Opportunity

Head of Global Markets Operations, ED – UK & EMEA

Global bank, London

An exciting leadership opportunity has arisen for a banking professional with a good knowledge of all asset classes within Global Markets to lead and shape the operational function across multiple European locations. This Executive Director-level role will oversee day-to-day operations in London with a team of 15, provide functional leadership to teams in Frankfurt and Luxembourg, and represent EMEA GMO in strategic projects across the business.

This is a key leadership role combining operational excellence, strategic vision, and regional coordination. The successful candidate will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer for the UK and EMEA and play a critical role in the delivery of efficient, controlled, and high-quality operations across Global Markets.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Oversight (Approx. 70%)

  • Lead and organise UK GMO teams while functionally managing operations teams in Frankfurt and Luxembourg.
  • Ensure alignment of operational processes with global standards across locations.
  • Act as the main escalation point for GMO matters across EMEA.
  • Implement and enforce operational best practices, controls, and governance.
  • Monitor and mitigate operational risks, drive cost control, and manage headcount and budgets in collaboration with local COOs.
  • Drive performance management, including objective setting and evaluations.
  • Champion a high-performance culture and manage departmental restructuring where necessary.
  • Develop strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Front Office, Risk, Compliance, and IT.
  • Support new business initiatives and maintain high service levels for both internal and external clients.

Project Delivery & Strategy Initiatives (Approx. 30%)

  • Represent GMO EMEA in operational and strategic projects.
  • Drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency initiatives across locations.
  • Contribute to the definition and execution of the firm’s COO and CIB strategic objectives.
  • Support automation, system enhancements, and operational transformation (including AI initiatives).

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Essential:

  • Extensive experience in Global Markets Operations (both listed and OTC products).
  • Deep understanding of the trade lifecycle and trade processing environments.
  • Proven experience managing multi-location operations teams.
  • Strong knowledge of GM systems architecture.
  • Demonstrated leadership in change management and strategic thinking.
  • French language skills would be helpful but not essential
  • Sound understanding of operational risk and control frameworks.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred:

  • Experience with vendor and contract management.
  • Familiarity with automation and digitalisation projects in the operations space.

Apply Now
If you are a senior operations leader with a proven track record of consistent and stable roles in Global Markets, a strategic mindset, and a passion for operational excellence, we would love to hear from you.

To enquire about this role, please tell us a bit more about yourself by answering the questions below.


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