Manager, Index Operations

Manager, Index Operations

Chicago | Hybrid (4 days/week)

The Opportunity

Our client, a leading global financial markets infrastructure provider, is seeking a Manager, Index Operations to lead its U.S. index operations function.

This role combines people leadership, quantitative analysis, index calculation, and operational oversight, supporting a growing suite of benchmark and derivatives indices. You'll work closely with product, technology, quantitative research, and clients to ensure the accuracy, scalability, and integrity of index operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team responsible for daily index operations and production.
• Oversee the calculation, validation, and quality assurance of benchmark and derivatives indices.
• Drive automation and operational improvements using Python and other analytical tools.
• Support new index launches from implementation through ongoing production.
• Partner with product, technology, and quantitative teams to enhance methodologies and operational processes.
• Participate in governance and committee discussions surrounding index methodologies and enhancements.
• Serve as a key point of contact for clients regarding operational support and index calculations.
• Lead post-incident reviews and implement process improvements to strengthen operational controls.

Ideal Background

We're looking for professionals with experience in one or more of the following:

• Exchange operators
• Index providers
• Market infrastructure firms
• Asset managers
• Financial data and analytics providers
• Trading or quantitative research organizations

What You'll Bring

• Experience leading index operations, benchmark administration, or quantitative market operations.
• Strong understanding of options, equities, financial markets, or index products.
• Hands-on experience with Python (preferred), SQL, or other analytical programming languages.
• Knowledge of index methodologies, calculations, and operational controls.
• Experience managing operational processes in a regulated or highly controlled environment.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Experience

• Financial indexing and benchmark administration
• Derivatives and options markets
• Quantitative analysis
• Python automation
• Data validation and quality assurance
• Process improvement and operational controls
• Team leadership

Why This Role

• Lead a high-impact function supporting widely used financial indices.
• Blend leadership, quantitative analysis, and operational strategy.
• Influence new product launches and methodology enhancements.
• Work closely with product, technology, and quantitative teams.
• Join a collaborative, technology-driven organization with significant opportunities for growth and visibility.