Director/SVP Data Management

Overview

A newly established leadership role within a $20 billion asset management firm headquartered in Southern California offers the chance to architect and lead a comprehensive data management function from the ground up. This position demands a hands-on data executive fluent in both business and technology, with deep expertise in credit and fixed income data, ready to build governance, stewardship, and modernization initiatives that directly influence investment operations and risk management. Reporting to the global head of valuation and analytics, this role provides direct access to senior leadership and the opportunity to shape enterprise-wide data strategy in a complex financial services environment.

Title: Director/SVP Data Management
Industry: Investment Management
Location: Greater Los Angeles

Responsibilities

• Design and implement the structure and operational framework for a centralized data management team, including recruitment and development of data stewards, analysts, and senior contributors across multiple data domains.
• Establish and enforce enterprise-wide data governance policies, defining ownership, lineage, quality standards, and audit controls to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Lead the firm’s multi-year Data Modernization program by collaborating with external consultants to define scope, develop strategic roadmaps, and oversee execution while building internal capabilities for sustained success.
• Develop and maintain data quality metrics, dashboards, and exception management processes that span front, middle, and back office systems, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement.
• Manage relationships with key data vendors and providers to secure high-quality, cost-effective data feeds supporting credit instruments, structured products, and investor reporting.
• Serve as the primary liaison for data-related matters across Investments, Risk, Compliance, Marketing, and Investor Relations, translating complex data concepts for executive and board-level audiences.
• Champion the adoption of automation and AI-driven data management tools to enhance operational efficiency and analytical capabilities within the firm.

Qualifications

• Must-Have:
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in data management, governance, and architecture within financial services, preferably asset management or private equity.
  • Proven track record of building and scaling data functions from inception, including team design, hiring, and culture development.
  • Hands-on expertise with cloud-based data platforms such as Snowflake or Databricks, including data warehousing, ETL/ELT processes, and metadata management.
  • Deep knowledge of credit and fixed income data domains, including security master data, transactional data, and structured credit instruments.
  • Advanced SQL skills and proficiency in scripting languages like Python; experience integrating data programmatically via APIs (REST/SOAP).
  • Experience leading large-scale data modernization initiatives in partnership with external consultancies.
  • Strong executive communication skills with the ability to engage senior leadership and investment professionals effectively.
  • Willingness to work on-site in Southern California with occasional travel to New York.
• Nice-to-Have:
  • Familiarity with portfolio management systems such as Charles River or Aladdin and their data integration requirements.
  • Experience with BI and visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI to build enterprise reporting frameworks.
  • Knowledge of data governance platforms such as Collibra or Informatica.
  • Understanding of regulatory frameworks including SEC, FINRA, GDPR, and CCPA compliance.
  • Advanced degree in Finance, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related fields.