Job Title: Executive Director – Wholesale Data Lake
Corporate Title: Executive Director
Department: Wholesale Data Technology
Location: London
Department Overview
Data Services is a critical function responsible for delivering comprehensive global data solutions across the Wholesale Division. Operating through a globally distributed model, the team provides essential market and reference data capabilities that underpin the organization’s core operations and strategic initiatives.
The team structure comprises highly skilled Data Engineers and Product Owners, complemented by dedicated Project Management professionals. These project managers hold responsibility for executing and delivering complex, high-impact initiatives across the division, ensuring alignment with business objectives and technological capabilities.
Working in close collaboration with Global Markets Business, Risk, Finance, and Operations change teams, Data Services maintains strategic partnerships across the organization. The team’s effectiveness is built upon strong stakeholder relationships and executive sponsorship within the business lines. Additionally, the function maintains robust partnerships with both internal and external technology partners, ensuring the delivery of cutting‑edge data solutions that meet evolving business requirements.
This collaborative approach, combined with technical expertise and strategic vision, enables Data Services to deliver innovative solutions while maintaining operational excellence across the global enterprise.
Role Overview
The role is for an Executive Director to lead our Enterprise Data Lake initiative, reporting directly to the Global Head of Wholesale Data Technology. This executive‑level position represents a transformational leadership opportunity to drive the strategic vision and implementation of a data lake platform that will serve our Global Markets business lines worldwide. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing the technical direction, organizational strategy, and operational excellence required to deliver a cutting‑edge data infrastructure that positions our organization at the forefront of financial services technology.
As Executive Director of Enterprise Data Lake, you will serve as the senior executive responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and implementing a comprehensive data lake solution that meets the evolving needs of our Global Markets business. This role demands a visionary leader who can seamlessly integrate strategic business acumen with deep technical expertise to deliver transformational data capabilities across multiple business lines, geographic regions, and regulatory environments. You will lead a global team of data engineers, and technical specialists while collaborating closely with senior stakeholders across the organization to ensure alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities
- Define and execute the strategic vision and technical roadmap for the Enterprise Data Lake, ensuring alignment with Global Markets business objectives and long‑term organisational goals
- Lead cross‑functional collaboration with Global Markets business lines to identify requirements, design solutions, and implement data lake capabilities that drive competitive advantage and operational efficiency
- Establish and oversee the technical direction and architectural standards for the global data lake platform, ensuring scalability, security, and regulatory compliance across all jurisdictions
- Build, mentor, and lead a high‑performing global team of data engineers, and technical specialists, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence
- Drive the development and implementation of comprehensive data governance frameworks, quality standards, and operational procedures that ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance
- Partner with senior executives, business leaders, and technology stakeholders to translate complex business requirements into scalable technical solutions and strategic initiatives
- Oversee budget planning, resource allocation, and vendor management for all Enterprise Data Lake initiatives, ensuring optimal return on investment and cost efficiency
- Establish key performance indicators, success metrics, and reporting frameworks to measure platform performance, business impact, and strategic value delivery
- Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of technologies and platforms that enhance data lake capabilities and maintain competitive positioning
- Ensure robust risk management, security protocols, and disaster recovery capabilities are embedded throughout the data lake infrastructure
- Lead strategic vendor partnerships and procurement processes for enterprise data lake technologies, managing complex negotiations, pricing strategies, and contract terms to ensure optimal cost‑efficiency and competitive positioning while maintaining alignment with organisational standards and regulatory requirements
- Establish and oversee comprehensive vendor management frameworks for all Enterprise Data Lake initiatives, including strategic technology partnerships, service level agreements, and performance monitoring to drive innovation, ensure delivery excellence, and maximise return on investment across the global data platform ecosystem
Skills, Experience, Qualifications and Knowledge Required
- Executive Director level equivalent progressive leadership experience in financial services technology, with experience in senior executive roles focused on enterprise data platforms and analytics
- Proven track record of successfully designing, building, and implementing large‑scale enterprise data lakes specifically for Global Markets or Investment Banking environments
- Deep expertise in modern data lake technologies, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and big data ecosystems including Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, and related technologies
- Comprehensive understanding of Global Markets business operations, including Fixed Income, Equities, FX, Commodities, and Derivatives trading workflows and data requirements
- Demonstrated success in leading large, geographically distributed technical teams and managing complex, multi‑year technology transformation programmes
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management, P&L responsibility, and demonstrating ROI for large‑scale technology investments
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence a diverse stakeholder group
- Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Finance, or related field; MBA or equivalent business qualification preferred
- Proven ability to drive organisational change, establish new operating models, and build consensus across complex matrix organisations
- Experience with vendor management, strategic partnerships, and technology procurement processes for enterprise‑scale implementations
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