About This Role
The Index and Data Solutions (IDS) team provides relationship management, operations management and vendor risk management for all index and market data services in use by the firm. The mission of IDS is to deliver the industry expertise, strategic partnership and timely execution of index and market data solutions that are essential to BlackRock’s growth.
The Team Is Divided Into Three Key Areas
The Relationship Management team is responsible for engaging with key internal partners to ensure consistent alignment with business strategy so that we can provide the best index and market data solutions while optimizing costs and average time to market for new product offerings. The team is also responsible for developing relationships with key market data and index vendors to track new service offerings, market trends and extract the greatest value from existing contracts and relationships.
The Operations Management team handles requests for new or changed access to services, chargeback reporting, contract administration, market data invoice processing and general inquiry handling for index and market data services.
The Vendor Risk Management function ensures that initial due diligence is performed for all new vendors and that ongoing performance management is performed regularly to limit risk to the firm while ensuring the satisfactory delivery of service by our providers.
We are looking for an Associate to join the Relationship Management team that supports several of BlackRock’s key business units including Global Product Solutions (the iShares Business) and BlackRock Global Markets.
The Role
The team is looking for an Associate to join the Relationship Management function who will (i) work with colleagues to meaningfully contribute to managing relationships with our core strategic data providers (ii) keep up to date with industry initiatives that affect those relationships and keep the business informed of them and (iii) keep up to date with the fast changing regulatory landscape for market data and how that impacts BlackRock and our clients.
The best candidate for this role will understand the importance of our firm’s culture & principles in driving execution, and how to “connect the dots” with businesses & functions across the firm to achieve the best commercial outcomes with high provider partnership and accountability. To be successful in this role will require the ability to identify and prioritize critical issues while demonstrating outstanding communication and organizational skills in progressing and resolving.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting senior members of the team in relation to their support of the business units they support.
- Developing constructive relationships with market data providers by building mutually beneficial commercial engagements.
- Partnering closely with our Legal team and colleagues to ensure contracts with our market data providers include favorable terms at the lowest risk and optimal cost.
- Holding market data providers accountable for service delivery according to agreed expectations.
- Negotiating and driving to conclusion the market data contract process with providers ensuring relevant business needs are covered and fees are clearly documented.
- Monitoring upcoming contract renewals and expirations
- Understanding the fast-changing regulatory landscape as it applies to market data and be an active member of internal BlackRock committees that interpret how those regulations will affect BlackRock and our clients.
Experience
- 2-4 years proven ability in reviewing and/or negotiating market data contracts or similar experience
- Highly organized with a high level of attention to detail
- Proficiency in providing insight through the use of data with common data analytics tools such as Microsoft Excel;
- A self-starter with the ability multi-task and prioritize deadlines optimally;
- Strong collaborator who can work cross-functionally and build strong relationships with internal teams and external vendor partners;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Proficiency in MS 365 applications;
- Knowledge of the buy-side, market data industry and experience with AI is preferred
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 and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.
BlackRock will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in a manner consistent with the requirements of the law, including any applicable fair chance law.