Alternative Investment Operations Director – Derivatives Services

Overview

Alternative Investment Operations Director – Derivatives Services

Location: Manulife, Quezon City, National Capital Region, Philippines

Reporting directly to the GBS Service Delivery Head for Retail, Wealth, Alternatives, and Fund Services Operations, the Alternative Investment Operations Director – Derivatives Services is primarily responsible for leading the Derivatives Operations, Support and Solutions teams supporting Asia, North America, and UK in ensuring timely, accurate, and effective delivery of services that are in scope. The role also oversees the Securities Lending function for GWAM.

• Provide functional oversight to enable the Derivative Services teams to efficiently deliver on change initiatives, while continuing to deliver high-quality BAU services for both the General Accounts and Asset Management businesses.

Key components of functional oversight include (but not limited to):

• Transformation and change management
• Drive strategic initiatives to deliver risk-averse scalability, transparency, and alignment across the function
• Promote best practices, collaboration, and innovation across teams
• Provide senior management support to digitize governance and oversight models while interfacing with key Business Unit decision makers
• Partner with the business to execute key transformation strategies, including reviewing existing processes, submitting business cases, and ensuring smooth execution of active transformation programs
• Foster an innovation culture and support teams through obstacles

Operational Risk

• Manage and mitigate operational risk; ensure timely escalation and resolution of issues
• Validate accuracy of operational risk heat maps and risk assessments
• Collaborate with risk functions and communicate risk awareness and management practices
• Lead tabletop exercises for business continuity planning to prevent service disruption
• Close audit points timely and effectively

Service Delivery

• Focus on customer-centered outcomes and maintain feedback channels to align expectations
• Define and refresh service level standards; manage delivery and reporting of KRIs and KPIs
• Manage direct and indirect costs and provide cost transparency to Finance and Business Units
• Oversee annual business planning and goal setting
• Develop procedures and policies with subordinate leaders/teams and ensure timely information for performance and governance reporting
• Support transitions toward a global, scalable, shared services operating model

Leadership

• Manage a growing team with responsibilities for hiring, compensation, promotion, and performance management
• Develop capability and functional expertise through training, coaching, mentorship, succession planning, and mobility support
• Promote career progression and internal mobility with succession planning
• Engage teams with recognition and respectful leadership
• Champion diversity in recruitment and talent pipelines

• University degree in accounting, finance, or business management; relevant professional designation preferred
• Minimum 5+ years in a senior role leading global operations and large teams across geographies/time zones; experience in a shared services environment is an advantage
• Minimum 10 years of relevant financial services experience with a focus on Derivatives operations, collateral management, clearing, and trade support
• Industry certifications such as CAIA, CFA, or FRM are a plus
• Experience managing operational budgets (forecasting, tracking, etc.)
• Extensive knowledge of derivative products (Swaps, Options, Futures, Forwards) and how they are accounted for in investment records, trading platforms, custody records, and SWIFT messages
• Broad knowledge of life insurance and asset management businesses, audit methodologies, control frameworks, and risk management techniques
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and industry knowledge

• Innovative thinker with the ability to influence and improve processes across cultures and geographies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with complex financial issues
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and continuous improvement projects
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and manage timelines
• Flexible on shift hours to meet business deadlines
• Experience in matrix organizations and influencing without direct authority
• Experience working across geographies/time zones; excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want
• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion matter
• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Finance and Accounting/Auditing

Industries: Financial Services and Technology, Information and Media