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Head Investment Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Investment Operations Associate

New York, NY · On-site

You'll report to the Head of Investment Operations on a small team where individual contribution is highly visible, and you'll sit close enough to members and our Certified Financial Planners to see ...

Symetra

Investment Operations Analyst

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$90K - $122K/yr

About the Role The Investment Operations Analyst will provide day-to-day derivatives operations ... Sumitomo Life Insurance Company, a mutual life insurance company with head offices in Osaka and ...

Range

Investment Operations Lead

New York, NY · On-site

$166K/yr

You'll report to the Head of Investment Operations, work directly with members and our Certified Financial Planners, and act as second approver on work performed by Associates and Specialists-so you ...

Range

Investment Operations Specialist

New York, NY · On-site

You'll report to the Head of Investment Operations on a small team where individual contribution is highly visible, and you'll work directly with members and our Certified Financial Planners. That ...

Symetra

Sr Investment Fund Analyst

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$109K - $148K/yr

Sumitomo Life Insurance Company, a mutual life insurance company with head offices in Osaka and ... Investment Operations Support: Assist the Investment Operations Team in all areas including ...

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Head of Alternative Investments

Mclean, VA · On-site

About the role As Head of Alternative Investments, you will own and build the alternative ... Partner cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, Investment Operations, and Client Services to ...

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Head Investment Operations information

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$34K

$107.7K

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How much do head investment operations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for head investment operations in the United States is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a head investment operations do?

A Head of Investment Operations oversees the daily operational activities of an investment firm or asset management company. Their responsibilities typically include managing trade settlements, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, optimizing operational processes, and supervising teams that handle portfolio administration and reporting. They work closely with portfolio managers, traders, and technology teams to ensure that investment transactions are executed smoothly and accurately. This role also involves implementing best practices, managing risk, and leading operational improvements to support the firm’s investment strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head investment operations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head of Investment Operations, you need deep knowledge of investment products, operational risk management, regulatory compliance, and a relevant degree, often complemented by certifications like CFA or CIPM. Expertise in portfolio management systems, trade settlement platforms, and data reconciliation tools is typically required. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills set high performers apart in this role. These capabilities ensure efficient, compliant, and risk-mitigated investment operations, directly impacting organizational performance and client satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by a head investment operations, and how can they be addressed?

A Head of Investment Operations often encounters challenges such as ensuring accuracy in trade settlements, managing complex regulatory requirements, and implementing new technologies for process optimization. Balancing risk management with operational efficiency is key, as is maintaining effective communication between portfolio managers, compliance teams, and custodians. Staying updated on industry best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement can help overcome these challenges and ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Head Investment Operations vs Investment Operations Manager?

AspectHead Investment OperationsInvestment Operations Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire investment operations department, sets strategic direction, manages teams, and ensures complianceManages daily investment operations activities, supports team, and implements policies
Required CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees and extensive experience in investment operationsRequires relevant experience and certifications like CFA or CPA
Work EnvironmentSenior leadership setting, strategic planning, cross-department collaborationOperational focus, team management, process optimization

The Head Investment Operations holds a senior leadership role responsible for strategic oversight and department management, while the Investment Operations Manager focuses on daily operational tasks and team support. Both roles require relevant experience and certifications, but differ mainly in scope and level of responsibility.

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Head Investment Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Investment Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Co-Head, US Investment Operations

Chicago, IL • On-site

Northern Trust

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Good employer

Respectful managers

Learn more about Northern Trustexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Northern Trust
As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world's most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.
Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide.
With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world's most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.
Role Summary
Northern Trust Asset Management (NTAM) is a trillion-dollar investment management firm entrusted by investors around the globe to help them navigate changing market environments, so they can confidently realize their long-term objectives.
The Co-Head of US Investment Operations, reporting to the Global Head of Investment Operations, is responsible for shaping strategy and overseeing the daily operations of NTAM's core investment operations functions.
In partnership with Investments, Product, Marketing, Distribution, the COO Office, Data Office, and Technology, this role supports execution of the strategic roadmap and helps maintain a world-class operating model across NTAM's books of record, including IBOR, ABOR, and PBOR. The role ensures accurate representation of positions, transactions, and cash across Eagle, Aladdin, and Archer.
Key areas of accountability include Front Office Support, Client Account Management, model management and rebalancing, and intermediary operations. Success in the role requires strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including custodians, transfer agents, brokers, fund accountants, and technology vendors, as well as the digital and people leadership needed to achieve scale.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Lead and drive excellence across this practice. Responsibilities include:
  • Lead core investment operations functions, including client onboarding and management, system set-ups, front office support, rebalancing support and model execution, and intermediary oversight across all NTAM clients, accounts, and funds.

  • Oversee the follow-the-sun model and drive best practices and standards across all regions, influencing teams globally via functional reporting lines.

  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to assess current state and architect future-state operating models, processes, and capabilities required to successfully support evolving business needs to drive excellence.

  • Leverage modern technology and AI to execute a roadmap in terms meaningful to both business and technology organizations.

  • Develop service levels with the business, establish a robust governance and control framework to ensure delivery of timely and accurate information, and monitor ongoing effectiveness.

  • Lead NTAM's vendor relationships with brokers, prime brokers, technology platforms, custodians, transfer agents, and fund accountants.

  • Lead initiatives to strengthen the first line of defense (1LOD) by instilling a culture of continuous improvement and robust policy and procedure documentation and process to reduce operational risk and drive operational excellence.

  • Lead, participate in, and oversee existing and emerging proprietary or vended applications and data, while providing thought leadership on the effective use of spend.

  • Develop and monitor KPIs to measure effectiveness of operational functions and ensure value delivery.

  • Hire, motivate and manage talent to retain, grow, build bench strength and resiliency.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills
  • Detailed understanding of the investment management business, multiple asset classes, and investment/financial technology systems within a large-scale Asset Management or Asset Servicing setting.

  • Experience managing and developing teams of onshore and offshore resources with excellent motivation and team-building skills, including the ability to recruit, develop, and retain staff.

  • Knowledge of investment operations, cash processes, trading practices, analytics, strategy development, influencing, facilitation, and consensus building.

  • Prior experience in integrating and influencing others across a network and unlocking new opportunities to drive excellence in operations.

  • Dynamic relationship-building and partnership skills; a strong collaborator with experience leading initiatives across multiple groups and stakeholders.

  • Strong negotiation and vendor management experience.

  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to develop materials and effectively present to and persuade executive audiences.

  • Experience driving digital and automation-driven transformation to improve efficiency and scalability.

  • Global outlook with sensitivity and awareness of social and cultural differences.

  • Strong situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.

Necessary Experience and Education
  • Bachelor's degree; Master of Business Administration and/or CFA strongly preferred.

  • At least twenty years of work experience in the investment management industry, with a demonstrated track record of leading the operational functions at a mid-to-large investment manager.

  • Track record of developing and driving a transformation vision and agenda.

Salary Range:
$123,400 - 216,000 USD
Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.
Work Authorization
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa).
Working with Us
As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.
Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust's history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.
Reasonable Accommodation
Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com, or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.

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