Head of Master Reference Data Operations MD (C16)

Citigroup Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 250,000 - 500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary incentive

401(k) plan

Medical/dental/vision

Job summary

Citigroup Inc. seeks a senior leader to drive transformation strategy across core reference data operations. You will oversee large-scale programs, deliver a governed data ecosystem, and align with risk and regulatory requirements.

The role requires guiding cross‑functional teams and partnering with innovation labs to modernize processes globally. With 15+ years in global financial institutions and Series 99 licensing, you will shape the operating model, manage budgets, and mentor a diverse

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in global financial institutions.
• Series 99 Licensed.
• Specialized program management and/or re‑engineering certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, Agile, Lean).
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing effective and diverse teams across a global footprint.
• Financial services and transformation experience with large-scale global programs in a financial services organization.
• Understanding of systems, theories and practices relevant to operations, with knowledge of multiple business cycles.
• Strong, influential communicator capable of interacting with senior management.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute large-scale Client Lifecycle Management and operational transformation programs.
• Drive digitization, automation, and implementation of innovative solutions with operations teams.
• Implement best practices and drive global consistency across all functions.
• Partner with Citi’s innovation labs and technology partners to transform the operating model.
• Develop and execute medium- to long-term strategic plans for the functions.

Skills

Global transformation leadership

Program management

Stakeholder management

Regulatory awareness

Effective communication

Education

BS/BA degree or equivalent

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Six Sigma

Agile

Lean

Job description

Master Reference Data Operations is a global Operations Unit with staff in over 22 countries, providing reference data services across Markets, Services, Banking and Wealth. This organization delivers a wide array of services to enable the full client lifecycle, from relationship establishment to supporting the complex data demands surrounding financial instruments.

This senior leadership role will oversee and drive the transformation strategy across our core operations functions. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving efficiency, innovation, and large‑scale transformation programs. A successful candidate will deliver a governed, high‑quality, and scalable reference data ecosystem that provides a single source of truth and underpins risk, regulatory compliance, and front‑to‑back business operations

Core Functions:

• Client Data Acquisition: Coordinates the pre‑trading data requirements between internal and external clients to ensure clients are ready to trade across all jurisdictions. This function is critical for winning business through speed to onboard and supporting time‑sensitive needs like first fund launches.

• Entity Data Management: Creates and maintains all reference data related to clients, including the core counterparty data (GFCID) which is essential for financial and credit reporting, KYC, and sanctions screening.

• Document Operations: Manages legal agreement meta‑data in the Master Agreement Central (MAC) repository, setting the thresholds and terms under which clients are authorized to trade.

• Account Services: Manages the creation and maintenance of trading and cash accounts for client activity, including the setup and maintenance of Standard Settlement Instructions (SSIs).

• Security Operations: Manages the setup of new security listings within Citi's ecosystem, ensuring instruments are available for clients to trade, which is crucial for being first to market.

• Corporate Action Operations: Ensures clients are aware of Corporate Action Events impacting their portfolios by scrubbing, validating, and publishing event details, enabling clients to maximize their financial outcomes.

• Pricing Operations: Delivers high‑quality, accurate, and timely pricing, rates, and valuations (NAVs) to clients to meet their regulatory mandates and for publication to exchanges.

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute large‑scale Client Lifecycle Management and operational transformation programs, from orchestration to client data optimization.

• Drive the strategy for digitization, automation, and implementation of innovative solutions alongside our operations teams to solve complex operational challenges.

• Implement operational best practices and drive global consistency by simplifying and standardizing processes and workflows across all functions.

• Partner with Citi's innovation labs and technology partners to drive optimization and play a pivotal role in transforming the operating model.

• Develop and execute medium‑to‑long‑term strategic plans for the functions, aligning with broader business goals and stakeholder expectations.

• Build and manage strong relationships with key stakeholders, including business heads, program sponsors, and technology leaders.

• Collaborate with Program Sponsors to ensure business case and cost‑benefit analysis for transformation initiatives are aligned with business goals.

• Manage and communicate status, issues, and risks to all stakeholders, including senior management, on a timely basis.

• Exercise control over budget, contribute to policy formulation and planning, and make a significant contribution to the future strategy of the organization.

• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, with a strong consideration for the firm's reputation and the safeguarding of Citigroup, its clients, and assets.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and cultivate a robust service and control environment.

• Lead, develop, and mentor a diverse team across a global footprint, fostering a working environment where people can thrive and excel.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in global financial institutions.

• Series 99 Licensed.

• Specialized program management and/or re‑engineering certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, Agile, Lean).

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing effective and diverse teams across a global footprint.

• Financial services and transformation experience (from a direct or consulting firm) with significant recent experience driving large‑scale global transformation programs for senior levels of a financial services organization.

• A broad and comprehensive understanding of the different systems, theories, and practices relevant to an operations function, as well as practical experience of multiple business cycles.

• Strong, influential communicator who is articulate and concise, with demonstrated success interacting with senior management in business, corporate functions, and technology environments.

• Familiarity with the regulatory landscape facing global banks; experience in the banking industry or with regulatory institutions is ideal.

Education:

• BS/BA degree or equivalent work experience; master’s degree preferred.

Job Family Group:

Operations - Services

Job Family:

Reference Data Services

Time Type:

Full time

Primary Location:

New York New York United States

Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:

$250,000.00 - $500,000.00

In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.

Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

Anticipated Posting Close Date:

Automated Processing and AI

We use automated processing, including artificial intelligence, for our legitimate business interests (or our reasonable and appropriate business purposes) to identify and align the candidate's skills and abilities with a specific job opening. Additionally, if you so choose, or consent, we can match your skills and abilities to other suitable roles at Citi.

Importantly, all our hiring processes and decisions, including determining your suitability for a role, are conducted, checked, and decided by individuals. Our automated processing and AI do not involve relying on automatic or autonomous decision‑making. Please refer to any Jurisdictional Considerations, with specific provisions for your country (where relevant) for further details.

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