Operations Associate

Stephenson Executive Search; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Stephenson Executive Search is seeking an Operations Associate for a London-based private investment office. The role covers investment operations, data management, reporting, trade support and private-market administration in a hands-on capacity.

You will work with investment and operations teams to understand portfolios and operational processes, with a focus on leveraging technology and AI to improve efficiency within a small, entrepreneurial group.

Qualifications

• Strong academic background with a leading university degree (2:1 or equivalent).
• Up to two years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong numerical and analytical ability with attention to detail in financial data.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to investigate discrepancies logically.
• Demonstrable proficiency with AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day investment operations of client portfolios, including trade processing, fund subscriptions, capital calls and distributions.
• Maintain accurate portfolio and investment data across internal systems and reporting platforms.
• Assist with operational controls, regulatory reporting and documentation (policies, procedures, control checklists).
• Contribute to process improvement and the use of technology/AI to improve efficiency and scalability.

Skills

Numerical ability

Analytical thinking

Excel

AI tools

Communication skills

Collaborative

Ownership mindset

Education

Degree from leading university

Job description

My client is a London based independent private investment office who are looking to add an Operations Associate to their existing operations team as they continue to grow. The role spans investment operations, portfolio and reporting systems, trade support, private-market administration, data management and operational controls - a broad, hands-on position for someone early in their operations career.

The successful candidate will work closely with both the investment and operations teams, gaining exposure to a wide range of asset classes, investment managers, custodians and technology platforms. This is not a direct investment role, but the individual will develop a strong understanding of investment portfolios and the operational processes that support them. The firm is a small, entrepreneurial team that is continually looking to improve its processes through technology and automation, and is particularly interested in candidates who have actively used AI tools to improve processes, analyse information or build practical tools.

Key Responsibilities:

Investment Operations

• Support day-to-day investment operations of client portfolios, including trade processing, fund subscriptions, capital calls and distributions
• Perform regular reconciliations of transactions, valuations and cash movements, investigating and resolving discrepancies
• Liaise with custodians, investment managers, administrators and other third parties to resolve operational queries

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate portfolio, transaction, pricing and investment data across internal systems and reporting platforms
• Collect and maintain investment manager information, including NAVs, performance estimates, statements and tax documentation
• Support client reporting and fee calculations as part of ongoing operational requirements

Operational Controls

• Assist with operational controls, regulatory reporting and the maintenance of accurate documentation, including policies, procedures and control checklists
• Support client onboarding and KYC processes

Process Improvement & Technology

• Contribute to the ongoing improvement and automation of operational processes, including identifying opportunities to use technology and AI to improve efficiency, accuracy and scalability
• Any other tasks and responsibilities deemed relevant and appropriate by the operations team

Qualifications and Experience

• A strong academic background and degree from a leading university, with a minimum 2:1 or equivalent
• Suitable for a high-calibre graduate or an individual with up to two years of relevant professional experience
• Strong numerical and analytical ability, with excellent attention to detail when working with financial and investment data
• Strong problem-solving skills and an ability to investigate discrepancies logically and independently
• Demonstrable proficiency with AI tools and an interest in applying AI and automation to real-world business processes
• Excellent Excel skills and confidence working with data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A proactive mentality, willing to take ownership of tasks and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment
• A collaborative approach and willingness to work across investment, operations and technology-related projects within a small team