At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to shape operational processes in the Futures market.
- Company: Exciting new Futures business based in London with growth potential.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to influence from day one.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a start-up environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in futures operations and a degree in Finance or related field.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity to join a newly established Futures business in London at a formative stage and work directly with the Head of Futures Operations as his right-hand. You will help design, build, and run operational processes for our futures and derivatives activities — with a core focus on LME and ICE Europe markets. This is a hands‑on role with a rare chance to influence how the business operates from day one. Depending on experience, we will consider candidates at either Manager or Analyst level.
Key Areas of Responsibilities
- Partner with the Head of Futures Operations to set up and manage daily operational and trade support functions for exchange‑traded futures and derivatives.
- Oversee clearing deadlines and ensure all trades are processed accurately and on time, meeting regulatory, exchange, client, and internal requirements.
- Execute daily settlement processes across cash‑settled and physically‑delivered contracts, including LME prompt date processes, physical delivery notices, and option exercise/assignment.
- Perform daily reconciliations of positions, trades, margins, and cash flows; investigate and resolve exceptions promptly.
- Maintain precise records, monitor operational risk, and ensure compliance with internal policies, clearing house rules, and exchange regulations.
- Prepare and submit daily, weekly, and monthly reports on settlement activities to internal stakeholders and external regulators, as required.
- Liaise with clearing houses, brokers, and build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure smooth transaction flow and timely issue resolution.
- Support strategic projects including system implementation, process automation, and onboarding of new markets.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 7 years of futures operations experience covering clearing & settlements, reconciliation, physical delivery, margin control, option exercise/assignment, and regulatory reporting.
- Strong working knowledge of LME and ICE Europe clearing house rules and delivery processes, with particular experience in LME physical delivery.
- Familiarity with LMEsmart, LMEmercury, LMEsword, and industry back-/middle‑office systems such as ION XTP, GMI, etc.
- Exceptional attention to detail with a proactive, problem‑solving mindset.
- Resilient and adaptable — able to operate independently in a start‑up style environment while being a collaborative team player.
- Relevant professional qualifications or strong track record of hands‑on operational experience in futures markets.
- Fluent in both written and spoken English.
Associate Director, Operations Futures, Futures employer: CLSA
CLSA is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, where innovative thinking and teamwork are highly valued. Located in a vibrant financial hub, employees benefit from extensive professional growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and a commitment to work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those looking to thrive in the fast-paced world of exotic equity derivatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Operations Futures, Futures
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like CLSA. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Operations Futures, Futures
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to CLSA.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on CLSA's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CLSA
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with CLSA.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at CLSA will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former CLSA employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
