Middle Office Operations - Assistant Vice President

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our platform in EMEA, SMDAM has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives.  Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients.

Role Summary

Job Specification: Vice President – Middle Office

Location: London
Department: Middle Office / Operations
Reporting to: Head of Product Management (London)
Type: Full‑time

Overview

The London office of a leading Japanese Asset Manager is seeking an experienced Vice President, Middle Office professional to oversee day‑to‑day operational support for the firm’s equity investment and dealing activities. The role requires strong oversight of outsourced functions (BlackRock Aladdin, Northern Trust), meticulous control of trade and position data, and hands‑on management of reconciliation, corporate actions, and settlement exceptions.

This individual will act as the key contact between Front Office, global Operations, custodians, outsourced providers, and internal stakeholders. This role has an opportunity to help to shape and build out investment operations in the region and grow their career with it.

Position Description

Key Responsibilities

1. Vendor Oversight & Relationship Management

• Act as primary contact for BlackRock Aladdin Middle Office Services and Northern Trust (custody/fund administration).
• Monitor service delivery (SLA/KPI adherence), escalate service gaps, and lead monthly/quarterly service reviews.
• Oversee trade flow, cash and position data, corporate actions processing, and NAV‑related interactions delivered by outsourced providers.
• Coordinate issue resolution and root‑cause analysis on operational breaks or delays.
• Work closely with global teams to ensure vendor controls align with group standards.

2. Equity Dealing & Front Office Support

• Provide operational support to London equity dealers, ensuring accurate trade capture in Aladdin.
• Oversee trade booking, enrichment, amendments, and end‑of‑day checks.
• Pre-match and monitor trades through the lifecycle to ensure timely settlement.
• Support MiFID II reporting oversight and trade transparency checks in coordination with Compliance.
• Assist with onboarding of new brokers, markets, and financial instruments.

3. Reconciliations & Control Processes

• Oversee daily cash, position, and transaction reconciliations between Aladdin, Northern Trust, and internal records.
• Investigate and resolve reconciliation breaks promptly, coordinating with custodians, brokers, and internal teams.
• Maintain robust documentation around reconciliation processes and exceptions management.

4. Corporate Actions

• Coordinate corporate action notifications, elections, and entitlements with Northern Trust.
• Ensure timely communication to Portfolio Managers and escalation of voluntary event deadlines.
• Validate postings of income, dividends, and other corporate action proceeds.
• Track and resolve discrepancies or late postings.

5. Failed Trades & Settlement Exceptions

• Monitor settlement status and failed trade reports across global markets.
• Liaise with brokers, custodians, and clearing agents to resolve fails efficiently.
• Identify root causes and implement process improvements to minimise future fails.
• Manage penalties under CSDR and coordinate remediation where necessary.

6. Operational Risk, Governance & Reporting

• Maintain and enhance middle office policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Support periodic audits and operational due diligence requests from clients.
• Produce regular management reporting on operational KPIs, exceptions, and risk events.
• Support project initiatives such as system upgrades, process automation, and regulatory change.

Qualifications and Experience

• 5 to 10 years of experience in middle office or investment operations, ideally within asset management.
• Strong practical knowledge of BlackRock Aladdin required (trade lifecycle, reconciliations, data flows).
• Experience working closely with Northern Trust or similar global custodians.
• Deep understanding of equity markets, settlement cycles, CSDR, and broker‑dealer processes.
• Demonstrated experience in outsourced/vendor oversight.
• Ability to manage high‑pressure situations and solve problems autonomously.
• Strong Excel, analytical, and data management skills.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (MiFID II, CSDR, UCITS, ESG reporting beneficial).

• 5 to 10 years of experience in middle office or investment operations, ideally within asset management.
• Strong practical knowledge of BlackRock Aladdin required (trade lifecycle, reconciliations, data flows).
• Experience working closely with Northern Trust or similar global custodians.
• Deep understanding of equity markets, settlement cycles, CSDR, and broker‑dealer processes.
• Demonstrated experience in outsourced/vendor oversight.
• Ability to manage high‑pressure situations and solve problems autonomously.
• Strong Excel, analytical, and data management skills.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (MiFID II, CSDR, UCITS, ESG reporting beneficial).

Competencies

• Excellent communication and relationship‑management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence.
• Ability to work independently within a small office environment.
• Proactive approach to issue identification and resolution.
• Collaborative mindset, comfortable working with global teams.

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMDAM you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!