Main Purpose of Role
The Vice President – Operational Readiness Lead will hold end-to-end accountability for design, delivery, and implementation of the Target Operating Model for new client onboarding, platform migrations, and large-scale transformation initiatives within Transfer Agency.
Key Responsibilities
Own the delivery of the Operating Model, ensuring it is scalable, controlled, and aligned to strategic objectives.
Define and implement the end‑to‑end reporting matrix, including governance forums, tracking, escalation, and executive reporting.
Act as the senior decision‑maker for operational readiness, balancing client, regulatory, and organizational requirements.
Lead cross‑functional teams across multiple locations, ensuring alignment across Operations, Product, Technology, Risk, and Compliance.
Own the end‑to‑end delivery of the Target Operating Model, from design through to implementation and stabilization.
Define inter‑location operating model structures, hand‑offs, and accountability frameworks.
Ensure operational readiness across all functions, including Ops, TA, AML, Client Service, and Technology.
Embed robust control frameworks, including AML/KYC processes, within the operating model.
Design and implement the programme governance framework within Operational Readiness, ensuring clear structures for oversight, decision‑making, and escalation.
Ensure alignment across all Operational Readiness workstreams, with full oversight of:
Progression of the Transfer Agency (TA) Operating Model
Definition and documentation of reporting requirements
Development, tracking, and sign‑off of test cases
Delivery, tracking, and formal sign‑off of agreed milestones and project plans
Establish and maintain robust tracking and reporting mechanisms, ensuring all deliverables are clearly documented, monitored, and governed through to completion.
Provide regular, structured reporting to senior leadership, ensuring full transparency of delivery status, risks, dependencies, and key decisions.
Own the escalation and resolution of critical delivery, operational, and regulatory issues, ensuring timely decision‑making and stakeholder alignment.
Act as the SME and accountable lead for AML/KYC integration within all onboarding and operating models.
Ensure all processes meet Financial Crime, AML, and KYC regulatory standards.
Work closely with Compliance and Financial Crime teams to:
Drive continuous improvement in AML/KYC processes and controls across the operating model
Act as the senior point of contact for operational readiness with clients.
Lead negotiations on operating model design, risk decisions, and delivery timelines.
Build strong partnerships across:
Operations, UK TA
Technology / ZILO
Product
Compliance / Legal
Influence senior stakeholders and drive alignment across a complex matrix organisation.
Lead large‑scale onboarding, lift‑out, and migration programmes.
Own risk management, issue resolution, and delivery execution.
Ensure all deliverables are completed in line with agreed timelines, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
Drive Model Office, UAT, and operational readiness testing at a global level.
Lead and develop direct and virtual teams across multiple locations.
Provide clear direction, accountability, and performance oversight.
Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications and Experience
Deep expertise in AML/KYC and Financial Crime processes (mandatory).
Expert‑level knowledge of Transfer Agency operating models and onboarding processes.
Proven experience designing and delivering large‑scale operating models.
Strong experience in client onboarding, migrations, or platform transformations.
Demonstrated ability to operate at VP level, influencing senior stakeholders and driving decisions.
Experience designing and implementing governance models and reporting frameworks.
Strong understanding of regulatory environments and control frameworks.
Proven leadership of cross‑functional, multi‑location teams.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making capability.
Ability to manage complex delivery environments with competing priorities.
Desirable Qualifications
Degree or professional qualification.
Project / Programme Management certification.
Experience working on platform transformations (e.g., ZILO, TA systems).
Exposure to European and UK regulatory environments.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we consider all qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, familial status, military and veteran status, and other characteristics protected by applicable law.
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