Senior Operations Manager - DFM

About the role

Symmetry, part of Old Mutual, is looking for an experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead and continuously improve the operational capability supporting its DFM business. This hands-on role sits at the intersection of investment management, implementation, platforms, data, technology, governance and client service, ensuring approved portfolio decisions are implemented accurately, efficiently and within a robust control framework, while building a scalable operating model for future growth.

Key responsibilities

• Own end-to-end implementation of approved portfolio changes, rebalances, transitions and new model portfolios across investment platforms.
• Manage platform and service-provider relationships, including portfolio setup, fund availability, issue resolution and service standards.
• Maintain operational governance, maker-checker controls, reconciliations, audit trails and exception management.
• Oversee portfolio, holdings, AUM and implementation data, including target-versus-actual monitoring and operational dashboards.
• Lead process improvement, workflow design, automation and technology initiatives that reduce operational risk and support scale.
• Coordinate the operational onboarding of new adviser practices, portfolios and investment solutions.
• Provide Portfolio Managers with clear implementation status, constraints and exceptions; investment decisions remain with the Portfolio Management team.
• Lead and manage the DFM Operations team, covering performance, development, capacity planning and cross-skilling.

Required profile

• 8+ years of relevant experience in DFM, investment operations, asset management, multi-management, wealth management or an investment platform.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in finance, investments, commerce, accounting, economics, business science or a related discipline.
• Category II FSP/DFM experience and exposure to local and offshore implementation would be advantageous.
• NQF Level 9 (Master's degree).

Required skills

• Practical knowledge of model portfolios, portfolio rebalancing, unit trusts/CIS portfolios and discretionary investment implementation.
• Experience with LISPs, investment platforms, administrators and investment professionals.
• Understanding of operational risk, controls, reconciliations, data quality and regulatory record keeping.
• Proven people leadership, stakeholder management and process improvement experience.