Operations Manager (Prescient Investment Management)

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Take responsibility for ensuring seamless operations across the Investment Management business, working closely with the COO and other leaders, teams, and key stakeholders. Maintain strong internal relationships between all the various departments within Prescient Investment Management and Prescient Fund Services, to ensure exceptional support and service delivery to clients.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Investment Operations and Client Management

• Lead the operational delivery and coordination of the Investment Operations function to ensure robust and consistent service standards.
• Ensure correctness and accuracy of information flow to mitigate financial loss.
• Monitor production schedules and ensure delivery of monthly client and internal outputs.
• Drive continuous improvements and controls to reduce operational risk and errors.
• Oversee business planning activities in support of broader business goals.
• Serve as the primary client contact post-mandate signing, ensuring efficient onboarding.
• Facilitate fund take on and take offs with client and fund administrator.
• Facilitate and validate end-to-end processes for client investments, disinvestments, and asset transfers.
• Maintain accurate and updated client portfolio records.
• Manage and resolve all client queries and requests timeously.
• Oversee third-party fund administration service delivery to ensure SLA adherence, including:
• Transaction and settlement query resolution.
• Cash and scrip reconciliations oversight.
• Collateral management oversight.
• Coordination of new product or instrument onboarding.
• Maintain relationships with portfolio managers, dealers, and performance teams. Resolve cross-functional queries, suggest process improvements, and ensure alignment with investment processes.
• Lead oversight of client and fund audits, serving as the primary liaison with auditors.
• Maintain and regularly update all procedure documents and internal policies to mitigate risk and enhance efficiency.
• Oversee the performance monitoring and reporting function.
• Ensure compliance with GIPS (Global Investment Performance Standards):
  • Collaborate with performance, compliance, and client reporting teams to ensure performance data and reporting is GIPS-compliant.
  • Maintain documentation and evidence to support GIPS claims.
  • Support ongoing GIPS verification efforts and respond to auditor and regulatory queries as needed.
  • Facilitate training and awareness within the team around GIPS policies and standards.

People Management

• Lead and manage the Investment Operations team.
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, and retention strategies in collaboration with the COO.
• Proactively develop and mentor staff to retain top talent and build bench strength.
• Conduct regular one-on-ones and performance reviews to track development.
• Build a team culture focused on accountability, ownership, and service excellence.
• Uphold and reinforce company culture, values, and vision through leadership.

IT & Infrastructure

• Ensure efficiency through the optimal use of Middle Office systems and technology.
• Drive automation and digitization initiatives to enhance operational sustainability.
• Manage vendor and third-party technology relationships alongside the COO.

Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)

• Working closely with Legal, Risk and Governance structures internally within Prescient Investment Management and within the broader Prescient Group.
• Contribute to risk reviews, control enhancements, and regulatory obligations.
• Own the operational compliance with GIPS and ensure alignment with risk frameworks and reporting obligations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A relevant tertiary qualification is required (e.g. BCom, BBusSci, Accounting, or Finance).