About The Role

About Northern Trust

As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.

Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide.

With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Role/ Department

Based in Hong Kong or Melbourne, the Head of APAC Investment Operations will lead the day-to-day management of the APAC Investment Operations whilst supporting the wider global Operations function with growth, development and change needs.

The role reports to the Regional Head of Operations for EMEA/APAC and works in concert with global teams and specialists to support the ongoing Operational needs of the business. The individual must act as a senior stakeholder representing Operations at governance and decision making groups.

The key responsibilities of the role include

Managing a team focused on achieving operational excellence in the non-investment front office and client operations of a fast-growing division of a Global Asset Manager. Function undertakes a broad range of operational activities including but not limited to Front office Support, Client Onboarding and Servicing.
Responsible for the oversight and occasional completion, of all day-to-day tasks, such as trade process management, cashflows, Client queries for both pooled product investors (AUT Funds) and segregated mandates.
Overseeing and driving the strategic direction of certain Global Investment Operations practices in the region, Setting the vision and strategy, driving the direction for the systems environment, talent management, and technology project oversight, in close coordination with the Global Investment Operations leadership team.
Drive the local implementation of strategic initiatives for investment operations and support the development of long-term growth plans and profitability goals for the APAC business.
Develop and foster strong and trusted relationships with key internal senior stakeholders in the region and be the senior Operational representative on regional Committees and Boards, taking ownership for any associated operational reporting requirements.
Proactively participate in strategic expansion activities such as the support and build of target operating models for new products or asset class strategies Eg ETFs, Private Equity, Multi Asset, AUT, Derivatives etc. or the expansion of newly acquired first line activities and partners.
Continued process improvement making the necessary enhancements to improve efficiencies and scaling for growth across our Global operations.
Define and implement the strategic direction of the team by building strong internal relationships with all teams/stakeholders in the region.
Ensure that the team are engaged, motivated and developed to produce high quality outcomes that exceed client expectations.
Provides technical support as needed to investment, product and distribution teams to understand their non-investment needs and deliver effective support and anticipate future needs.
Provide oversight of day-to-day client queries liaising as needed with pooled fund appointed administrators and custodians and offshored locations within the Business unit.
Focus on aligning the needs of the client with the firms capabilities including the production of client reporting; ad hoc client and prospects requests; and the development of reporting to meet evolving client and product obligations.

Skills / Experience Required

Leadership & Organisation Skills

Solid track record in Investment Operations with broad Client Operations experience gained from within ideally a Global Asset Manager or Global Asset Servicer.
Demonstrable experience to effectively work as a player coach with high personal accountability and ownership for team goals in addition to own objectives.
Change Ambassador to drive and lead the local implementation of transformational change with a fast-growing business unit in a global operating environment.
Highly flexible operations professional, willing to take to adapt and take on potentially new and growing responsible to support the growth and development of the business.
Strong multi-tasking skills required to operate effectively within a fast paced, hybrid and highly pressurised global environment often working short deadlines.
Proven ability as a proactive hands-on leader and people manager required in order to ensure effective drive and execute to high standards across a diverse and increasingly complex book of business.
Build authentic and strong team relationships. Holding oneself and team accountable.
Strong track record on the ability to roll up the sleeves to assess risk, identify, communicate solutions, and drive change.
Highly organised, detail oriented and results focused individual with a strong track record in managing teams and self to deliver on multiple initiatives both locally and globally.

Technical & Communication Skills

In-depth technical knowledge of multiple asset classes, including but not limited to, equities, fixed income, listed and OTC derivatives, as well as the investment strategies that employ these asset classes.
Analytical thinker enabling the team to embrace new ideas and develop a growth mindset.
Continuous learner that proactively ensures skills are kept current with local market and industry trends in line with business growth.
Strong operational knowledge of APAC Client needs in both SMAs and Pooled Funds.
Solid understanding of regulatory, compliance and legal environment with the regional Asset Management industry
Demonstrates excellent team working skills having worked in highly matrixed Global organisations with the proven ability to develop, grow and maintain relationships with a diverse range of internal stakeholders
Outstanding communication and influencing skills, both written and verbal, with demonstrated ability to develop materials and effectively present to key Senior stakeholders.
Good listening skills to ensure instructions are understood in a fast-paced busy global team environment.
Active engagement in industry forums/user groups to ensure teams continue to have the appropriate skill, awareness and expertise to appropriately perform their activities and keep at pace with Client’s needs.

Business Development

Proactively participates in strategic expansion activities enabling the support for newly created products or the expansion of newly acquired first line activities and partners.
Proven ability to advise beyond expectations, consistently forward planning and strategically thinking of functions ability to support anticipated growth.

Working with Us

As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.

Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.

Reasonable Accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com , or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.