Investment Operations Manager

About This Role

Job title: Investment Operations Manager

Reports to: SEO

Role: Full time

Location : Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai, UAE

The Company

Our client is a leading investment company in Kuwait and is now expanding to serve a broader client base across the GCC and international markets. Its core purpose is to facilitate cross-border capital flows and partnerships while offering tailored financial solutions in high-growth sectors such as fintech, real estate, and renewables.

Job purpose

Our client is launching an investment platform that will initially manage stand‑alone investment portfolios , transitioning later into regulated fund structures . The Investment Operations Manager will act as the central operational oversight point , coordinating all outsourced operational functions — including the Outsourced Middle‑Office Partner , Custodian , and future Transfer Agent / Fund Administrator — while also managing general operations and internal projects within the DIFC office.

This role ensures that the firm maintains strong governance, operational integrity, and regulatory compliance within a lean, outsourced operating model.

Key Responsibilities include:

Oversight of Outsourced Middle‑Office Partner

• Oversee daily IBOR and portfolio accounting deliverables.
• Review cash, position, and pricing reconciliations; track discrepancies and ensure timely resolution.
• Monitor trade lifecycle activities including trade capture, matching, settlement status, and amendments.
• Review valuation files, exposure reports, performance and attribution outputs, and risk analytics.
• Ensure the Middle‑Office Partner adheres to agreed timelines, controls, and escalation processes.

Custody Oversight

• Monitor settlement cycles, corporate actions, income events, and cash movements handled by the Custodian.
• Reconcile custody statements against IBOR records and escalate inconsistencies.
• Oversee liquidity flows, funding requirements, and foreign exchange activity.
• Validate income accruals, asset servicing, and market event impacts.

Transfer Agency & Fund Administration Oversight (When Funds Launch)

• Oversee investor onboarding (KYC/AML), subscribe/redeem processes, and investor register maintenance.
• Review investor statements, capital activity files, and distribution calculations.
• Ensure alignment across fund records, investor registers, IBOR data, and custody positions.
• Coordinate the operational setup for new fund launches.

DIFC Office Operations & Project Management

• Support the Senior Executive Officer in the overall management of the DIFC office operations.
• Lead operational and cross‑functional projects, including process improvements, systems enhancements, and regulatory readiness initiatives.
• Oversee internal controls, procedural documentation, and business continuity processes.
• Coordinate external service providers for office operations (legal, compliance, IT support, administrative vendors).
• Prepare materials for internal committees, management reporting, and regulatory submissions.

Governance, Controls & Reporting

• Maintain and enhance the firms operational oversight framework across all outsourced service lines.
• Produce monitoring dashboards covering reconciliations, breaks, exposures, trade activity, and operational KPIs.
• Support internal/external audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory assessments.
• Maintain and update policies, procedures, and responsibility matrices (RACI).

Investment Desk Support

• Support portfolio managers with operational needs, trade issues, and instrument onboarding.
• Perform data validations, pricing checks, and instrument eligibility assessments.
• Monitor corporate actions, income accruals, and market developments affecting portfolios.
• Ensure operational readiness for new investment strategies or product launches.

Service Provider Coordination

• Act as the firm’s main operational liaison with all outsourced providers.
• Lead periodic service review meetings and track KPIs, deliverables, and continuous‑improvement items.
• Coordinate workflows across the Middle‑Office Partner, Custodian, and other providers.
• Maintain strong communication channels and escalation protocols.

Technical Experience

• 5–10 years in buy‑side operations, middle office, fund operations, or custody oversight.
• Strong understanding of:
• Trade lifecycle (fixed income & equities)
• Cash/position/pricing reconciliations
• IBOR vs ABOR frameworks
• Custody and settlement cycles
• Corporate actions & income events
• Performance and basic risk concepts
• Experience working within an outsourced operational model is preferred.
• DIFC/DFSA experience is an advantage.

Soft Skills

• High attention to detail and strong ownership mindset.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and coordination skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple workflows in a fast‑paced environment.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• Professional qualifications (CFA, CAIA, IMC) are advantageous.