At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape operations in Private Markets, driving excellence and innovation.
- Company: Join Standard Life, a leader in retirement solutions with over 200 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, private medical cover, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a key leadership role within a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in Asset Management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90900 - 113625 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity to join Standard Life as Head of Private Markets Operations within our Retirement Solutions & Asset Management function. This is a key leadership role for an individual with significant experience across Private Markets operations, including pre-investment activity, trading support and trade lifecycle management. The successful candidate will bring extensive knowledge of private market investment products and operating models, alongside a proven ability to lead teams, build strong stakeholder relationships and drive operational excellence.
Job Type: Permanent
Location: This role could be based from our London, Edinburgh, Birmingham or Telford office with time spent working from home and from the office (3 days per week).
Flexible working: All roles are open to part-time, job-share and other types of flexibility. We will discuss what is important to you and balancing this with business requirements during the recruitment process.
Salary and benefits: From £90,900 depending on experience plus discretionary bonus, private medical cover, 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, 12x salary life assurance, career breaks, income protection, 3x volunteering days and much more.
The role is responsible for shaping and leading the operating model and support framework across Private Markets and Counterparty Onboarding activities within Capital Markets. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring robust governance, operational excellence and scalable processes that support the continued growth of private markets investing across credit, real assets and alternative investment strategies.
Reporting to the Head of Operations, this position provides strategic leadership across multiple specialist teams, overseeing the end-to-end investment lifecycle from pre-trade governance and onboarding through to trade support, lifecycle management, regulatory reporting, vendor oversight and operational controls.
The role will play a key part in shaping future operating models, supporting new product launches and investment structures, leading the onboarding of counterparties and ensuring readiness for new business activities. It will also drive transformation initiatives and deliver scalable solutions that enhance efficiency, strengthen controls and improve client outcomes.
- Define and deliver the strategy, operating model and operational readiness framework for Private Markets and Strategic Onboarding activities.
- Lead, develop and inspire specialist teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and inclusion.
- Oversee middle office operations across private market asset classes, ensuring effective controls, accurate data management and efficient lifecycle event management.
- Own the end-to-end onboarding of counterparties, funds, platforms and investment structures, ensuring compliance with KYC, CDD, AML and regulatory requirements.
- Partner closely with Front Office, Risk, Compliance, Legal, Operations and external service providers to support business growth and new investment opportunities.
- Maintain a strong and effective governance, risk and control framework, leading audit activity, issue remediation and operational risk management.
- Lead and champion process optimisation, automation, technology adoption and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, scalability and control.
- Act as the senior operational representative for Private Markets, building strong stakeholder relationships and providing leadership across strategic business initiatives.
What are we looking for?
- Significant leadership experience within Asset Management Middle Office, Investment Operations or Private Markets Operations, with a collaborative leadership style and a track record of developing high-performing teams and building strong stakeholder relationships.
- Extensive experience supporting private market investment products and trade lifecycle activities.
- Strong understanding of private credit, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and alternative asset classes.
- Deep understanding of operational risk, governance and controls within investment management.
- Demonstrated experience leading counterparty onboarding, KYC, CDD and operational due diligence frameworks.
- Proven experience designing and evolving operating models within investment management environments.
- Strong understanding of investment management technology platforms and data flows.
- Experience managing strategic change, transformation and process improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead cross-functional programmes.
We want to hire the whole version of you. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels accepted and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If your experience looks different from what we’ve advertised and you believe that you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can help you to be at your best. We’re reviewing applications as they come in, so apply early to avoid missing out.
Head of Private Markets Operations, RS&AM in Telford employer: Phoenix Group
Phoenix Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Edinburgh where you can thrive as an Investment Operations Analyst. With a strong emphasis on flexibility through a hybrid work model, employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises operational excellence and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. Additionally, the company provides comprehensive benefits, including a competitive salary, bonuses, and generous leave, ensuring that team members are well-rewarded for their contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Private Markets Operations, RS&AM in Telford
✨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.
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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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Private Markets Operations, RS&AM in Telford
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 Phoenix Group.
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 Phoenix Group'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 Phoenix Group
✨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 Phoenix Group.
✨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 Phoenix Group 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 Phoenix Group 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.
