Managing Director, Head of Data Operations

Over the last 20 years, Ares’ success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core values – Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self-Aware, Trustworthy – and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through our recruitment, career development and employee-focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high-performance talent of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry.

Job Description

Ares is seeking a Managing Director to lead and scale its global Data Operations function.  This position will be responsible for data operations, data strategy, reporting and the integrity of investments across all asset classes.  

OVERVIEW

Data Operations is an integral part of Investment Operations and partners with stakeholders across all our investment strategies.   The Managing Director will serve as a key voice in shaping enterprise data governance standards and advancing the firm’s long-term data operating model across Investment Operations and adjacent business functions.

The role oversees a centralized Data Operations model that supports a multi-asset alternative investment platform.  This leader will drive transformation initiatives, strengthen data controls and partner closely with Technology to ensure data quality and scalability. 

Responsibilities:

Data Strategy & Governance

• Define and execute the global Data Operations strategy aligned with business growth.
• Establish data governance frameworks, including ownership models, data quality standards, lineage, and control environments.
• Identify and formalize Critical Data Elements (CDEs) across asset classes and business processes.
• Standardize data definitions while enabling flexibility across vertical strategies.
• Anticipate future data needs, driven by product expansion, regulatory change, and investor reporting evolution.

Data Quality, Controls and Risk Management

• Own data quality oversight, including issue tracking, remediation governance, and executive reporting.
• Design preventative controls to mitigate operational, regulatory, and reputational risk.
• Oversee credit rating maintenance, exceptions management, and reconciliation frameworks.
• Ensure integrity of data supporting investor reporting, regulatory filings, and portfolio management processes.
• Serve as escalation point for material data issues impacting the firm.

Vendor & External Data Ecosystem Management

• Lead strategic relationships with market data vendors (e.g., Bloomberg, Markit, Moody’s, S&P, Fitch).
• Evaluate emerging data sources and enrichment opportunities.
• Negotiate and manage vendor performance, cost efficiency, and data quality standards.
• Build strategic partnerships that enhance internal data platforms and competitive advantage.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Act as a strategic partner to Portfolio Managers, Traders, Compliance, Fund Accounting, Performance, and Technology.
• Translate complex business workflows into data governance and control frameworks.
• Partner with internal reporting teams to support accurate external and client reporting.
• Lead prioritization discussions across stakeholders to align roadmap sequencing and resource allocation.

Execution & Transformation Leadership

• Lead enterprise data initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Oversee project delivery in collaboration with Technology and external partners.
• Develop KPI frameworks to measure data accuracy, timeliness, and operational performance.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational modernization.
• Balance tactical remediation with long-term architectural improvement.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Grow and lead a global, multi-region Data Operations organization (NY, LA, London, Mumbai), scaling capabilities to support enterprise growth.
• Develop and mentor senior leaders; build succession plans and leadership bench strength.
• Establish clear performance standards, KPIs, and accountability frameworks across regions.
• Drive organizational alignment and collaboration across geographies.
• Champion a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Effectively lead through change in a high-growth, evolving environment.

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of experience in global capital markets or investment management with deep expertise in Data Operations or Investment Operations.
• Experience operating in complex, multi-asset investment data environments preferred.
• Experience designing and implementing data governance frameworks.
• Deep familiarity with market data platforms (Bloomberg, Markit, Moody’s, S&P, Fitch) and Private Assets.
• Experience working across investment research, trading workflows, fund structures, and performance reporting.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional transformation initiatives.
• Strong executive presence and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, global environment.

Reporting Relationships

Compensation

$250,000 - $325,000

There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.