Project Lead - Physical Metals Settlement

G MASS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global investment bank is seeking a hands-on operations professional to support the establishment of a physical metals trading business. The ideal candidate will lead the design and implementation of operational processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include collaborating with various teams to ensure operational readiness and overseeing the onboarding of systems and providers. This role is initially offered as a 6-month contract, with benefits to be discussed.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in building operational processes in financial institutions.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and settlement processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of operational processes for physical metals trading.
• Define governance and control frameworks aligned with internal and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with front office, risk, legal, compliance, and technology teams.

Skills

Experience in physical commodities trading

Understanding of operational risk

Ability to build processes from scratch

Job description

We’re working with a leading global investment bank that is beginning the build-out of a physical metals trading business, with the capability to physically settle gold and other metals.

To support this initiative, we’re looking for a hands‑on operations professional, ideally with experience in commodities, physical trading, or post‑trade operations, to help design and implement the initial processes, controls, and infrastructure needed to get the business up and running.

Requirements

• Lead the design and implementation of end‑to‑end operational processes for physical metals trading and settlement
• Define and establish governance, control, and settlement frameworks aligned with internal and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate closely with front office, risk, legal, compliance, and technology teams to ensure operational readiness
• Oversee onboarding of key infrastructure, systems, and third‑party providers (e.g. vaulting, logistics, clearing)
• Identify and resolve operational gaps and risks, proposing practical solutions and scalable improvements
• Contribute to defining the future‑state operating model and support the transition from build phase to steady‑state operations

Requirements

• Experience in physical commodities trading, precious metals, or commodities operations
• Demonstrated success in building new processes and controls from scratch in a financial institution
• Strong understanding of operational risk, regulatory requirements, and settlement processes

Benefits

Rate: to be discussed

Length: initial 6-month contract