Head of Data Operations

About the Role 

Direct Platform Group provides independent analysis on individual securities, managed investments, portfolios, and markets. The group also collects and maintains high-quality data on equities, managed investments, and fixed-income investments to create one of the largest investment databases in the world. 

We are seeking an innovative and strategic leader to serve as Head of Data Operations. This role is responsible for leading and transforming the day-to-day operations of a global team of more than 1000 team members to ensure the integrity, quality, and relevance of our financial datasets. 

Reporting directly to the President of Direct Platform, the Head of Data Operations will shape the future of our data operations — partnering closely with technology teams to drive efficiency, scalability, and innovation, while optimizing resource allocation and evolving how we collect and use data. This is an exciting opportunity to have an immediate and lasting impact on the foundation of Morningstar’s data excellence. 

This role is based in our Chicago office. We are operating in a hybrid work environment where we are in-office 3 days/week.

Key Responsibilities 

Data Operations Leadership 

• Manage and develop a global team of data analysts, team leaders, and product-development managers by providing strategic direction, establishing operational goals, and optimizing processes. 
• Ensure the highest levels of data quality, consistency, and completeness across all asset classes. 
• Design and implement best practices to evolve the nature of data collection, with a focus on scalability, automation, and continuous improvement. 

Data Strategy and Innovation 

• Lead the creation and execution of the data acquisition strategy: identify what datasets we should collect, why, and for which use cases. 
• Build strong partnerships with Product, Research, and Technology to align data priorities with business objectives and client needs. 
• Champion opportunities to enhance datasets with proprietary calculations, methodologies, and value-added metrics. 
• Identify and implement strategies to do more with fewer resources, including automation, advanced analytics, and evolving role expectations. 

Partnership with Technology 

• Partner with technology leaders to optimize tools, platforms, and workflows that enable best-in-class data collection, transformation, and delivery. 
• Collaborate with engineering and architecture teams to ensure operational needs are incorporated into platform designs, without direct ownership of technology build. 
• Stay abreast of data innovation trends and technologies, helping guide the organization's approach to modern data operations. 

Governance and Collaboration 

• Contribute to the development of data governance policies and operational standards. 
• Work cross-functionally with Legal, Compliance, Risk, and Information Security to ensure data collection and management meets all regulatory and privacy requirements. 
• Serve as a visible and vocal champion for a high-performing, data-driven culture across the enterprise. 

Qualifications 

• 15+ years of leadership experience in data operations, financial data management, or a related field. 
• Deep knowledge of mutual fund, equity, and fixed-income data, as well as investment methodology. 
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale operational teams in a dynamic, global environment. 
• Strong understanding of data management workflows, including extraction, transformation, normalization, and quality assurance. 
• Experience working closely with technology and product management teams to deliver innovative data solutions. 
• Familiarity with Big Data technologies and machine learning applications is a plus. 
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and change management skills. 

Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Finance, Business, Computer Science, or Engineering (Master’s degree preferred). 
• Ability to be based in or regularly travel to Chicago. 

Compensation and Benefits

At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That’s why we champion your wellness through a wide-range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:

• Financial Health
  • 75% 401k match up to 7%
  • Stock Ownership Potential
  • Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission

• Physical Health 
  • Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
  • Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
  • Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance

• Emotional Health 
  • Trust-Based Time Off
  • 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
  • 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
  • Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Bonding Leave
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
  • Annual Education Stipend
  • Tuition Reimbursement

• Social Health 
  • Charitable Matching Gifts program
  • Dollars for Doers volunteer program
  • Paid volunteering days
  • 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

Base Salary Compensation Range

$194,855.00 - 350,742.00 USD Annual

Total Cash Compensation Range

$302,025.00 - 543,650.00 USD Annual

Morningstar’s hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. While some positions are available as fully remote, we’ve found that we’re at our best when we’re purposely together on a regular basis, typically three days each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you’ll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.

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