Data Office Lead

About MerQube

MerQube is a cutting-edge fintech firm, specializing in the development of advanced technology for indexing and rules-based investing. We offer innovative solutions for designing and calculating complex, rules-based strategies. Founded in 2019 by a team of index industry veterans and technology experts, MerQube provides a tech-focused alternative in the indexing space, with offices in New York and San Francisco.

MerQube designs and calculates a wide variety of indices, including thematic, ESG, QIS, and delta one strategies, spanning multiple asset classes such as equities, futures, and options. Leveraging cloud-based architecture and advanced index-tracking technology, our platform enables clients to bring new ideas to market swiftly and efficiently.

As part of our three-year strategy, we are establishing a dedicated Data Office to manage, govern, and monetize our data assets. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Data Office Lead to spearhead this initiative.

Position Overview

The Data Office Lead will be responsible for establishing and leading the Data Office at MerQube, reporting to the Head of Operations, Programme Management, and Compliance.

The role involves designing and implementing a comprehensive data governance framework, improving data quality, enhancing vendor management practices, optimizing data costs and supporting the creation of monetizable data products.

This is a hands-on leadership position that requires deep involvement in data strategy execution, stakeholder management, and process improvement. The successful candidate will work closely with data engineers, Product Management, and the Index Operations team to drive data transformation efforts. They must thrive in a fast-paced environment, balancing immediate execution with medium- and long-term improvements to data practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and oversee a company-wide data governance and data vendor management framework.
• Ensure data standards are appropriate for MerQube’s size and complexity, updating them as needed to align with business growth.
• Oversee data accuracy, consistency, security, and compliance across all business units.
• Implement data quality management systems to ensure reliable data throughout its lifecycle.
• Implement solutions to monitor vendor performance, master vendor contracts and work closely with vendors to ensure compliance with SLAs and renegotiate terms to optimize costs, where necessary.
• Ensure that data licensing is obtained for different use cases, working closely with legal and vendor management teams.
• Track and analyze data costs, working with data stakeholders to implement cost optimization strategies.
• Collaborate with data engineers and other stakeholders to ensure data is managed efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Support the development of competitive, marketable data products and services in partnership with Product Management and other teams.
• Ensure alignment between the data strategy and business objectives through close collaboration with data stakeholders.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings and workshops to promote transparency and collaboration on data initiatives.

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience in a data leadership and market data management role, ideally in a financial services or technology environment.
• Expertise in data governance, data quality, data management processes, including relevant tools.
• Hands-on experience with data lifecycle management, vendor contract management, and third-party oversight.
• Expertise financial services data (indices, market data).
• Experience in vendor management and optimizing third-party relationships.
• Ability to design and scale data standards in line with company growth.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence internal and external partners.
• Ability to perform under pressure while maintaining strategic focus on data transformation.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Who You Are

• Kind: You operate with courage, show empathy, and instill trust through honesty and integrity
• Smart: You are able to solve problems through action, make high-quality decisions, and think with a strategic mindset
• Creative: You gracefully manage ambiguity, cultivate innovation, and demonstrate an insatiable desire to learn

We believe in creating and preserving an environment of collaboration and growth for all team members, and take steps every day to promote inclusivity, wellness, and fun. With these commitments in mind, we are proud to offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Stellar full-time benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and more
• Flexible working arrangements, including opportunities to work remotely
• Community-first environment (we want your colleagues to be your friends!)
• Focus on health, wellness, and work-life balance
• Opportunities to learn, develop, and grow
• PTO, holiday, and sick time

Our Commitment to Diversity

At MerQube, we are dedicated to fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented environment for all team members. We prioritize wellness, work-life balance, and offer flexible working arrangements. We celebrate diversity and welcome team members from all backgrounds and experiences.

MerQube is an equal opportunity employer, and better for it! We proudly embrace and celebrate the vast dimensions of diversity that enrich our team and are firmly devoted to ensuring an environment of inclusivity and opportunity for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, military status, or any other non-merit factor.