Associate, Market Data Solutions (MDS) - Capital Markets Operations in London

The global Market Data Services team consists of three sub-groups (MDS Administration, MDS Solutions and MDS Compliance) who engage, strategise and support enterprise-wide businesses and stakeholders. This role in the MDS Solutions team is responsible for the sourcing, contract managing and optimising of market data for the firm. You will engage, strategise and support enterprise-wide businesses and stakeholders. You will also partner with technology and operations professionals providing expertise on market data service options, sources and suppliers. Your responsibilities span across technical and strategic functions, especially when it comes to risk mitigation, compliance, analytics, and large scale initiatives. This role requires 4 days in the office.

What will you do?

• Contract Management
  • Timely manage market data related contracts and negotiate optimal terms and fees, increasing savings and cost avoidance goals.
• Business Support
  • Provide market data solutions to all levels of business ranging from front office to back office.
  • Act as a subject matter expert on data entitlements, usage policies, vendor guidelines and industry standards.
  • Drive cost optimisation initiatives through vendor rationalisation, contract restructuring and usage audits.
  • Independently manage and execute project tasks with accountability for results.
• Supplier Management/Vendor Engagement
  • Manage market data supplier relationships and partnerships.
  • Engage with market data suppliers on a regular basis to review market data requirements, issues, changes, updates, etc.
  • Coordinate meetings and/or be an escalation point for market data suppliers.
  • Ensure all market data suppliers adhere to RBC supplier management standards and business continuity requirements; also ensure all documents and related internal systems are updated accordingly; can involve working with various internal groups (i.e., Legal, Finance, Functions, etc.).
• Product Research/Industry Intelligence
  • Seek out market data sources and solutions for RBC business requirements.
  • Research industry trends and provide guidance on alternative services or changes impacting market data.
  • Participate in industry forums and working groups.
  • Evaluate and review new market data products, providing recommendations on services or strategies for RBC Enterprise.
• Analytics/Reporting
  • Produce ad-hoc and recurring detailed reports and/or presentation decks with valued added commentary and analysis on market data spend, trends, and key updates.
  • Be able to create/implement tools to support MDS team.

What do you need to succeed?

Must Have:

• Understanding of market data types: Real-time, reference, pricing, index, alternative data, ESG, etc.
• Familiarity with market data vendors and data quality: Bloomberg, Refinitiv, ICE, S&P, Moody’s, etc.
• Procurement process knowledge: Familiarity with vendor selection and internal approval workflows.
• Data strategy development skills: Align data acquisition with business needs and strategic goals.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Problem solving capabilities: Demonstrate ownership and critical thinking resulting in practical solutions.
• Vendor relationship management skills: Handle escalations, regular business reviews and joint planning sessions; manage multiple vendor relationships simultaneously.
• Strategic contract negotiation skills: Ability to negotiate pricing, terms and termination clauses.
• BA degree/similar/equivalent or strong, proven experience in a relevant field.
• Previous financial institution or equivalent vendor-side experience.

Nice-to-have:

• Project Management Experience: Leading cross-functional teams delivering results.
• Technology Implementation Experience: Deploying systems and driving digital transformation.
• Extensive knowledge of market data vendors and products (i.e., Bloomberg, Refinitiv, ICE, S&P, Moody’s, etc.).
• Proficiency with inventory management tools: Proficiency in platforms like MDSL/Calero, TRG FITS or internal tooling.
• Ability to optimise initiatives: Rationalise inventory and reduce redundancy.
• Experience with licensing and usage rights: Awareness of data entitlements and distribution rules.
• Experience working for a major financial institution or large buy/sell-side firm.
• Proficient in reporting and analysis: Track spend, usage, and contracts; produce dashboards and executive level summaries.
• High level understanding of BI tools (Tableau, QlikView, etc.).

What is in it for you?

We thrive on the challenge to be our best - progressive thinking to keep growing and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual. A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses, flexible benefits and competitive compensation. Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities. Opportunities to work with the best in the field. Ability to make a difference and lasting impact. Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team. A world-class training program in financial services.