Manager, Business Analysis, Reference Data

Job Purpose

The role of Manager, Business Analysis within Reference Data Operations is a pivotal leadership position responsible for driving strategic initiatives and operational excellence in the management and analysis of enterprise reference data. This position demands a seasoned leader possessing a rare blend of analytical rigor, business acumen, and deep understanding of data governance and operations within the financial or data-intensive industries. The Manager will serve as a bridge between business stakeholders, technology teams, operational staff and product teams, ensuring that business requirements are accurately captured, interpreted, and delivered through robust data management and innovative data integration solutions.

The Manager, Business Analysis, Reference Data Operations will interact with and assist a diverse team of business analysts and data specialists, manage large-scale projects, and ensure the integrity, accuracy, and accessibility of reference data across the organization. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a strategic vision, exceptional communication skills, strong automation and innovation skills and a demonstrated history of driving process improvements in data-rich environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead Business Analysis Initiatives: Direct and prioritize the activities of the business analysis team to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and project timelines.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary liaison between business units, technology teams, data operations and product teams, facilitating clear communication and efficient resolution of business needs.
• Requirements Gathering & Documentation: Oversee the comprehensive collection, validation, and documentation of business and functional requirements for reference data projects.
• Data Governance & Quality: Advocate and implement reference data governance frameworks to guarantee data integrity, compliance, and consistency across platforms.
• Process Improvement: Identify inefficiencies in current data operations processes and lead cross-functional initiatives to optimize workflows and increase automation where possible.
• Project Management: Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and budget-conscious delivery of milestones and deliverables.
• Team Leadership & Development: Mentor, coach, and develop business analysts and data specialists, fostering a culture of continuous learning and high performance.
• Change Management: Lead organizational change initiatives related to data Integration, ensuring successful adoption of new processes, tools, and technologies.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to data accuracy, accessibility, and regulatory compliance.
• Reporting & Analytics: Deliver actionable insights through the design and interpretation of management reports, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Vendor & Third-Party Management: work closely with vendors and third parties on board and integrate their data on a timely and efficient basis.

Knowledge and Experience

• Education: Bachelors degree in business administration, Finance, Economics, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field. An advanced degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent) is highly desirable.
• Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in business analysis, reference data management, or data operations in financial services, asset management, or a similar sector.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in data management tools, SQL and data modeling. Proven experience with python on the daily work cycle to improve and automate data integration projects.
• Project Management: Proven track record managing large-scale, cross-functional data projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Analytical Skills: Advanced analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to interpret complex data sets and present findings to business leaders.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Leadership: Proven ability to inspire, develop, and lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Change Management: Experience implementing change and driving user adoption of new systems or processes.
• Vendor Management: Experience managing relationships with data vendors or third-party service providers.
• Tools & Platforms: Experience with data visualization tools (such as Tableau or Power BI), workflow management solutions, and enterprise data management platforms.

Preferred Knowledge and Experience

• Certifications: Professional certification in Business Analysis, Data Management, or Project Management.
• Industry Experience: Direct experience in investment banking, asset management, or securities operations.
• Technology Acumen: Experience with cloud data platforms (AWS, Azure), data lakes, and advanced analytics solutions.

Key Competencies and Attributes

• Strategic Thinking: Sees the "big picture" and translates vision into actionable business and data strategies.
• Problem Solving: Tackles complex challenges with methodical, data-driven approaches and innovative thinking.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and thoroughness in data analysis, documentation, and process design.
• Resilience: Remains effective under pressure and adapts quickly to evolving priorities and constraints.
• Collaboration: Builds strong relationships across business and technology teams, promoting a culture of partnership and shared success.
• Ethics and Integrity: Adheres to the highest standards of professional conduct, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.
• Customer Focus: Anticipates internal and external client needs and delivers solutions that drive business value.