Head of Applications

We're looking to hire a Head of Applications for our client - a leading Asset Management firm.

Job Description

The Head of Applications will lead the product management, integration, and evolution of both internal and external application platforms that support the investment, operations, and data management functions. This is a role at the Director level within the Technology team, responsible for ensuring performance and alignment of the application landscape with business needs.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of industry platforms such as Aladdin, Charles River, FactSet, etc and other external vendor tools, alongside experience in overseeing proprietary internal applications-particularly in data management and workflow optimisation. This role requires not only technical and domain expertise but also exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, given the need to interface closely with internal users, external service providers, and cross-functional teams on solutioning and delivery. The successful individual must be capable of understanding both the complexities in the asset management industry vis-à-vis the technology platforms that support the businesses.

Key Responsibilities

• Application Ownership - Oversee the full lifecycle of internal and external applications used across the firm, ensuring they are fit-for-purpose, well-integrated, and aligned to business outcomes. Enabling regular insights and preparing management information on applications' usage.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Act as a strategic partner to key stakeholders across investment, distribution, operations, risk, and compliance teams to understand needs, gather requirements, and deliver effective solutions with engineering to build applications' roadmap.
• Vendor and Platform Management - Manage relationships with external application providers such as Aladdin, FactSet and others. Lead platform evaluations, contract renewals, escalations, and integration roadmaps.
• Solutioning and Delivery -Translate business needs into application strategies and roadmap. Drive solution design, manage delivery timelines, and ensure operational excellence.
• Governance and Compliance - Ensure systems are compliant with regulatory and internal standards around data privacy, cybersecurity, and operational risk.
• Team Leadership - Lead a small team of about 4 specialists, in a culture that is collaborative, accountable, and solution-oriented. Fostering and developing the skills required by the team, in order to succeed, creating a best-in-class service for our organisation

Key Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of experience in the asset management industry, with deep exposure to front-to-back investment applications and platforms
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with industry platforms such as Aladdin and Factset, and other investment systems
• Experience working with internal/proprietary systems, especially in data management and reporting workflows
• Proven ability to engage with senior business stakeholders, interpret business requirements, and translate them into technical solutions
• Strong track record in vendor management, and performance monitoring
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong project management and problem-solving abilities
• Familiarity with application security, data governance, and change management best practices
• At least 3 years' experience managing a team