Role Overview for SVP, Investment Operations with an Asset Manager – Philadelphia, PA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, technology-driven asset management firm based in the heart of Philadelphia, PA, in their search for a Senior Vice President (SVP) of Investment Operations. This is a pivotal executive leadership role for a highly accomplished and strategic professional to direct the entirety of the firm’s middle and back-office operations. The successful candidate will be a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for shaping the operational infrastructure that supports a diverse and growing portfolio of assets. This position offers a unique opportunity to drive transformative change, enhance efficiency, and build a scalable, best-in-class operational platform that is critical to the firm’s continued success and expansion.
As the SVP of Investment Operations, you will be entrusted with the ultimate oversight of all post-trade activities, from trade settlement and portfolio accounting to performance measurement and client reporting. You will lead a substantial team of dedicated professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Your vision will guide the department’s strategic direction, ensuring alignment with the firm’s overall business objectives.
This role requires a dynamic leader who can seamlessly blend deep technical expertise in operations with exceptional managerial skills and a forward-thinking, strategic mindset. You will be the central point of contact for all operational matters, collaborating closely with C-suite executives, portfolio managers, traders, and compliance teams to ensure a robust and seamless investment lifecycle. If you are a transformative leader with a passion for operational excellence and a proven track record of success within the asset management industry, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Investment Operations with an Asset Manager – Philadelphia, PA
The SVP, Investment Operations will have a broad and impactful mandate, overseeing all facets of the operational framework. Key responsibilities are extensive and include the following areas:
Strategic Leadership & Team Management
- Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive long-term strategic vision for the Investment Operations department, ensuring it supports the firm’s growth, product diversification, and technological advancement.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a large, multi-faceted team of operations professionals, cultivating a high-performance culture characterized by accountability, innovation, and proactive problem-solving.
- Establish departmental goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and service level agreements (SLAs) to measure and drive efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness across all functions.
- Act as a key contributor to the firm’s overall strategic planning process, providing critical operational insights and recommendations to the executive management team.
- Champion a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the team, ensuring staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge to adapt to evolving market practices and technologies.
Operational Oversight & Process Optimization
- Provide ultimate oversight for all middle and back-office functions, including trade confirmation and affirmation, settlement, cash and position reconciliation, corporate actions processing, collateral management, and securities valuation.
- Direct the portfolio accounting and net asset value (NAV) calculation processes, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the firm’s books and records.
- Spearhead initiatives to re-engineer and optimize operational workflows, identifying opportunities for automation and increased straight-through processing (STP) to minimize manual intervention and reduce operational risk.
- Implement and maintain best practices across the operational lifecycle, ensuring processes are robust, scalable, and adaptable to new asset classes, investment strategies, and regulatory changes.
- Oversee the production and dissemination of all internal and external reporting, including client statements, performance analytics, and regulatory filings, ensuring data accuracy and timeliness.
Technology & Systems Integration
- Define and direct the technology strategy for the operations department, partnering with the Chief Technology Officer to select, implement, and integrate best-in-class systems (OMS, PMS, accounting, reconciliation platforms).
- Lead large-scale technology projects, including system upgrades, conversions, and new implementations, ensuring successful execution on time and within budget.
- Champion the use of data analytics and business intelligence tools to generate actionable insights, improve decision-making, and enhance operational transparency.
- Stay abreast of emerging financial technologies (FinTech) and assess their potential to create value and competitive advantages for the firm’s operational platform.
Risk Management & Compliance
- Design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive operational risk and control framework to identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor risks across all operational processes.
- Ensure strict adherence to regulatory requirements and industry best practices, including SEC, FINRA, and other relevant governing bodies.
- Collaborate closely with the Chief Compliance Officer to support the firm’s compliance program, manage regulatory examinations, and respond to inquiries.
- Oversee the firm’s business continuity and disaster recovery planning for all critical operational functions, ensuring resilience and minimal disruption in the event of an unforeseen incident.
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
- Manage and cultivate strategic relationships with key external partners, including custodians, prime brokers, fund administrators, and technology vendors.
- Lead contract negotiations, establish service level agreements (SLAs), and conduct regular performance reviews and due diligence to ensure vendors meet the firm’s high standards.
- Serve as the primary operational liaison for internal stakeholders, including Portfolio Management, Trading, Legal, Compliance, and Client Services, ensuring seamless communication and alignment.
Requirements for the SVP, Investment Operations with an Asset Manager – Philadelphia, PA
We are seeking a candidate with a distinguished career in investment operations and a demonstrated ability to lead at a senior level. The ideal candidate will possess a deep and holistic understanding of the asset management ecosystem.
Required Qualifications
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in investment operations within an asset management firm, hedge fund, or related financial institution.
- At least 7-10 years of experience in a senior leadership capacity, with a proven track record of managing and developing large, high-performing teams.
- Comprehensive, expert-level knowledge of all middle and back-office functions, including trade lifecycle, portfolio accounting, reconciliation, and corporate actions.
- Deep understanding of a wide range of asset classes, including public equities, fixed income, OTC derivatives, and alternative investments.
- Demonstrated experience in leading large-scale operational change, process re-engineering projects, and technology implementations.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus among senior executives and stakeholders.
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
Preferred Qualifications
- An advanced degree, such as an MBA, is highly desirable.
- Professional certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) are strongly preferred.
- Hands-on experience with major industry platforms and systems (e.g., BlackRock Aladdin, SimCorp Dimension, Eagle STAR, Geneva).
- Experience managing global operations or supporting international investment strategies.
- In-depth knowledge of GIPS (Global Investment Performance Standards).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
Competitive Compensation
A lucrative base salary complemented by a significant performance-based annual bonus and long-term incentive plan.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their families. A robust wellness program, including gym reimbursement and mental health resources.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) plan with a substantial company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and company holidays, along with a flexible, hybrid work model.
Professional Growth
A strong commitment to employee development, with financial support for continuing education, professional certifications (CFA, etc.), and industry conferences.
Parental Leave
Comprehensive paid parental leave policy for all new parents.
Company Culture
A collaborative, intellectually stimulating, and inclusive work environment where your contributions are valued and recognized.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. We are seeking driven and highly qualified individuals to take on this challenging and rewarding leadership role. If your experience and aspirations align with the responsibilities and qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered, please submit your resume along with a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership philosophy. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. To learn more about our specialized expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Asset Management practice page. We look forward to connecting with you.
