Main Purpose of Role

The Vice President – Operational Readiness Lead will hold end-to-end accountability for the design, delivery, and implementation of the Target Operating Model for new client onboarding, platform migrations, and large-scale transformation initiatives within Transfer Agency.

This is a senior leadership role, responsible not only for coordination but also for driving delivery outcomes, defining the reporting matrix, documenting the TA operating model, ensuring that required development functionality is delivered and tested, and embedding governance structures across the business and operations. The role also includes managing the gap log through to closure, as well as overseeing governance of both the project plan and the technology teams.

The VP will:

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

A core pillar of the role is Financial Crime knowledge, with AML/KYC requirements embedded into all operating model design, onboarding processes, and control frameworks.

The VP will be expected to bring deep expertise in AML/KYC, ensuring regulatory obligations are met and proactively shaping best practice within the operating model.

Key Responsibilities

Operating Model Ownership & Delivery

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

Governance & Reporting Matrix

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.

AML / KYC Leadership (Core Requirement)

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

Client & Stakeholder Leadership

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

Delivery & Programme Leadership

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

Leadership & Team Management

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

Core Requirements

Ensure full compliance with all applicable regulatory and operational frameworks, including:
- Deep expertise in AML / KYC and Financial Crime requirements, ensuring these are embedded across all operating model design and onboarding processes
- Transfer Agency (TA) Operating Model design and implementation
- End-to-end management of project plans, including governance, tracking, and delivery oversight
- Design and execution of the reporting matrix, ensuring clear visibility of progress, risks, and dependencies
- Oversight and delivery of UAT, Model Office testing, and operational readiness validation
- Management of in-flight activities and go-live execution, including ownership of runbooks and transition to BAU
Maintain the highest standards of governance, risk management, and control, ensuring all deliverables meet internal policies, regulatory expectations, and client requirements

Knowledge & Competency Requirements

Essential

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

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

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Operational Readiness Lead – Vice President

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