Project Manager - Operations Readiness Lead

Overview The Project Manager - Operations Readiness Lead will own operational readiness for new client onboarding, ensuring the target operating model, operational processes, handoffs, procedures, resource needs, training, access, controls and model office inputs are designed, documented, tested and signed off before go-live. Responsibilities Lead operational readiness activity for onboarding launches and conversions. Ensure client needs are understood and mapped against available services, identifying operational gaps and working with teams to close them. Lead or support due diligence, gap analysis, TOM design, global responsibility matrix, fund flow and handover design. Design and document operating models, internal handoffs and non-standard processes. Coordinate model office strategy, operational testing inputs, UAT support and go-live readiness activities. Develop detailed operational readiness plans covering impacted operations departments. Manage operational readiness BAs/SMEs, workflow challenges, issues and escalations. Track headcount, training needs, access requirements and procedure readiness. Prepare and progress non-standard process reports and risk/compliance reviews where required. Provide regular progress reporting and participate in senior management steering and workstream forums. Deliverables: Operational readiness plan and checklist. Target operating model and global responsibilities matrix. Fund flow, reporting matrix, SLA/KPI/MIS inputs and handover matrix. Gap log and operational issue/action tracker. Training needs analysis and access requirements matrix. Procedure plan and operational procedure readiness status. Model office strategy/input pack and operational testing evidence. Non-standard process report and compliance/risk review materials. Operational readiness sign-off pack. Governance Responsibilities: Lead governance for operational readiness workstream meetings and status reporting. Provide operational readiness input to steering committees and senior management forums. Maintain evidence of readiness, issue resolution, sign-offs and non-standard process approvals. Ensure operational design and procedures meet internal controls, risk, compliance and regulatory expectations. Track readiness risks, issue closure, training completion, access readiness and go-live decision inputs. Qualifications Undergraduate degree or relevant professional qualification. PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent project/programme management certification. Experience with implementation lifecycle, SDLC documentation, UAT, model office, transition planning or business readiness activity. Knowledge of compliance, AML, data protection, financial crime prevention, client asset or regulated operating environments. Experience with model office strategy, UAT, operational procedure design and process improvement. Essential skills Excellent written and verbal communication with the ability to simplify complex delivery information for senior stakeholders and clients. Strong organisation, prioritisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams under tight deadlines. Proactive problem solving, issue resolution, escalation management and the ability to create momentum across teams. Confident use of Microsoft Office tools, project plans, status reports, RAID logs, runbooks and governance materials. Strong operating model design, readiness planning, workflow analysis and operational control mindset. Ability to manage direct and indirect teams in virtual or matrix settings. Experience Experience delivering complex client-facing onboarding, conversion, launch or transformation projects in a regulated financial services environment. Strong project delivery discipline, including planning, dependency management, risk and issue management, reporting and stakeholder communications. Experience operating in a matrix environment with multiple internal functions, senior stakeholders, client contacts and third-party dependencies. Practical experience managing documentation, sign-offs, governance packs, workstream status and delivery artefacts through the project lifecycle. In-depth operational readiness experience within Transfer Agency, fund administration, financial services operations or large onboarding/change programmes. Experience designing operating models, handoffs, operational procedures, readiness checklists and model office support models. Understanding of Transfer Agency operations, mutual fund products, operating models, fund setup, client servicing and distribution channels. Familiarity with regulated financial services controls, quality standards, operational risk, legal/risk/compliance review and client governance. Awareness of onboarding concepts including due diligence, gap analysis, TOM design, fund flow, reporting matrix, SLA/KPI/MIS and handover planning. In-depth knowledge of Transfer Agency operations, product/service offerings, systems, processes, operational risk and quality controls. Stakeholder Management Requirements: Work closely with operations management, operational readiness BAs/SMEs, programme/project management, business readiness, data migration, clients and compliance/risk teams. Lead client and internal conversations on operational readiness, requirements, gaps, service fit and operating model design. Coordinate across multiple operational teams and locations to define handoffs and readiness accountabilities. Manage expectations through transparent readiness reporting and early escalation of operational blockers. Partner with Sales and Development where onboarding requirements arise from RFPs, site visits or new client proposals. Benefits At Expleo, we are committed to providing a competitive salary and substantial benefits offering with unique wellbeing, financial and employee recognition programmes. We pride ourselves on our diverse and inclusive culture and offer a variety of family friendly policies and enhanced leave to help you achieve a healthy work life balance. By providing significant learning and development opportunities, we encourage individual growth and success throughout your career with us. Collaborative working environment – we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and our peers through good times and challenges We empower all passionate technology loving professionals by allowing them to expand their skills and take part in inspiring projects Expleo Academy - enables you to acquire and develop the right skills by delivering a suite of accredited training courses Competitive company benefits such as medical and dental insurance, pension, life assurance, employee wellbeing programme, sports and social events, birthday hampers and much more! Always working as one team, our people are not afraid to think big and question the status quo. “We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age”. At Expleo, we understand that many people experience impostor syndrome throughout their lifetime, please do not let this discourage you from applying for this role. Our Talent Acquisition Team welcomes all CV’s and will consider your application in line with the values, requirements and role competencies.