Hays
Head of Fund Operations

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Head of Fund Operations & Transformation
Basingstoke (Hybrid) | Some UK Travel | £80,000 - £130,000 + Benefits
Lead Change. Drive Innovation. Shape the Future.
An ambitious and growing financial services organisation is seeking an exceptional operational leader to take ownership of a critical business function and lead the next phase of transformation. This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious professional who has built a successful career within fund accounting, investment operations, fund administration or financial services operations and is now looking to step into a highly influential leadership role.
We're looking for someone who thrives on creating positive change, modernising operating models, implementing technology solutions and building high-performing teams. You'll have the opportunity to challenge legacy processes, introduce automation and AI-driven efficiencies, and help create a best-in-class operational function capable of supporting future growth.
The Role
As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for overseeing the operational infrastructure that supports complex fund structures and investment activity, whilst driving a significant business transformation agenda. You will lead operational excellence across fund operations, ensuring robust controls, scalability, efficiency and exceptional service delivery.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Leadership & Strategy
- Lead, develop and inspire a multidisciplinary operational team
- Build a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and innovation
- Partner with senior stakeholders to deliver strategic business objectives
- Act as a visible leader and change champion across the organisation
- Drive operational strategy to support continued business growth
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Fund Operations & Oversight
- Oversee end-to-end fund operational processes across multiple fund structures
- Ensure accurate NAV production and valuation oversight
- Manage fund accounting and operational control frameworks
- Oversee fund administration relationships and third-party service providers
- Ensure effective governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance
- Monitor operational KPIs and service delivery standards
- Support fund launches, restructures and operational change initiatives
- Drive improvements in data quality, reporting accuracy, and control environments
Transformation & Process Improvement
- Lead operational transformation programmes across the business
- Identify opportunities to simplify, automate and optimise processes
- Implement scalable operating models capable of supporting future growth
- Leverage emerging technologies, automation tools and AI solutions to improve efficiency
- Reduce operational risk through improved workflows and controls
- Challenge traditional approaches and identify smarter ways of working
Technology & Innovation
- Champion digital transformation initiatives
- Drive the adoption of AI and automation technologies across operations
- Partner with technology teams to improve system functionality and data architecture
- Develop meaningful operational metrics and data-driven decision-making
- Improve reporting capabilities through enhanced technology solutions
- Support the implementation of modern fund accounting and operational platforms


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
What We're Looking For
You are likely to have experience within:
- Fund Accounting
- Fund Operations
- Investment Operations
- Asset Management
- Wealth Management
- Fund Administration
- Alternative Investments
- Private Markets
You'll bring:
- Strong technical understanding of fund accounting and operational processes
- Proven leadership experience managing and developing teams
- Experience delivering operational transformation and business change programmes
- Track record of implementing new systems, technologies, or digital solutions
- Ability to drive process automation and operational efficiencies
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Commercial awareness and strategic thinking
- Passion for innovation, technology, and continuous improvement
- A natural leadership style capable of engaging teams through periods of change
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Fund Operations
- Fund Accounting
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills