Market Data Specialist - VP

About AQR Capital Management

AQR is a global investment firm built at the intersection of financial theory and practical application. We strive to deliver concrete, long-term results by looking past market noise to identify and isolate the factors that matter most, and by developing ideas that stand up to rigorous testing. By putting theory into practice, we have become a leader in alternative strategies and an innovator in traditional portfolio management since 1998.

At AQR, our employees share a common spirit of academic excellence, intellectual honesty and an unwavering commitment to seeking the truth. We're determined to know what makes financial markets tick - and we'll ask every question and challenge every assumption. We recognize and respect the power of collaboration and believe transparency and openness to new ideas leads to innovation.

Your Role:

AQR is seeking an experienced Market Data Specialist to join our Market Data team. In this highly visible role, you will shape and execute the firm's market data strategy across both traditional and alternative data sources. Responsibilities span the full lifecycle of market data management, from vendor due diligence, contract negotiation, and cost governance, to data onboarding, cataloging, and ongoing operational oversight. You will work closely with senior researchers, portfolio managers, engineers, and business leaders, serving as a trusted partner who ensures that data is reliable, well-documented, and transparently communicated across the firm. Success in this role requires a blend of strategic insight, technical fluency, and the ability to convey complex issues clearly to senior audiences. In this role you will:

• Develop a strong understanding of AQR businesses, services, procedures and processes in order to identify opportunities for improvement
• Lead vendor due diligence efforts, including coverage analysis, technical documentation review, and trial execution.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define detailed business requirements for new and existing projects
• Serve as the first point of contact for all data procurement requests across investment teams
• Work with Legal and Compliance teams to review contracts and actively negotiate commercial terms with vendors
• Coordinate internally with Developers, Engineers and Researchers to lead the data ingestion process
• Maintain and curate the firmwide data catalog
• Prepare internal administrative reports and business expense dashboards

What You'll Bring:

• 7-10+ years relevant experience, BA/BS degree required
• Previous experience working with both traditional and alternative Market Data sources
• Previous experience working with quantitative asset managers
• Previous experience with a market data vendor management tool (FITS or MDM) is a plus
• Experience with databases, JIRA and Agile Scrum experience a plus
• Strong problem-solving skills including ability to research and resolve business issues arising in various operating environments
• Strong attention to detail with ability to work independently to meet deadlines
• Excellent communications skills, written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate effectively with senior researchers and stakeholders across functions.
• A disciplined approach to documentation and reporting, ensuring transparency and alignment across teams.

The salary range for this role is expected to be $150,000 to $170,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is accurate for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, depending upon factors such as skills, experience, location, or other business and organizational needs. This wage range may also be modified in the future.

This job is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), and any other benefits to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.

AQR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/VET/DISABILITY