Head of Product & Research - Indexes

The Group:
Morningstar Indexes provides transparent, representative, and investor‑centered benchmarks that help drive better outcomes for investors. We draw on Morningstar's independent research heritage and combine it with modern index design, robust data, and disciplined governance. The Index group works collaboratively across Product, Research, Data, Operations, and our commercial teams to support one of the fastest‑growing index businesses in the industry.
The Role:
We require an experienced investment and product leader to head the Product and Research organization reporting to the President of Morningstar Indexes. This role is responsible for creating, delivering, and promoting products that empower investors and align with Morningstar Indexes' value proposition. The Head of Product and Research is responsible for creating and delivering on a multi-year product strategy that supports revenue and AUM growth and strengthens Morningstar's market differentiation.
As the leader of the Product Management, Product Development, and Research functions, you will define the strategic vision for the product lineup, ensure disciplined and efficient execution, and drive market‑differentiating research and insights. You will partner closely with executive leadership and cross‑functional leaders within the Index business and Morningstar to strengthen Morningstar's competitive position and deliver products and research that support the success of investors, clients, and partners.
This role will be based in Chicago or New York City.
Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a multi‑year product strategy that expands the product lineup, supports revenue and AUM growth, and strengthens Morningstar's market differentiation.
• Deliver high‑quality, commercially relevant index products by overseeing the full product lifecycle, including strategy, roadmap development, launch, maintenance, and retirement.
• Lead and manage the Product Management and Product Development teams, ensuring clear direction, disciplined execution, and high performance across both functions.
• Build and formalize a scalable Research function-including establishing its mandate, processes, and integration with the existing Product teams.
• Drive innovation in next‑generation index concepts informed by market trends, client needs, competitive dynamics, and research insights.
• Enhance the speed and quality of product development processes through improved governance, cross‑functional alignment, and operational efficiency.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Communications to support go‑to‑market initiatives, product narratives, client engagement, and thought‑leadership amplification.
• Represent the Product & Research organization externally in client meetings, strategic commercial discussions, industry events, and thought‑leadership platforms.
• Work closely with executive leadership to shape business priorities, allocate resources, and contribute to the broader strategic direction of Morningstar Indexes.
• Strengthen cross‑functional collaboration across Product, Research, Operations, Data, and commercial teams to ensure cohesive execution and scalable growth.

Requirements:

• 10-15 years of experience in the asset management or index provider industry, with deep understanding of global markets, index construction principles, and investment research practices.
• Proven experience leading global, cross‑functional organizations and driving alignment across product, research, and commercial teams.
• Background in product strategy, investment research, index methodology, or investment analysis, with a demonstrated ability to translate insights into product direction and business outcomes.
• Team management experience including setting strategic direction, developing talent, and leading high‑performing organizations.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and communication skills, capable of conveying complex ideas clearly to executive leadership, clients, and key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to influence across matrixed environments and manage large, multi‑stakeholder initiatives efficiently and effectively.

Compensation and Benefits
At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That's why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:

• Financial Health
  
  • 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
  • Stock Ownership Potential
  • Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
• Physical Health
  
  • Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
  • Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
  • Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance
• Emotional Health
  
  • Trust-Based Time Off
  • 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
  • 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
  • Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
  • Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses
  • Tuition Reimbursement
• Social Health
  
  • Charitable Matching Gifts program
  • Dollars for Doers volunteer program
  • Paid volunteering days
  • 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

Total Cash Compensation Range
$263,475.00-403,991.66
Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive
Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.
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