Senior Director/Vice President, Research & Data Service Global Vendor Intelligence

WHAT MAKES US A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

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WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
We’re Bain’s guardians of external data. Whenever case teams or leaders must know the size of a particular market, or need a sudden, specific understanding of the strength of a pharma company’s pipeline, they turn to us, and we turn to our vast portfolio of tools, methods, and data providers. If you like to research for a purpose, this might be the team for you.

WHERE YOU'LL FIT WITHIN THE TEAM

This role oversees the global strategy, procurement, and optimization of third-party data sources and research tools that support our client service teams, practice areas, and proprietary products. The individual will serve as the firm’s expert in external data sourcing, responsible for shaping and driving the vision for how external content is leveraged across the organization to deliver business impact.

The position will lead the development and execution of a cohesive external data strategy, managing a significant budget and a team responsible for the day-to-day deployment and support of these resources. This includes identifying new and innovative sources, negotiating vendor contracts, managing risk, and ensuring value-for-money across one of the firm’s largest knowledge investments. The role collaborates closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including client service teams, analytics functions, knowledge leaders, and product development teams, to ensure our external content offerings meet evolving business needs.

In addition, the role is responsible for building strong vendor relationships and driving continuous improvement in service delivery and cost efficiency. Ultimately, this position plays a central role in maximizing the strategic value of third-party research and data sources, and to enabling teams across the firm to deliver distinctive insights and client impact.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Manage the external source budget for the global RDS team in collaboration with stakeholders and Finance.
• Direct global procurement of content services including identification, assessment, and negotiation of contracts 
  • Negotiate complex enterprise-wide content contracts 
  • Ensure contracts and access rights strike the right balance between cost and value for Bain 
  • Collaborates with research teams and practices to identify, negotiate and deploy the most appropriate data sources
  • Works with research team and vendors to test, trial and provide feedback on the development of new research tools
• Act as trusted advisor and subject matter expert by providing objective, practical and relevant ideas, insights and advice for RDS and other departments.
• Maintain and develop existing strong business relationships with key vendors in the news, financial, market research spaces; familiarity with pricing models and an awareness of new products and technologies that could impact the marketplace.
• Manage a team of data professionals (Industry/Capability Vendor Intelligence team)
• Holds strategic role in the RDS Senior Leadership team beyond management of Bain’s data source portfolio to provide, direct sustained impact on Bain’s core business
• Coordinate closely with counterparts in Global Procurement, Legal and Risk to ensure best practice and compliance with vendor agreements and licenses
• Establish appropriate policies and processes to manage risks associated with use of external content within Bain 

ABOUT YOU

• Advanced degree from an accredited university or equivalent higher education degree
• 15+ years of relevant experience with deep experience and knowledge of the information content industry, including strong business relationships with key data providers 
• Consulting services or other professional services environment
• Experience in managing a significant (>$15M) portfolio of external data sources 
• Advanced negotiation skills 
• Strong leadership qualities along with proven business acumen. 
• Prior experience in a professional services organization highly preferred. Experience working successfully within a complex matrix structured organization is essential.
• Must be able to perform successfully in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment and to interpret rules and guidelines flexibly to enhance the business and in keeping with Bain’s values and culture
• Demonstrated relationship building and management skills
• Experience and demonstrated effectiveness in working as part of a virtual regional and global team
• Solid project management and team leadership skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

U.S. Compensation Information 

Compensation for this role includes base salary, annual discretionary performance bonus, 401(k) plan with an annual employer contribution based on years of service and Bain’s best in class benefits package (details listed below). 

Some local governments in the United States require a good-faith, reasonable salary range be included in job postings for open roles. For all other locations, the good-faith, reasonable annualized full-time salary range for this role is commensurate with competitive geographic market rates for this role and will vary based on several factors including, but not limited to experience, education, licensure/certifications, training and skill level

• Annual discretionary performance bonus
• This role may also be eligible for other elements of discretionary compensation
• 4.5% 401(k) company contribution, which increases after 3 years of service and is 100% vested upon start date

Bain & Company's comprehensive benefits and wellness program is designed to help employees achieve personal independence, protection and stability in the areas most important to you and your family. 

Bain pays 100% individual employee premiums for medical, dental and vision programs, offering one of the most comprehensive medical plans for employees without impacting your paycheck

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave, sick leave and paid holidays
• Fully vested 401(k) company contribution
• Paid Life and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Annual fitness reimbursements