Head of Investment Operations - NZ Super Fund

Summary about this job

Detail information about job Head of Investment Operations - NZ Super Fund. Terms and conditions vacancy

• Manage the administration of the Super Fund’s $38.5b portfolio.
• Lead a team of fourteen, via three direct reports.
• Deliver strategic initiatives, including process automation and future planning.

The NZ Super Fund is New Zealand's sovereign wealth fund, established to partially pre-fund the future cost of New Zealand superannuation. The NZ Super Fund has won global accolades for its performance, governance and transparency, as well being recognised as one of the most innovative sovereign wealth funds globally. The Fund is managed by an Auckland-based Crown Entity, the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation (Guardians).

The opportunity

Responsible for managing a range of operational functions, the Investment Operations team plays a key role in building efficiency, managing risk and supporting a number of the Fund’s strategic objectives.

The Head of Investment Operations leads a team of fourteen, via three direct reports, that manages the administration of the Fund’s portfolio through controls and oversight at the total portfolio level, NAV reporting, post-trade lifecycle management, trade support for Portfolio Completion (Treasury), and liaison with the Fund’s key service providers, including the global custodian, external investment managers and counterparties. The Head of Investment Operations operates across the Guardians and has a strong focus on contributing to projects that are led by other parts of the Guardians, as well as projects being led by Investment Operations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop, implement and communicate the overall Investment Operations strategy
• Lead, coach, support, develop and manage direct reports
• Oversee the management of key external partners
• Deliver strategic initiatives, including process automation and future planning

Your background

Candidates require substantial leadership experience gained within investment operations at a custodian, fund or investment bank. The Fund is exposed to a particularly broad range of financial instruments and the Guardians anticipates that credible candidates will have led teams in an environment of equivalent complexity, most likely from a global financial centre.

This position requires a leader with a participative style, consistent with the collaborative culture within the Fund. Sophisticated relationship management and influencing skills will enable you to champion investment operations internally and to build enduring partnerships with key external parties.

Candidates must demonstrate their ability to contribute to strategic thinking and long-term planning. The role encompasses responsibility for major projects, several of which focus on harnessing the potential of innovative technologies. Having overseen similar initiatives, you will have an informed opinion on current solutions and their potential to positively affect investment operations.

Life at NZ Super Fund

Underpinning the Guardians’ culture is a focus on achieving successful outcomes over the long term. It’s an enjoyable place to work, genuinely driven by its core values, with a focus on maintaining an appropriate balance between the demands of career and life.

The environment  is positive, constructive and collegial. You will be encouraged to stretch your capability and seek opportunities for your professional development and personal growth.

Register your interest

This is a rare chance to lead a high performing team responsible for sophisticated back office operations in a rapidly growing, long-term fund. A positive environment and collaborative culture, combined with the chance to contribute to New Zealand’s future prosperity, makes this is a genuinely unique and exciting opportunity.

The Guardians is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its hiring practices. To build a strong and talented workforce, the Guardians is actively building an inclusive workplace and encourages expressions of interest from a diverse applicant pool, including applicants interested in discussing flexible work options. Further information about the Guardians and NZ Super Fund is available on www.nzsuperfund.co.nz.

Please forward your details in strict confidence by clicking ‘apply now’ below. Alternatively send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. For more information call Dave Rees, Partner at Convergence Partners Limited, on +64 9 300 6875.