Project Manager in Chelmsford

FundRock is a Pan-European leading independent UCITS management company and AIFM (Alternative Investment Fund Manager). Our clients are established blue-chip companies and leaders in their domestic market. We invest in our people, enabling you to develop your skills and build on your experience. If you like the idea of working for an ambitious and growing company, as part of a multicultural team, we are the place for you.

Department: Third Party Delegate & Distributor Oversight

Reports to: Head of Investment Management Oversight

Location: Hamilton Centre, Rodney way, Chelmsford CM1 3BY

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional Project / Change Manager. You will be responsible for the management and delivery of corporate, regulatory, client initiatives and product changes of Apex FundRock Ltd and FundRock Partners Ltd (together "Apex FundRock") fund hosting operation. You will work with different internal departments as well as third-party suppliers (Fund Accountant, Transfer Agent, Trustees / Depositary and Custodian) and clients of Apex FundRock on change activities. The candidate must demonstrate good understanding of fund hosting operations and experience working with asset managers, custodians and other key stakeholders.

• Lead end-to-end delivery of projects within the fund hosting operation.
• Build a pro-active working partnership with all stakeholders to assist with expectation management and the efficient delivery of project/change.
• Develop standard working template task sheets.
• Develop, map and document detailed project scope and project plans, working with internal departments and 3rd party suppliers, to identify owners for each deliverable and the timeframes for their delivery.
• Develop and maintain detailed Risks, Assumptions, Issues and Dependencies (RAID) logs, project status reports, closure documents and provide regular updates to all stakeholders.
• Manage change following the agreed change governance procedure.
• Track progress to plan throughout the life cycle of the change facilitating meetings internally and externally as and when required.
• Ensure all stakeholders are kept up to date with progress by circulating weekly updated plans and logs.
• Help resolve issues identified and mitigate risks.
• Manage, document and communicate changes to scope, timeline and/or budget.
• Track all project costs to estimates and ensure budgets are adhered to.
• On project completion, approve all 3rd party invoices and inform the Client Business Partner of the total project cost to charge back and consider and document any lessons learnt reaching out to internal departments and external parties where necessary.
• Prepare committee papers as required.
• Deal with routine and ad hoc queries from clients, investment managers, depositaries and other third parties in relation to change activities.
• Keep abreast of regulatory change.
• Any appropriate ad hoc tasks as directed from the department head or senior management team.

• A minimum of 5 years' experience of working in financial services industry.
• Proven experience as a Project / Change Manager in an ACD, ManCo or UK fund management environment.
• Industry recognised project management qualification.
• Strong Microsoft Project knowledge.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team.
• Demonstrate good communication skills, both written and oral and be able to converse internally and externally with personnel at all levels; coupled with good negotiation and influencing.
• Good leadership skills and ability to make decisions.
• Good financial business experience.
• Good problem solving skills, with independent thinking to find efficient and innovative ways to solve problems.
• Ability to be able to work on own initiative or as part of a team.
• Excellent knowledge and experience of the UK regulatory environment and rules prescribed in the FCA Handbook, in particular the CIS, COLL, FUND, PRIN, COBS and SYSC sourcebooks.
• Meticulous attention to detail, good organisation and planning skills.
• Ability to function in a dynamic and ever-changing environment.
• Strong multi-tasking abilities; able to juggle conflicting priorities.
• Have a proven hands-on attitude, be flexible and adaptable.
• Observation of proper standards of market, business and personal conduct, demonstrating integrity in the execution of duties.
• Respect the Apex FundRock's approach to client care and demonstrate due regard to the interests of the clients in any and all third party dealings.

As a vital team member and in return for your expertise, inclusive approach and commitment, we'll provide a favourable salary and the chance to join a passionate and welcoming team.

Benefits: As a truly global business, we tailor benefits to each location to safeguard our people and respect local cultures and ways of working. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in talent development. Join our global network, and you will benefit from education support, sponsorship and in-house training programs.