Market Data Operations Analyst

Who is my client?

My client is a premier, technology-driven investment firm at the forefront of quantitative and systematic trading. They operate globally across all major financial markets, using advanced algorithms and a deep scientific approach to navigate complex challenges. Their culture is built on innovation, collaboration, and a relentless drive to leverage data and technology for success.

Your Mission: The Engine Room of Market Data

This is not a strategic, ivory-tower role. This is a hands-on, operational position where you will be the crucial link ensuring the firm’s lifeblood—market data—flows seamlessly and efficiently. You will be in the engine room, managing the vital systems and processes that power the firm’s trading and research activities. If you are an expert who enjoys the tangible, day-to-day management of market data and gets satisfaction from a job done meticulously, this role is for you.

A Day in the Life: What You’ll Do

• Own the Data Landscape: Be the primary owner of the market data inventory database, meticulously maintaining records of contracts, pricing, user entitlements, and departmental usage.
• Be the Vendor Guru: Serve as the first point of contact for key data vendors (e.g., Bloomberg, Refinitiv/LSEG, FactSet) and exchanges (e.g., LSE, NYSE, Nasdaq), building strong relationships to resolve daily queries and manage information requests.
• Ensure Market Compliance: Take charge of meeting strict regulatory obligations, including performing critical month-end reporting to exchanges and ensuring the firm is always audit-ready.
• Master Data Permissions: Utilize your expertise in permissioning systems like DACS and EMRS to manage user access controls and ensure compliance with complex data licensing agreements.
• Decipher Data for Decision-Making: Analyze large datasets, primarily in Excel, to track usage, control costs, and present clear, meaningful insights to the team.
• Guard the Bottom Line: Take responsibility for the accurate and timely processing, validation, and reconciliation of market data invoices.
• Drive Efficiency: Identify opportunities to improve processes and develop tooling to enhance the team’s operational efficiency.

Who We’re Looking For (The Perfect Fit)

We are seeking a pragmatic and detail-obsessed professional who thrives on operational excellence and enjoys being close to the core processes.

Essential Experience & Skills:

• 4-6 years of experience in a market data operations or analyst role, ideally within a hedge fund, proprietary trading firm, or investment bank. Strong candidates from major data vendors will also be considered.
• A proven track record in a hands-on role covering BAU (Business-As-Usual) tasks: contract management, license administration, vendor management, and invoice reconciliation.
• Direct, daily experience working with major financial data platforms (Bloomberg, Refinitiv, FactSet) and exchanges (LSE, NYSE, Nasdaq).
• Practical, working knowledge of market data permissioning systems, specifically DACS and/or EMRS.
• A solid understanding of non-display usage of data—how data feeds are used to power automated trading systems and analytics rather than just being displayed on a screen.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are non-negotiable. You must be proficient in analyzing and interpreting large datasets.
• Exceptional organizational skills, a process-oriented mindset, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Superb communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly to both technical and non-technical colleagues.

What Will Make You Stand Out:

• Experience with inventory management systems.
• A keen interest in developing scripts or simple tools to automate repetitive tasks (though deep programming is not required).

Why This Role?

• Impact: Play a critical, foundational role in a world-leading quantitative firm. Your work directly enables cutting-edge research and trading.
• Focus: This role is designed for an individual contributor who is an expert in their craft and wants to remain deeply involved in the operational details, not manage people.
• Growth: Join a collaborative global team where you can deepen your expertise in a high-stakes, stimulating environment that values precision and problem-solving.

Get in touch with Sarah Fan – sarah.fan@ashford-benjamin.com