Fund Operations & Oversight Manager

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments

You'll find the promise we make to our clients is the same one we make to our employees: Your success is our priority.

Here, you'll find growth and career opportunities across all our businesses. We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,000 people working together. Our expertise is diverse with more than 450 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements.

Columbia Threadneedle is a people business and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace that supports the diversity of our employees and reflects our broader communities and client-base. We welcome applications from returners to the industry.

We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.

Job Purpose Statement

Manage operational delivery of Fund Accounting and Custody related change events across UK, Ireland and Luxembourg product ranges.

Actively support complex strategic initiatives and transactions (such as transitions and in-species) as a Fund Accounting and Custody subject matter expert, providing technical assistance to key internal/external stakeholders to ensure a high-quality end to end service is achieved.

Complete various administration tasks on behalf of the funds; liaising with internal stakeholders, external managers and suppliers to complete the tasks necessary to facilitate the business.

Work closely with relevant Fund Accounting and TA colleagues, and associated suppliers to ensure there is full awareness and their operating model can support the proposed change initiative

Role Responsibilities

How you'll spend your time....

• Be the Fund Accounting and Custody subject matter expert when supporting the business during the planning and delivery of the complex strategic initiatives i.e. client transitions and in-specie movements.
• Maintain regular engagement with Fund Accounting Oversight colleagues and other key stakeholders (where applicable) to ensure there is full awareness and understanding with all impacted parties before handover to BAU;
• Be the primary point of contact (internally and externally) for all relevant fund change related matters.
• Operationally deliver a range of fund change initiatives (such as launches, closures, mergers etc), chairing and attending project working group meetings, and representing the wider Fund Services teams as required.
• Independently perform the necessary analysis of change initiatives to fully understand the scope, and communicate the relevant impact in terms of operational readiness and cost;
• Responsible for making changes to internal Client Book of Records on behalf of Fund Services
• Be aware of internal and regulatory announcements/changes/new regulations, which may have an impact on CTIs suppliers or the widerCTI Asset Management business,
• Assist in defining fund change requirements with relevant internal stakeholders, managing their expectations and ensure they're accurately communicated to the impacted suppliers;
• Represent Fund Services during internal/external meetings and ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the delivery requirements;
• Work with Fund Services colleagues to ensure there is a common understanding of change requirements and priorities across the department, ensuring the teams are aligned, and best practice is followed;
• Participate in specific project committees and working groups with key internal stakeholders and/or the suppliers and follow the appropriate project management governance structure;
• Ensure any supplier Agreements, SLAs and KPIs are amended where applicable as a result of any change activity;
• Support Fund Services and the wider business during crisis management situations.
• Ensuring adequate internal/external procedures are established, documented, and adhered to
• Market opening administration.

Key Capabilities

To be successful in this role you will have....

• Solid UK, Luxembourg and Ireland Fund Accounting and Custody oversight and operational experience
• Good knowledge of offshore fund structures and the associated regulations/legislation
• A good understanding on the application of regulation on funds and fund structures
• Good understanding of transitions and in-specie transactions
• Understanding of client onboarding and KYC requirements
• An understanding of the product lifecycle, from conception, through to launch/ mergers/ closures of funds
• A general understanding of Transfer Agency activities
• Strong interpersonal, relationship and stakeholder management skills at all levels of the organisation
• Excellent organisational, analytical and conflict management skills
• Ability to independently deliver projects as requested, on time and within budget
• Highly flexible and adaptive to change
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritise appropriately, identifying team pressure points
• Approachable and able to support others, sharing expertise and guidance

Desired Capabilities

If you also had this, it would be great....

• Project Management qualification such as PRINCE 2, AGILEPM etc