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Overview

Join a UK-based tech-driven company at the forefront of financial data innovation. We are looking to fill a role for our client as the Head of Technology & Manila Hub in the Philippines. The Head of Manila oversees risk and operational management of on-site business functions, ensuring development and alignment with the Group’s global objectives and strategies. As Head of Technology, Manila, you will oversee technology infrastructure and strategy in Manila, manage the development and implementation of new technologies, ensure security and efficiency of existing systems, and lead a team of technology professionals.

The role requires collaboration with Global Functional leads across Corporate Functions to ensure Manila adheres to the global framework, standardizing processes and technology. You will represent Manila with key stakeholders in the APAC region and globally to drive deliverables and priorities, strengthening relationships with internal stakeholders. You will also lead cross-functional strategies in Manila to ensure seamless collaboration and growth as a centre of excellence with stability.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
• Develop and implement the Manila Target Operating Model for business functions, aligning with the Group’s global strategies and standards
• Provide leadership and guidance to the local management team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration
• Champion the profile of the Manila office within the group as a key hub for people and technology growth, delivering excellence to partner with revenue divisions

• Technology Leadership
• Build, grow and invest in a world-class engineering workforce
• Drive technology transformation and deliver all Compass-related initiatives in Manila, shared with LOB and Asset Class function heads (CIOs)
• Create and maintain a Manila technology plan aligned with global technology strategy to enable the business strategy of the region
• Collaborate with the Group Technology Leadership Team to develop and maintain a global technology strategy
• Ensure technology delivery capability in Manila aligns with regional and local objectives
• Foster standardization and optimization of technology/processes in Manila
• Promote continuous improvement and best practices in technology and processes
• Oversee IT risk management within the broader risk management framework
• Embed a business-operations-led technology and process governance framework covering pipeline identification, prioritization, and investment approvals
• Identify and implement strategies to reduce operational IT delivery cost per FTE and cost per process
• Lead and manage staff with defined roles, performance goals, and development plans

• Operations & Risk Management
• Day-to-day operation of on-site functions ensuring compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements
• Governance framework and metrics with appropriate escalations and performance indicators
• Partner with function owners to enhance site-level service and solution delivery
• Manage relationships with business and stakeholders regionally and globally

• Drive Innovation, Growth & Excellence
• Identify and develop productivity opportunities across Manila cross-functionally
• Strategic planning to optimize hub practices, enhance efficiencies, and achieve cost savings
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to adopt emerging technologies to support transformation
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in daily operations

• Talent Management & Development
• Attract, retain and develop top talent in Manila to deliver strong service levels
• Partner with business functions to develop talent management programs and mobility
• Promote Manila as a centre for institutional knowledge within the Group
• Provide coaching, mentoring and training to elevate Manila staff capabilities
• Promote Diversity and Inclusion and support the Group’s DEI strategy
• Community engagement to raise the company’s image

Essential Experience / Competences

• Successful career track record in the financial industry
• Strong technology background
• Senior leadership capable of influencing senior global stakeholders across multiple functions
• Solid leadership experience in a fast-paced financial services environment
• Experience in working in a multi-cultural, international organization with a global footprint
• Experience running and scaling large/global service delivery teams
• Experience in building, managing or optimizing Offshore Centres of Expertise
• Proven track record delivering high-quality operational or technology services, with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Agile)
• Commercially astute with good knowledge of the financial services industry
• Excellent leadership and management skills with large teams
• Ability to lead transformation and complex projects
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build stakeholder relationships
• Persuasive and engaging communicator with public speaking skills across cultures
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, agile, and innovative in operational management
• Analytical and decisive with the ability to prioritise and communicate objectives

Desirable

• Familiarity with the financial and technological landscape in the Philippines
• Direct experience leading Offshore Centres of Expertise in Manila or other locations
• International experience in global organizations and cultural adaptability
• Knowledge of digital transformation trends and best practices