Global Head of Client On-boarding and Configuration – ETF as a Service, MD - State Street Globa[...]

STATE STREET CORPORATION; London; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a visionary leader for the Global Head of Client Onboarding and Configuration role within their ETF as a Service platform. This high-impact position is pivotal in driving client onboarding excellence and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in ETFs and structured products, showcasing strategic thinking and operational prowess. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative ETF solutions while engaging with senior clients and partners. Join a dynamic team focused on shaping the future of ETF issuance and making a significant impact in the financial sector.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in ETFs, structured products, or investment banking.
• Strong understanding of regulatory and operational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute a seamless client onboarding model.
• Manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects under tight timelines.
• Build and mentor a world-class onboarding team.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Operational Excellence

Client Credibility

Project Management

Team Building

Job description

Global Head of Client On-boarding and Configuration – ETF as a Service, MD.

Job Title: Global Head of Client Onboarding and Configuration – ETF as a Service
Location: EMEA
Business Unit: CCG Intermediary Europe, ETF as a Service
Reports to: Head of Intermediary Europe
Grade: MD

Role Summary

State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) is seeking a seasoned and entrepreneurial leader to serve as Global Head of Client On-boarding and Configuration for our growing ETF as a Service (EaaS) platform. This is a senior, high-impact role designed to drive delivery excellence at the intersection of capital markets, client solutions, and operational infrastructure.

Working closely with the ETF as a Service business development team, Client Coverage Group (CCG), and Client Management, the successful candidate will take full ownership of the client on-boarding lifecycle — from idea to implementation — ensuring that SSGA delivers a consistent, scalable, and differentiated client experience.

This role is ideal for a candidate with a track record in launching ETFs or similar structures, deep familiarity with the operational and regulatory complexities of the ETF ecosystem, and credibility with clients, capital markets partners, and internal stakeholders alike.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the Onboarding Experience: Design and execute a seamless end-to-end client onboarding model that delivers against EaaS growth ambitions and meets the standards of top-tier issuers.
• Translate Commercial Vision into Delivery: Partner with business development and product structuring to transform client concepts into executable ETF solutions, managing the critical path to launch.
• Be the Bridge Between Front and Back: Work cross-functionally with Legal, Compliance, Capital Markets, Product, Fund Administration, and Technology to coordinate implementation workstreams.
• Drive Platform Scalability: Develop a repeatable and modular onboarding framework that supports client customization while maintaining efficiency, transparency, and risk control.
• Engage Senior Clients and Partners: Serve as a senior face of delivery to clients and external ecosystem partners, including exchanges, APs, market makers, administrators, and legal advisors.
• Instill Governance and Discipline: Implement project tracking, status reporting, risk escalation, and control frameworks that provide leadership visibility and confidence in execution.
• Build a World-Class Team: Hire, mentor, and develop a team of onboarding leads and delivery managers, distributed across key global locations.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a candidate who blends strategic thinking, operational excellence, and client credibility, with the following attributes:

Professional Background:

• 15+ years of experience in ETFs, structured products, investment banking, or capital markets, ideally with prior exposure to ETF launches or white-label platforms.
• Experience working in (or closely with) an ETF accelerator, authorized participant desk, product development group, or ETF service provider.
• Strong understanding of regulatory, legal, and operational requirements of launching and managing ETFs across major domiciles.
• Familiarity with market ecosystem partners (law firms, fund administrators, exchanges, MMs) and comfort managing multi-party delivery environments.

Leadership & Skills:

• Gravitas and presence with senior clients, regulators, and internal stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects under tight timelines.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment while maintaining discipline and process integrity.
• Collaborative style with high EQ and team-building instinct.

Why Join Us

ETF as a Service is a core pillar of SSGA’s future growth strategy. As Global Head of Onboarding and Configuration, you will play a foundational role in shaping the delivery engine that enables the next generation of ETF issuers to build their business on our platform.

You’ll be part of a high-visibility team backed by one of the most trusted brands in ETFs — with the opportunity to define a new category, influence how the market evolves, and leave a lasting mark on the industry.