Director of Data Infrastructure

Overview This is a rare and critical opportunity to step into the core of a company that sits at the intersection of equity research, indexing, and systematic investing. We’re looking for someone to lead and evolve the data infrastructure that powers everything we do—from calculating fundamental ratings on 41,000+ global stocks to building and distributing our smart beta index lineup to investors around the world. You’ll take ownership of our SQL Server-based environment, manage all nightly data processing, automate index updates, and ensure accurate, timely delivery to clients and partners. You'll also work closely with our research and product teams to test and launch new indexes, scale our platform, and support our future growth—across apps, APIs, analytics tools, and more. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role. You’ll inherit a system that has been thoughtfully built over many years—and be responsible for modernizing, optimizing, and expanding it as we scale. We’re a lean, ambitious team with a long-term mindset, and we’re looking for someone who sees data not just as plumbing, but as the foundation of a meaningful investment platform. Must-have skills : Deep SQL Server + SSIS expertise, experience with financial or investment data, and a desire to help lead and grow a high-integrity, research-driven business. If this sounds like you—or like someone exceptional you know—reach out or apply here. We’d love to talk. Complete Job Description About MarketGrader MarketGrader is a global equity research and index provider built on a proprietary, fundamentals-driven methodology that identifies the most consistent wealth creators across global markets. We rate over 41,000 public companies and select only the most fundamentally sound and attractively valued for inclusion in our smart beta indexes—companies that compound value and generate superior long-term shareholder returns. Our indexes power investment solutions across developed, emerging, and frontier markets, enabling wealth managers, asset managers, and institutional investors to build differentiated, high-conviction equity portfolios. With a growing library of indexes, a proven research engine, and a scalable distribution model, MarketGrader is positioned to be a transformative force in global asset and wealth management. Role Overview We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Director of Data Infrastructure to take ownership of the architecture, automation, and daily operation of the systems that power MarketGrader’s research and index platforms. This is a critical leadership role, responsible for maintaining and evolving the core database and data engineering infrastructure that supports our equity rating engine, index calculations, and global distribution. This position involves stepping into a role with significant institutional knowledge and technical depth, as the successor to our long-standing database architect. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable working with SQL Server and SSIS as they are thinking strategically about scaling MarketGrader’s data platform to support business growth, product expansion, and operational efficiency. Key Responsibilities Database Infrastructure & Optimization Manage all SQL Server environments in our cloud infrastructure, including architecture, performance tuning, security, and scalability. Implement robust backup protocols, ensure high availability, and monitor usage and costs to optimize resource allocation. Proactively maintain and improve database performance across MarketGrader’s core systems. Data Processing & Research Calculations Own and oversee the data workflows that calculate MarketGrader’s daily equity ratings, company indicators, and coverage universe classifications. Ensure that all nightly processing tasks complete successfully, accurately, and on schedule to support internal research and client-facing updates. External Data Integration Manage the automated retrieval and ingestion of financial and pricing data from third-party vendors. Maintain and optimize the pipelines responsible for downloading, validating, and storing external datasets that feed MarketGrader’s research engine. Index Calculation & Dissemination Oversee the daily calculation of all MarketGrader indexes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistency across internal systems and external delivery points. Support the publication of performance reports and index updates across MarketGrader’s web platforms and external partner interfaces. Index Development & Deployment Collaborate with the index methodology team to prototype and test new index designs across multiple iterations. Document development and validation workflows; lead deployment into production environments. Client Data Delivery Ensure the reliable and timely delivery of index files, data feeds, and reports to clients who track or license MarketGrader indexes. Serve as a technical liaison to troubleshoot issues and support onboarding or integration requirements. Email Automation & Notifications Monitor and manage all automated email systems used to distribute internal alerts and client communications related to data and index updates. Maintain delivery reliability, update messaging logic as needed, and document the full range of automated notifications. Strategic Growth & Systems Planning Develop a roadmap to scale MarketGrader’s data infrastructure in support of expanding index products, applications, analytics tools, and APIs. Help define data engineering staffing needs, guide process design, and recommend system improvements to support sustainable growth. Internal Data Access & Reporting Build queries and reports to support the needs of research, sales, marketing, and product teams. Empower internal stakeholders to extract insight from MarketGrader’s proprietary data for use in white papers, sales materials, presentations, and index development. Assist in building and mentoring a growing data and infrastructure team. Lead onboarding, documentation, training, and process implementation as the company scales. Qualifications Required Experience 7–10+ years of experience in database engineering, architecture, or data infrastructure roles. Deep expertise in SQL Server and SSIS in a production environment. Experience working with financial or investment-related data systems is strongly preferred. Technical Skills Strong command of SQL performance optimization, cloud-based DB hosting, and secure backup/recovery protocols. Familiarity with ETL design, task orchestration, and third-party data integration. Understanding of index calculation methodologies or experience supporting research-driven products is a plus. Leadership & Strategic Capabilities Experience building and managing data processes that support business-critical applications. Proven ability to document, scale, and optimize legacy systems while planning for future needs. Strong communication skills; able to interface effectively with research, product, and technology teams. Why Join MarketGrader? Lead the evolution of a data platform that powers a growing, globally relevant indexing business. Step into a role with meaningful continuity and take full ownership of a mission-critical system. Help shape how MarketGrader expands its research, products, and global footprint. Join a principled, intellectually rigorous team working to improve investor outcomes worldwide. Seniorities & Employment Director Full-time Industries: Capital Markets We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr MarketGrader.com