Head of Alpha Operations Hong Kong – VP

Who we are looking for

The Alpha Portfolio Services team is a dedicated global business team working with Clients, SSC IT, client service, and the business operations teams to ensure accurate end-to-end oversight of Front office and Middle Office Information Delivery to our clients. The Alpha Portfolio Services team is responsible for ensuring the Investment book of records is accurately maintained and ensuring accurate client portfolios are reflected on State Street platforms. The role will interact with the Clients’ investment operations (predominantly Front Office) and being a key liaison with various portfolio managers and internal SSC parties in identifying an issue as well as managing suitable resolution. The role will need to initiate and develop good communication and interpersonal relationship with business operations teams and IT and to maintain the high level of service that is currently being provided to all the clients.

Why this role is important to us

The Role will lead the Middle Office team in HK with direct or matrix reporting line and partner with Head of Alpha Operations APAC, Location Head in HK, COO and serve as a single owner and point of escalation for all Alpha Operations functions residing within HK.

The role will be responsible for all aspects of service and delivery through common goals, oversight, ensuring consistent client experience. 

Operational experience required with a focus on strong in-region knowledge and excellent global collaboration skills.

What you will be responsible for

Scope

· All Alpha Operations activities performed in location

· Management of direct & in-direct (matrix and virtual) teams across staff present within location

· Partner with Head of Alpha Operations APAC to continually review and enhance the local org structure and operating model

· Partner with Head of Alpha Operations APAC to review and formulate development and succession plans

Leadership

· Be a visible, proactive, single point of escalation and ownership for all Alpha Operations activities residing within country

· Lead by example in demonstrating behaviours of a high performing culture in which people operate to deliver client outcomes, with a One State Street mindset. Cutting across organizational boundaries to create common goals with clear performance expectations and client outcomes

· Effectively manage direct and virtual teams across the region by driving the mission of Global Delivery; create opportunities for emerging talent to move into stretch assignments; proactive succession and development planning

· Deepen the team’s collective knowledge and effectiveness by bringing insights, innovation and solutions to the team and ensuring sustainable best practice across the a suite of products and services.

· Ensure appropriate Senior management representation or oversight for legal entity boards, second and third lines of defence are informed of all relevant operational and service issues, risks, and risk events in a timely manner 

Deliver Service and Operational Excellence

· Ensures all commitments are delivered, including delivery of services to clients in accordance with all contractual and client service level agreements ensuring a seamless, integrated, consistent experience across the jurisdiction and operating centres

· Motivates for accountability of exacting standards of accuracy and timeliness, delivering services in an efficient and controlled manner with a continuous focus on improving quality and productivity

· Ensures operating policies, procedures and controls are documented, adhered to and are compliant with relevant controls and regulatory requirements

· Ensure key metrics, performance and risk indicators are in place to track volumes, manage growth, service delivery quality, cost, productivity, efficiency, and risk

· Proactively manage and reduce operational risk exposure by ensuring robust control environment, escalation protocols and responsiveness culture to internal and external issues raised

· Requests for information from external auditors, legal advisors, regulators and other parties are managed complying with local and corporate policies

· Compliance with all corporate and local policies and procedures with particular focus on health and safety, operational risk, resiliency and business continuity

Optimize Operating Model and Expense Management

· Manage expenses across all Profit and Loss levers including but not limited to Workforce Planning, Productivity and Simplification targets. Contributing to the continuous improvement of the operating model by delivering on key initiatives in partnership with key stakeholders. Catering for growth, on-boarding, conversions, regulatory and other major projects

· Leverage client knowledge, scale, technology solutions, mutual geographic footprint and time zones and take an active role in co designing the most efficient, resilient and effective end-to-end service model

· Ensure adherence with globally consistent standards, measurement and reporting, identifying ways to enhance our service quality, accuracy and timeliness across all clients

· Engagement with technology and vendors on the functional specification, testing and successful on-time delivery of new applications and/or software upgrades

· Partner with Sales, Deal Team Integration Lead, Client Leads and Functional Owners to review new business and service requests including operating model design, resource and technology requirements and risk assessment​

Education & Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in finance, business, technology or equivalent or relevant industry experience 8-10 years of experience

• Proven experience in client communication and interaction at all levels

• In depth understanding of Middle Office operations, preferably Trade Management Operations inclusive of trade confirmation, settlement & reconciliation. Product and Industry knowledge preferable across – Equity, FI, FX and ETD, inclusive of Global Markets.

• Understanding of key technology within the support of investment management operations

• Excellent understanding of change management principles, techniques & tools.

• Experience in writing SQL, Oracle, Sybase is desired

• Strong MS Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint skills necessary

• Strong English written and spoken ability

About State Street

What we do. State Street is one of the largest custodian banks, asset managers and asset intelligence companies in the world. From technology to product innovation we’re making our mark on the financial services industry. For more than two centuries, we’ve been helping our clients safeguard and steward the investments of millions of people. We provide investment servicing, data & analytics, investment research & trading and investment management to institutional clients.

Work, Live and Grow. We make all efforts to create a great work environment. Our benefits packages are competitive and comprehensive. Details vary in locations, but you may expect generous medical care, insurance and savings plans among other perks. You’ll have access to flexible Work Program to help you match your needs. And our wealth of development programs and educational support will help you reach your full potential.

Inclusion, Diversity and Social Responsibility. We truly believe our employees’ diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspective are a powerful contributor to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their maximum potential while adding value to both our organization and our clients. We warmly welcome the candidates of diverse origin, background, ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and personality. Another fundamental value at State Street is active engagement with our communities around the world, both as a partner and a leader. You will have tools to help balance your professional and personal life, paid volunteer days, matching gift program and access to employee networks that help you stay connected to what matters to you.

State Street is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

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