WAAM IT Operations Manager - Asset Management

The successful candidate will join a highly reputable entity which is a multi-asset, multi-strategy manager of alternative investment funds and products structured to preserve and compound clients' wealth. The group centralizes its IT operations in Sandton and assists the teams in the SA office, the UK, and the USA. The candidate will join WAAM as the Manager of Operations reporting into the WAAM Financial Director.

As the IT Manager of Operations, this full-time in-office role will comprise three parts:

IT Special Projects

There are various projects on an ongoing basis to enhance the efficiency and digitalization of processes. At the moment the company is:

1. Designing a new SQL database and configuration of BlackRock's eFront for private markets
2. Building a new Investor Portal for clients to access their portfolio in a meaningful way

The role would include further projects across the Distribution Team (capital raising), Distribution Operations, Investment Teams, Investment Teams Operations, and Central Operations.

IT Operations

The successful candidate will play a critical role in overseeing all IT operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and managing IT risks. The IT day-to-day operations are outsourced to a third party. The role will include managing the output, performance, desktop support, and other requirements expected of such service provider. This includes:

1. Overseeing IT infrastructure, architecture, desktop support, and network performance
2. Identifying, assessing, and managing IT risks, including cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities
3. Developing and maintaining IT governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with best practices and standards
4. Implementing and monitoring disaster recovery and business continuity plans
5. Monitoring licenses, IT spend, and procurement

Compliance

Responsibilities also include:

1. Ensuring compliance with local and international regulatory frameworks (e.g., POPIA, GDPR, FICA, FATCA)
2. Developing, reviewing, and updating IT and compliance policies and procedures
3. Conducting regular audits and assessments to identify and address compliance gaps
4. Monitoring regulatory changes and providing recommendations to leadership
5. Managing the Internal Compliance Calendar for regular submissions to the regulator

Criteria:

Degree educated with strong academic results in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Law.

5 years' experience in the above role with a strong financial background/understanding of financial processes and proven hands-on experience in systems implementation and investigation, commercial understanding within the Asset Management sector.

5+ years' experience in IT operations, compliance, or a similar role within the asset or investment management sector.

Strong project management experience with a proven ability to manage complex initiatives.

In-depth knowledge of IT risk, governance, and compliance frameworks.

Experience working with local and international service providers.

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Ability to research legal Acts and distill action outcomes and implement these.

May require the relevant Regulatory Examination (RE) qualifications in time.

Knowledge and Skills

Driven self-starter with a passion for interpersonal engagement who wants to be a part of an entrepreneurial environment.

Strategic thinker and planner with high ambition.

Shows strong ownership/accountability and has a natural bias to action tasks without instruction.

Tenacious, resilient, and strong-willed.

Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.

Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Pro-active approach to work, clients, and problem-solving.