About this role
JOB PURPOSE
The Head of Investment Operations is responsible for standardising and delivering a robust, multi-jurisdictional Investment Risk and investment management oversight reporting production operating model across WM UK, WMC IE, and WMC Lux Manco/ACD. The role drives operational transformation, embeds a horizontal operating model, and ensures strong governance and regulatory compliance across all reporting activities.
This role plays a key role in aligning operating models cross-jurisdictionally, enhancing automation, and strengthening cross-border governance.
The role supports and enhances the effectiveness of local oversight arrangements and works closely with Conducting Officers, Designated Persons, Senior Managers and equivalent accountable individuals. Local regulatory responsibility remains with the formally appointed office holders within each regulated entity
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Transformation
• Lead the design and delivery of a standardised, multi-jurisdictional operating model for Investment Management Oversight and Investment Risk reporting across Ireland, Luxembourg and the UK.
• Drive the move towards a horizontal reporting model, ensuring processes are consistent, scalable and aligned to local regulatory substance and governance expectations.
• Centralise data input, report production and initial output review where appropriate, while preserving clear accountability within each regulated entity.
• Partner with Product, Data Operations and Technology to improve automation, reduce duplication and create a more joined-up oversight model.
• Assess jurisdiction-specific reporting requirements, legacy practices and operational pain points before recommending practical opportunities for alignment.
• Translate regulatory developments and local stakeholder feedback into clear transformation priorities, implementation plans and measurable outcomes.
• Support any restructuring or realignment of functional teams required to enable the target operating model, maintaining strong oversight capability in core locations.
Operational Effectiveness
• Establish and maintain group-wide standards for Investment Management Oversight and Investment Risk reporting, with clear expectations for quality, timeliness, controls and escalation.
• Ensure reporting frameworks support adherence to applicable investment strategy, regulatory and governance requirements, including CBI CP86, CSSF delegation and outsourcing expectations, and FCA SM&CR and COLL requirements.
• Maintain clear oversight of reporting operations across all locations, including performance management, issue resolution and continuous improvement after the initial transformation phase.
• Define operational measures, volume expectations and performance indicators for report production, enabling transparent monitoring across locations.
• Equip local teams with the reporting, tools, guidance and transparency required to deliver effective and compliant oversight.
• Operate through strong dotted-line relationships with relevant operational staff to influence ways of working, embed standards and resolve delivery issues without undermining local regulatory accountabilities.
• Progressively standardise workflows, controls, templates and systems based on operational insight, regulatory expectations and stakeholder needs.
• Maintain regular engagement with Conducting Officers, Designated Persons, Senior Managers and equivalent accountable individuals to support effective local oversight arrangements.
REQUIREMENTS
Experience:
• Minimum 15+ years in Investment Risk, Investment Management Oversight, Fund operations, or regulatory governance within asset management or fund services.
• Strong understanding of either UK, Irish, or Luxembourg financial regulations with a proven ability to quickly gain an understanding of the other jurisdictions.
• Significant senior experience in investment management oversight, fund governance or regulated asset management
• Proven experience operating within ManCo and/or ACD models
• Direct experience engaging with Fund Boards and regulators
Technical Skills:
• Deep understanding of fund structures (UCITS, AIFs), risk management analytics and KRI
• Familiarity with regulatory regimes including FCA COLL/FUND, CBI CP86, CSSF Circulars, and MiFID II.
• Superior technical skills with knowledge across credit risk, market risk and operational risk.
• Deep knowledge of delegation, oversight and governance expectations
• Ability to lead through oversight, challenge and influence, rather than execution
Leadership & Soft Skills:
• Strategic thinker with the ability to lead through influence and governance rather than direct execution.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with Board-level presence.
• Strong judgment, integrity, and ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.