Director - Head of Data Shared Services

About this role

This role sits within Preqin, a part of BlackRock. Preqin plays a key role in how we are revolutionizing private markets data and technology for clients globally, complementing our existing Aladdin technology platform to deliver investment solutions for the whole portfolio.

The Team:

Data is core to Preqin’s industry offerings, and the data management team delivers accurate, timely and complete data enhancing the value of our award-winning offerings. The trust in our underlying content enables our clients to make key investment decisions.

Besides collecting content, the data management team collaborates extensively with our internal and external clients to improvise our offerings leveraging technology and subject matter expertise. The team understands the life cycle of data and establishes business intelligence reports seeking operational excellence.

Role Overview:

This is a leadership role based in one of our main locations, Singapore, and will form a core part of the Data & Research Management team. The individual is responsible for aiding in the future growth and development of the team’s internal and external services as well as assisting with the ongoing development of the team leaders and team members. This is achieved through operational excellence and clear day-to-day maintenance of the dataset & content, including core business-as-usual (BAU) tasks and going above and beyond to collaborate, innovate and execute on relevant ad-hoc projects to improve the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of data. One of the core responsibilities revolve around people management with an aim to create a high performing team. Collaboration with the Business Units and understanding client requirements will be key to achieve the above.

The data management team is responsible for acquisition and collection of key public and private data that fuels Preqin’s online databases and products. The individual has the opportunity to contribute to the future proofing of Preqin’s data operations by analyzing content that is locally collected vis-à-vis collected through vendors to improve overall quality and time to market.  The department lead will assist in the team members developing holistic domain and market knowledge resulting in the team contributing to organisational strategy around data management workflow tools, systems and processes for the future.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure Preqin’s data collected by the team is of high quality, meets client expectations and is world class in terms of its breadth and depth
• Managing day to day data operations with an aim to create and further operational excellence
• Creating business optimization opportunities through understanding data workflows 
• Lead the day-to-day development of the team, ensuring that training is well-executed, protocols are followed, and the team remains engaged and motivated
• Manage vendor operations for the dataset including training and performance management
• Drive data quality (DQ) remediation initiatives by conducting root cause analysis, and impact assessment of changes when there are data quality problems
• Troubleshoot escalated data quality incidents, collaborating with regional stakeholders and/or global BUs as needed and represent and own data to our clients.
• Assist in the communication of KPI reporting requirements for the team to relevant stakeholders to ensure reporting processes, including automated solutions, are accurate and updated in a timely manner when development is required
• Create and Implement data driven innovation (adhoc projects) of products and processes to ensure the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the dataset remain best in class
• Adhere to, and promoting, the business definitions and documenting transformations of data through data flows
• Drive strategic initiatives, analyses and put together reports internally for senior management
• Research and recommend data sourcing and data extraction methodologies available in industry with an aim to improve core data offerings
• Collaborate across department levels to identify further opportunities to improve the core tenet of data services
• Demonstrate subject matter expert (SME) for the dataset, supporting internal (including sales teams) and external (including clients) stakeholders in gaining an understanding of internal processes concerning data management
• Provide support to Research Insights, Product & Marketing Groups, etc., to ensure all related publications and content are delivered according to guidelines and deadlines
• Identify areas of improvement for data management organization globally
• Hiring and Performance Management of the department
• Uphold and encourage adoption of Preqin’s company values and company policies

Key Requirements:

• At least 10  years of relevant working experience in data/financial data services/alternative assets required
• Proven ability to pick up domain knowledge relevant to data and financial markets
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in leading leaders and managing large operations
• Understanding of data lifecycle management from acquisition to data publishing is a must
• Proven track record in performance management and creating a high performing team
• Has proven people and project management experience including remote management of teams
• Clear track record of excellent operational management abilities in a data organization - exhibiting persistence, patience, and a keen eye for detail within a well-respected data company 
• Hands on, motivational and entrepreneurial leader with the demonstrated professionalism to lead the internal team and representing the team internally and externally
• Ability to think critically and strategically on ways of further developing and building out data
• Ability to introduce change management in data as appropriate introducing technology and processes
• Strong time management and prioritization skills  
• Demonstrated communications skills with experience working with high level executives.
• Business fluency in English is required.
• Education level – Bachelors’ Degree is a minimum.
• Knowledge of business intelligence systems such Power BI/Metabase, etc as a consumer to direct teams on valuable reports is a must.
• Candidates with the right to work will be prioritised.

Desired Experience:

• Experience in leading leaders and mid/large sized team (>40) people preferred
• Organisational design skills are key in order to work with senior management on strategic initiatives
• Experience of working with engineering teams to improve workflows is preferred
• Relevant project experience with outsourcing partners preferred
• Experience in working across cultures and locations and/or in a remote management setup preferred
• Change Management experience supporting global transitions preferred
• Project Management Certification or Technical knowledge (SQL/Python) is a plus
• Prior experience working in or knowledge of the alternative assets industry or Prior expertise within Data Management in financial services preferred
• Experience with various workflow tools such as Alteryx, Salesforce, Outreach, Jira, Office 365, etc.

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, family status, gender identity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected attributes at law.