Vice President, Market Data Services

BlackRock•New York, NY

3d•$140,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Index & Data Solutions (IDS) team is responsible for the firm's index and market data strategy and the ongoing management of relationships with market data, index, pricing, ratings, and alternative data providers. IDS delivers the industry expertise, strategic partnerships, and timely execution of solutions essential to the firm's growth. We source market data and index solutions across the organization, govern market data spend, drive vendor risk management programs, and act as data stewards to help ensure compliance throughout the data lifecycle. Our team partners closely with investment teams, Private Markets, Infrastructure, technology, legal, procurement, risk, and operational stakeholders to provide the right data solutions while optimizing commercial outcomes and managing risk. We are seeking a Vice President, Market Data Services – Relationship Manager to join the Relationship Management team. Working in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment, the individual will act as a trusted partner to business stakeholders, supporting the evolving data needs of investment teams across multiple asset classes and regions, leading provider engagements, negotiating complex commercial agreements, and helping shape the firm's evolving data strategy.The successful candidate will combine commercial expertise, relationship management, contract negotiation, market intelligence, and strategic sourcing capabilities to deliver value across a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. The Index & Data Solutions (IDS) team provides relationship management, operations management, and vendor risk management for all index and market data services used across the firm. The team is organized into three core functions: Relationship Management Responsible for partnering with business stakeholders to align market data and index strategies with business objectives, while managing commercial relationships with strategic providers and identifying opportunities to optimize value and service delivery. Operations Management Responsible for onboarding and access requests, contract administration, chargeback reporting, invoice processing, governance support, and day-to-day service management. Vendor Risk Management Responsible for vendor due diligence, ongoing oversight, and risk mitigation activities to ensure providers deliver services in line with firm expectations and governance requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Law, or a related discipline; advanced degree or legal background is advantageous.
7-10+ years of experience in financial services, market data, data licensing, provider relationship management, procurement, or related commercial functions.
Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing complex market data, index licensing, or technology agreements.
Strong understanding of investment management, public markets, Private Markets, and Infrastructure investment businesses.
Knowledge of market data products, services, commercial licensing models, and provider ecosystems.
Experience partnering with Legal, Procurement, Compliance, Risk, and senior business stakeholders.
Understanding of vendor governance, third-party risk management, and regulatory considerations relating to market data usage.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership.
Excellent commercial negotiation and relationship management skills.
Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to evaluate information from multiple sources and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
Deep knowledge of market data products, services, commercial models, and licensing frameworks.
Ability to work autonomously while building strong partnerships internally and externally.
Strong understanding of financial markets, investments, and data-driven investment processes.
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Ability to simplify complex contractual, regulatory, and business issues.
Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.
A proactive, collaborative, and intellectually curious approach with a focus on continuous improvement and execution excellence.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of AI use cases, data governance, and data licensing implications is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor to investment teams, Private Markets, Infrastructure, and other business stakeholders on market data, index solutions, and data strategy.
Develop strong internal partnerships across the organization to execute effective sourcing and negotiation strategies.
Build and manage strategic relationships with market data, index, pricing, ratings, and alternative data providers.
Lead negotiations of complex commercial agreements in partnership with Legal and business stakeholders, securing favorable commercial terms while mitigating risk to the firm.
Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives through market analysis, supplier consolidation, demand management, and process improvement opportunities.
Interpret and communicate contractual rights, obligations, usage permissions, and compliance requirements to stakeholders across varying levels of seniority.
Work with business partners to support new investment capabilities, product launches, and evolving data requirements.
Drive commercial value by identifying opportunities to optimize market data expenditure, improve transparency, and enhance service delivery.
Hold providers accountable for contractual commitments, operational performance, service quality, and escalation management.
Manage contract lifecycle activities, including contract renewals.
Assist with the maintenance of accurate vendor, contract, and renewal records, ensuring key commercial terms, governance requirements, approvals, risk assessments, budget information, and supporting documentation are tracked and managed throughout the supplier lifecycle
Monitor industry developments, regulatory changes, AI-related developments, and emerging market data business models, communicating impacts and opportunities to stakeholders.
Develop presentations and strategic analyses to support senior management decision-making.
Partner with Vendor Risk Management and Governance teams to ensure appropriate provider oversight and compliance throughout the relationship lifecycle.
Support and lead strategic sourcing plans that deliver operational efficiencies while maintaining the highest levels of service quality.
Develop strong and influential partnerships across investment teams and corporate functions.
Lead negotiations that balance commercial value, operational efficiency, and risk management.
Shape data strategy for investment platforms, Private Markets, and Infrastructure businesses.
Identify and execute strategic sourcing opportunities that create measurable business value.
Build and strengthen relationships with some of the industry's most strategic data and index providers.
Bring market intelligence and industry expertise to business leaders and strategic initiatives.
Influence senior stakeholders and provider executives on commercial, operational, and strategic matters.
Contribute to the firm's approach to market data governance, compliance, and innovation.