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.