My client is a charitable foundation, managing a diversified portfolio of investments that generate returns for philanthropic causes . They do so across public, private, and real asset classes taking a long-term value-based investment approach. As a senior operations specialist you will play a critical role in managing day-to-day operations across multiple aspects of their business. You will be responsible for overseeing operational procedures, driving improvements and collaborating with various teams and stakeholders. We're seeking an experienced finance professional who is eager to develop the operations processes, controls and responsibilities to support the Investment Office (IO) in achieving its goals.
Background
My client is a private charitable foundation and is based in Switzerland and the Netherlands. It’s mission is to promote respect for human dignity, sustainability and social justice by collaborating with people and institutions to realise objectives for the common good. The investment office manages a diversified portfolio of investments that allow for the philanthropic work. They do so across public, private, and real asset classes using a Total Portfolio approach, looking to produce superior risk-adjusted returns.
They embrace a long-term value-based investment approach built on strong partnerships. They believe that positive returns and sustainability go hand in hand so they invest in accordance with their responsible investment policy and look for companies and funds to take their ESG responsibilities seriously. They are a collaborative and high performing team, and offer a place where you can thrive and excel. They are proud to contribute to the family owners mission of being a Force for Good; helping to build a world that is just and respects and fosters the dignity of every human being. They do so through generating high quality returns, in a mission-aligned manner.
As a senior operations specialist you will play a critical role in managing and optimizing day-to-day operations across multiple aspects of our business. You will be responsible for overseeing operational procedures, implementing efficiency initiatives, and driving improvements in collaboration with various teams and stakeholders.
We are looking for an experienced finance professional who is eager to develop the operations processes, controls and responsibilities to support the Investment Office (IO) in achieving its goals.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Co-create an operations environment that enables the Investment Office to achieve their objectives and beyond.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversight of 3rd party service providers and making sure services are delivered as agreed. Regular service reviews and reporting to internal stakeholders about the quality of services delivered.
- Build, oversee and maintain the IO risk control matrix. Ensure metrics, monitoring activities and vulnerabilities are reported upon and actions are taken to improve efficiency and reduce risk.
- Monitoring, supporting and partaking in the daily activities of the Operations and Technology team. They run the operations business together. An important responsibility and key aspect of the role is to work within the team.
- Inform, train and mentor other staff in the Investment Office about Investment Operations, its responsibilities, the risks involved and the importance of controls and processes.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to drive continuous improvement and innovation within operations.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies, external regulations, and industry standards.
- You will work collaboratively with and alongside senior stakeholders, which requires the ability to challenge and probe where needed, being confident in the solutions you are recommending.
What you’ve done:
Recent experience in a senior operations role in investments and have worked with a risk control framework. You will have:
- A master’s degree in finance or quantitative studies.
- A strong background and at least 15 years’ experience in investment operations and currently working in a similar role, in a forward thinking and fast paced business.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of implementing process improvements and driving operational excellence.
- An understanding of investment strategies, products and asset classes and how these are administered and supported by operations.
- An understanding of Lux/Irish fund structures and their regulatory framework and obligations.
- Thorough understanding of (fund) accounting principles and experience working with statutory auditors.
- (Listed and OTC) derivatives administration experience is a plus.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Self-organization; Organizing one's own work effectively by formulating objectives and planning activities; focusing available time and energy on major issues and critical problems.
- Problem analysis: Identifying problems; recognizing significant information; making connections between data; tracing possible causes of problems; investigating relevant data
- Networking: Constructing relationships and networks which are useful in achieving objectives; making effective use of informal networks to get things done.
- Creativity: Coming up with original solutions for job-related problems; devising new working methods to replace current methods.
- Stress tolerance: Continuing to perform effectively when facing time pressure, adversity, disappointment and opposition
