Head of AI Labs Data Acquisition

Head of AI Labs Data Acquisition

Full-Time 99000 - 121000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Nomura

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design and development of our enterprise-grade Data Lake platform.
  • Company: Join Nomura, a global financial services leader with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome all applicants.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of data acquisition in AI Labs and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Experienced Java Software Engineer with strong leadership and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 99000 - 121000 £ per year.

Nomura is a global financial services group with an integrated network spanning approximately 30 countries and regions. By connecting markets East & West, Nomura services the needs of individuals, institutions, corporates and governments through its three business divisions: Wealth Management, Investment Management, and Wholesale (Global Markets and Investment Banking). Founded in 1925, the firm is built on a tradition of disciplined entrepreneurship, serving clients with creative solutions and considered thought leadership.

Data Services is a critical function responsible for delivering comprehensive global data solutions across the Wholesale Division. Operating through a globally distributed model, the team provides essential market and reference data capabilities that underpin the organization's core operations and strategic initiatives.

The team structure comprises highly skilled Data Engineers and Product Owners, complemented by dedicated Project Management professionals. These project managers hold responsibility for executing and delivering complex, high-impact initiatives across the division, ensuring alignment with business objectives and technological capabilities.

Working in close collaboration with Global Markets Business, Risk, Finance, and Operations change teams, Data Services maintains strategic partnerships across the organization. The team's effectiveness is built upon strong stakeholder relationships and executive sponsorship within the business lines. Additionally, the function maintains robust partnerships with both internal and external technology partners, ensuring the delivery of cutting-edge data solutions that meet evolving business requirements.

This position is for a technical lead for data acquisition within the AI Labs/Data Lake team. We are seeking a Lead Java Software Engineer to join our Wholesale Data and Operations Technology team. This position will serve as the technical leader for data acquisition processes and will be instrumental in shaping the architecture, implementation, and ongoing evolution of our comprehensive AI Labs/Data Lake platform. This role demands a seasoned professional who can seamlessly blend hands-on technical expertise with strategic leadership capabilities to deliver robust, scalable data solutions that support our organization's analytical and operational requirements.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the end-to-end design, development, and maintenance of our enterprise-grade Data Lake platform, with particular emphasis on optimizing data ingestion workflows and acquisition methodologies.
  • Collaborate closely across various business lines to understand business requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
  • Build and enhance sophisticated data quality tooling and frameworks to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of data throughout the acquisition pipeline.
  • Architect and implement comprehensive data validation mechanisms, automated quality monitoring systems, and remediation processes that maintain the highest standards of data excellence.
  • Drive technical initiatives that ensure our data infrastructure remains at the forefront of industry best practices while maintaining the highest standards of performance, reliability, and security.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to translate complex business requirements into scalable technical solutions.
  • Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior team members while establishing architectural standards that guide development efforts.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend strategic improvements to enhance data acquisition capabilities and overall platform performance.
  • Develop innovative approaches to data profiling, anomaly detection, and quality metrics reporting that provide stakeholders with comprehensive visibility into data health and lineage.
  • Establish and maintain documentation standards, best practices, and governance frameworks for data acquisition and quality assurance processes.
  • Lead architectural discussions and technical design decisions.

Skills, experience, qualifications and knowledge required:

  • Experienced Java Software Engineer with extensive professional development experience and a proven track record of delivering enterprise-level solutions.
  • Technical leader with the ability to execute, hands-on technical skills, and the ability to lead a small technical team.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills.
  • Extensive expertise in architecting and developing enterprise-level, highly scalable, and fault-tolerant distributed systems with proven performance in mission-critical environments.
  • Advanced proficiency in Java ecosystem technologies including Spring Framework, Spring Boot, Hibernate, JPA, and microservices architecture patterns, with demonstrated experience in RESTful API design and implementation.
  • Experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS) or alternative cloud platforms.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of market data processing workflows across one or more asset classes including Fixed Income securities, Equity markets, and Foreign Exchange (FX) instruments.
  • Hands-on experience integrating and optimizing market data feeds from multiple third-party vendor APIs, with understanding of data normalization and transformation requirements.
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities with a proven track record of mentoring and developing junior engineers, fostering technical growth, and knowledge transfer within development teams.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to create comprehensive technical documentation, present complex concepts to diverse stakeholders, and facilitate cross-functional collaboration.
  • Familiarity with GitLab or GitStash, gitflow, Jenkins, Ansible, CI/CD.

Desirable Skills:

  • KDB
  • Python
  • AWS
  • Fixed Income Products / investment banking experience.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Nomura is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to ensuring we best reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. We welcome all applications and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity and gender expression, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments due to a disability or long-term health condition, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Head of AI Labs Data Acquisition employer: Nomura

Nomura in Greater London is an exceptional employer that prioritises client service excellence and fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and development, alongside competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. Working in the heart of London, team members enjoy access to a vibrant city life while contributing to impactful financial operations.

Nomura

Contact Details:

Nomura Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of AI Labs Data Acquisition

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 Nomura. 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 AI Labs Data Acquisition

Java Software Engineering
Spring Framework
Spring Boot
Hibernate
JPA
Microservices Architecture
RESTful API Design

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 Nomura.

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 Nomura'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 Nomura

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 Nomura.

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 Nomura 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 Nomura 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.