-depth understanding of market data licensing models, exchange policies and commercial agreements, together with a proven track record of negotiating complex contracts with leading global vendors and exchanges such as Bloomberg, LSEG (Refinitiv), ICE, CME or similar organisations.
You'll have experience building, developing or transforming a market data function, improving governance frameworks and operational processes, while partnering effectively with both business and technology stakeholders.
Experience with market data inventory platforms such as TRG Screen, Alveo or similar solutions would be advantageous, as would exposure to AI-driven technologies and automation used to improve market data operations and reporting.
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial judgement.
- Outstanding negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to influence senior business leaders across multiple functions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Comfortable operating autonomously within a fast-paced trading environment.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and Power Point.
- Passion for leveraging AI and emerging technologies to improve efficiency and innovation.
- What's on Offer
- An influential leadership role within one of the industry's most respected proprietary trading firms.
- The opportunity to shape and lead the firm's market data strategy.
- Exposure to senior decision-makers and highly sophisticated trading teams.
- A collaborative, technology-driven environment where innovation is encouraged.
- An excellent remuneration package comprising a highly competitive base salary, substantial discretionary bonus and comprehensive benefits.
- Hybrid working (4 days in the London office).
- Outstanding long-term career progression and the opportunity to make a genuine impact.
Head of Market Data in London employer: MW Recruitment Limited
As a leading City-based bank, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that empowers our employees to thrive. Our Compliance Advisory team plays a crucial role in ensuring regulatory adherence while supporting the business's commercial objectives, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, we provide our employees with the tools and resources they need to succeed in a fast-paced Capital Markets setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Market Data in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like MW Recruitment Limited. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Market Data in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to MW Recruitment Limited.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on MW Recruitment Limited's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MW Recruitment Limited
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with MW Recruitment Limited.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at MW Recruitment Limited will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former MW Recruitment Limited employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
