Investec is a distinctive Specialist Bank serving clients principally in the UK and South Africa. Our culture gives us our edge: we work hard to find colleagues who'll think out of the ordinary and we put them in environments where they'll flourish. We combine a flat structure with a focus on internal mobility. If you can bring an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to learn and collaborate to your work, this could be the boost your career deserves.

Description of role and key responsibilities   

As the Head of Operations, you will oversee all the operational infrastructure of the company and ensure scalable, compliant and client-centric operations that meet the high standards of High Net Worth (HNW) clients. The Head of Operations will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other executive team members to develop and implement strategies that enhance operational efficiency, improve customer service and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities 
•  Oversee front-to-back office operations including order entry, trade processing, settlements, reconciliation, custody and reporting, ensuring all operational requirements are actioned on time in accordance with service level agreements, agreed quality standards, regulatory and company requirements.
•    Ensure that all operational activities comply with HMRC and FCA regulations, including SM&CR, SYSC and COBS rules.
•    Oversee production of business accounts, including Balance Sheets, Income Statements, Profit and Loss Statements and Guaranteed Income Buffer Tests, as required. Experience of ICARA reporting
•    Oversee maintenance of accurate client data on all platforms. 
•    Report on KPIs to UK and Switzerland executives.
•    Provide management information, as applicable, to UK and Switzerland Executive.
•    Manage and oversee all outsourced or offshored services, including Investec Group outsourcings/offshoring.
•    Manage any Third-Party vendor relationships where service is provided in-geography.
•    Drive process automation, efficiency and service quality.
•    Collaborate closely with UK and Switzerland staff to support business growth.
•    Identify and deliver initiatives to support improvements in business performance and service growth, in collaboration with teams in UK and Switzerland.
•    Other ad-hoc tasks, as directed by the Chief Executive Officer for the UK Office and key stakeholders in Switzerland.

Other Responsibilities
•    Manage stakeholders including the executive, senior management and support areas.
•    Contribute to the strategic planning and development of the business as a member of the Executive Team

Core skills and knowledge    
•    Strong experience  in operations roles within wealth management or banking.
•    Excellent standard of education, with Maths and English essential.
•    Strong analytical skills and proficient in Microsoft packages (Excel, Word, Outlook).
•    Good understanding of full Front-to-Back investment processes, including working knowledge of equities lifecycle and discretionary investment management.
•    Understanding of all the following: corporate actions, trading, security settlement, reconciliation, security transfer / re-registration and account opening processes.
•    Deep understanding of UK FCA rules, ideally with some experience of working in an international team applying other jurisdictional rules.
•    Strong track record of systems integration platform transformation and operational due diligence.

Personal Attributes
•    Maintains high levels of integrity and embraces the philosophy of treating our customers fairly and ensuring good customer outcomes.
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills in communicating with a wide audience - a clear, reasoned approach needs to be exhibited.
•    Highly motivated with emphasis on attention to detail.
•    Strong organisational, analytical and multi-tasking skills.
•    Positive attitude, with excellent problem-solving skills. 
•    Strong decision-making capabilities and resilience under pressure.
•    Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Any other attributes that would be helpful, but not essential for the role     

•    Recognised practitioner in the Operations environment and contributor to industry bodies.
•    Knowledge of Swiss and EU regulatory regimes.
•    Minimum Level 4 Financial Qualification preferred, e.g. IMC or IAD.

As part of our collaborative & agile culture, our working week is 4 days in the office and one day remote.

Investec offers a range of wellbeing benefits to make our people feel healthier, balanced and more fulfilled in their lives inside and outside of work.

Here is a selection of what we offer;

Wellbeing

Wellbeing Subsidy, Corporate Gym Membership, Virtual GP, Peppy Health App (Fertility, Menopause and Early Parenthood), Optional Private Medical & Dental Insurance

Monetary

Non-contributory Pension & Discretionary Bonus

Life & Income Protection

Life Assurance, Critical Illness & Income Protection

Travel

Season Ticket Loan & Electric Vehicle Scheme 

Embedded in our culture is a sense of belonging and inclusion. This creates an environment in which everyone is free to be themselves which helps to drive innovation, creativity and ultimately business performance. At Investec we want everyone to find it easy to be themselves, and to feel they belong. It's a responsibility we all share and is integral to our purpose and values as an organisation.

Research shows that some candidates can be reluctant to apply to a role unless they meet all the criteria. We pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit here and welcome you to do the same – if the role excites you, please don't let our person specification hold you back. Get in touch!

Recite Me

We commit to ensure that everyone is fairly assessed during our recruitment process. To assist candidates in completing their application form, Recite Me assistive technology is available on our Careers pages. This can be accessed by clicking on the ‘Accessibility Options' link at the top of the page.

The Recite Me tool includes a screen reader, styling and customisation options, a series of reading aids, a translator and more.

If you have any form of disability or neurodivergent need and require further assistance in completing your application, please contact the Careers team at [email protected] who will be happy to assist.