Chief Operating Officer

Role Overview

This is a senior operational leadership position reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, with accountability for the entire internal machinery of an investment management firm. You will oversee day-to-day delivery across investment operations, unit trust administration, technology, human resources, finance, company secretarial work, and compliance — making sure every function operates efficiently, accurately, and within the boundaries set by regulators and the board. The success of this role is measured by how reliably the firm's back office supports its client commitments, how quickly processes improve through automation, and how well the organisation is protected from operational, financial, and reputational risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all investment operations activities, including client account administration, reporting accuracy, third-party service provider relationships, and the execution of continuous improvement and automation initiatives that raise service standards and operational efficiency.
• Provide end-to-end oversight of unit trust operations, ensuring investor transactions and client accounts are processed accurately and in full compliance with trust deeds, regulatory requirements, and service level agreements, while actively identifying opportunities to strengthen risk management and customer experience.
• Assume leadership of the information technology function, ensuring infrastructure, systems, and equipment are optimised, information security and data protection policies are enforced, and business continuity and disaster recovery plans are regularly maintained and tested.
• Strengthen human resources and administration by fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, accountability, inclusivity, and excellence, while managing employee benefits, personnel records, office administration, and facilities management.
• Take ownership of financial management and reporting, including annual budget preparation, ongoing financial planning, forecasting, coordination of audits and tax reviews, regulatory reporting, maintenance of financial policies and controls, and delivery of accurate management and board reporting.
• Oversee company secretarial and legal affairs by coordinating board and committee meetings, preparing related communications, maintaining statutory records and governance documentation, liaising with external legal advisors, and managing contract reviews, legal due diligence, and document management.
• Lead the compliance function to ensure adherence to all regulatory obligations and internal policies, oversee the timely submission of regulatory returns, coordinate audits and inspections, and drive a culture where compliance is embedded in day-to-day behaviour.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Substantial experience in a senior operations leadership role within asset management, fund administration, unit trust operations, or another regulated financial services environment — typically a decade or more in the industry, with several years at head-of-department or COO level.
• Deep understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks, including investor protection rules, anti-money laundering obligations, data protection requirements, and corporate governance standards applicable to investment firms.
• Proven ability to manage multiple functions simultaneously, with direct experience overseeing at least three of the following areas: investment operations, unit trust administration, IT, human resources, finance, company secretarial, or compliance.
• Strong track record of leading process improvement and automation projects that deliver measurable gains in efficiency, accuracy, and risk reduction.
• Excellent people leadership skills, including experience developing teams, managing performance, and building a collaborative, accountable working environment.
• Highly developed financial literacy, with hands-on experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and liaison with external auditors and tax advisors.
• First-class written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex operational and regulatory matters clearly to the board, regulators, and third-party partners.
• A degree in finance, business, accounting, or a related discipline, and ideally a professional qualification such as CFA, ACCA, ACA, or ICSA.