Senior Operations Manager

Description

Symmetry is looking for an experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead and continuously improve the operational capability supporting our DFM business.

This senior, hands-on role sits at the intersection of investment management, implementation, platforms, data, technology, governance and client service. You will ensure that approved portfolio decisions are implemented accurately, efficiently and within a robust control framework, while helping us build a scalable operating model for future growth.

Key responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end implementation of approved portfolio changes, rebalances, transitions and new model portfolios across investment platforms.
• Manage platform and service-provider relationships, including portfolio setup, fund availability, issue resolution and service standards.
• Maintain strong operational governance, maker-checker controls, reconciliations, audit trails and exception management.
• Oversee portfolio, holdings, AUM and implementation data, including target-versus-actual monitoring and operational dashboards.
• Lead process improvement, workflow design, automation and technology initiatives that reduce operational risk and support scale.
• Coordinate the operational onboarding of new adviser practices, portfolios and investment solutions.
• Provide Portfolio Managers with clear implementation status, constraints and exceptions. Investment decisions remain with the Portfolio Management team.
• Lead and manage the DFM Operations team, with responsibility for team performance, development, capacity planning and cross-skilling, while fostering a culture of ownership, accuracy and continuous improvement.

Qualification, Skill and Experience

• 8+ years of relevant experience in DFM, investment operations, asset management, multi-management, wealth management or an investment platform.
• Practical knowledge of model portfolios, portfolio rebalancing, unit trusts/CIS portfolios and discretionary investment implementation.
• Experience working with LISPs, investment platforms, administrators and investment professionals.
• Strong understanding of operational risk, controls, reconciliations, data quality and regulatory record keeping.
• Proven people-leadership and stakeholder-management experience.
• A track record of improving processes and using data, workflow or automation to make operations more effective.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in finance, investments, commerce, accounting, economics, business science or a related discipline.
• Category II FSP/DFM experience and exposure to local and offshore implementation would be advantageous.

You will be

• Accountable, detail-oriented and comfortable taking ownership through to resolution.
• Investment-aware, control-minded and able to challenge incomplete or impractical instructions.
• Collaborative, service-oriented and confident working across Investment, Compliance, Risk, Technology and external providers.

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Skills

Action Planning, Backlog Management, Change Management, Data Compilation, Executing Plans, Legal Practices, Occupational Safety and Health, Oral Communications, Organizational Design, Policies & Procedures, Professional Presentation, Project Budget Management, Project Delivery Management, Readiness Assessments

Competencies

Builds Effective TeamsCommunicates EffectivelyCustomer FocusDirects WorkDrives EngagementDrives ResultsEnsures AccountabilityFinancial Acumen

Education

NQF Level 9 – Masters

Closing Date

15 November 2026 , 23:59