Head of Application Management (Investment Operations, Risk & Portfolio Platforms)
Location: London (Hybrid Working)Type: PermanentSalary: Competitive + Benefits
The Opportunity
A leading financial services organisation is seeking an experienced Head of Application Management to lead the strategy, governance and operational management of a significant portfolio of business-critical applications supporting investment operations, risk management, portfolio management and core back-office functions. Based on the attached specification, the role focuses on leadership of application services, operational excellence, risk governance, supplier management and technology enablement across a complex regulated environment.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who combines strong application management expertise with experience managing technology services supporting middle and back-office investment functions, operational risk, portfolio administration and enterprise platforms.
Key Responsibilities
Application & Service Leadership
- Lead the Application Management function across a diverse portfolio of operational, risk and investment-related technology platforms.
- Own application service performance, availability, resilience and lifecycle management.
- Drive continuous improvement across support, service delivery and operational processes.
- Ensure effective service transition from project delivery into business-as-usual operations.
Portfolio, Risk & Operations Technology
- Oversee technology services supporting portfolio management, investment operations, operational risk and associated business functions.
- Act as a trusted technology partner to senior business stakeholders.
- Ensure application services align with business objectives, technology strategy and architectural standards.
- Support strategic technology initiatives and organisational transformation programmes.
Governance, Risk & Control
- Establish and maintain strong governance frameworks across the application estate.
- Ensure compliance with security, regulatory and operational risk requirements.
- Drive risk identification, mitigation and reporting activities.
- Champion a strong control environment and embed best practice operational disciplines.
Supplier & Commercial Management
- Manage strategic third-party technology partners and service providers.
- Lead contract negotiations, service reviews and performance management activities.
- Ensure suppliers deliver against agreed service levels and business outcomes.
- Manage operational budgets, forecasts and expenditure controls.
Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build, develop and inspire high-performing teams.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Engage effectively with senior executives, technology leaders and business stakeholders.
- Provide leadership across governance forums, change boards and strategic committees.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Experience
- Senior leadership experience within Application Management, Application Support or IT Service Management.
- Experience overseeing large-scale application portfolios within financial services or similarly regulated environments.
- Strong understanding of portfolio management, investment operations, back-office processing, risk management or related business functions.
- Proven experience managing outsourced service providers and technology vendors.
- Track record of delivering operational excellence, service improvement and governance initiatives.
- Experience managing budgets, commercial relationships and operational reporting.
Technical & Professional Skills
- Strong understanding of application management, service delivery and IT operational frameworks.
- Knowledge of governance, controls, risk management and regulatory requirements.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing capabilities.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
- Strong leadership, coaching and team development experience.
Desirable
- Experience supporting portfolio management, investment operations, risk management or asset management platforms.
- Exposure to change delivery, service transition and agile delivery environments.
- Degree qualified or equivalent professional experience.
- ITSM or related professional certifications.
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