Managing Director, Head of Investments Operations - Hybrid

Symetra • Farmington, CT

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

SIM is seeking to hire an experienced senior operations executive with deep
experience in building, transforming, and leading operations organizations. This
individual should have strong leadership and problem-solving skills with a
growth mindset.

Requirements

• 10+ years in investment management operations leadership, with hands on expertise across trade lifecycle, financing, cash & collateral, reconciliations, and performance oversight—ideally with global multi-asset class experience.
• Must have led operational teams; 10 years+ of management experience.
• Deep understanding of data governance and controls, intraday processing, and end-to-end operating risk.
• Deep understanding of supporting external clients.
• Deep understanding of IBOR and ABOR platforms.
• Track record building enterprise grade processes and platforms that scale balancing specialized needs with overall firm priorities.
• Highly effective leader with strong judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to operate hands-on in a fast-paced, high-intensity investment environment. Strong organizational skills.
• Bachelor’s degree is required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the leader and business owner for Symetra Investment Management Operations, setting direction, defining governance, and maintaining a clear operating model across people, processes, and technology.
• Translate business objectives including portfolio management, client management and control objectives into operational and technical capabilities, prioritizing multi-stakeholder demand, and aligning funding to outcomes.
• Oversee Reporting and Investment Performance groups.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Portfolio Management, Trading, Finance, Technology, Legal and Compliance, and external providers to support investment operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate risks, and support the firm’s rapid portfolio expansion.
• Modernize operating methodology employing automation, change management, and AI considerations.
• Ensure timely, accurate trade booking and lifecycle management; reduce fails and claims and strengthen intraday processing.
• Oversee position integrity through reconciliations, corporate actions, cash movements, and financing workflows.
• Oversee end-to-end alternatives investment processes.
• Define ownership and quality controls for reference, market, and transactional data; implement metrics, data lineage, and exception management.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with custodians, brokers, and third-party vendors to ensure superior service delivery and cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee the interviewing and selection of staff, setting expectations and performance, administering compensation, and development and coaching for the Investment Operations area. Develops and maintains an engaged and accountable workforce.
• Build out, lead, and oversee client onboarding
• Build and maintain a robust control framework to improve accuracy, completeness, and timeliness across operations, including operational risk assessments.
• Partner with legal and compliance teams to support regulatory requirements, policy adherence, and audit readiness.
• Strategic Projects & Scalability: Lead system implementations, process redesigns, automation, and scalability initiatives to support business growth.

Benefits

• Plan for your future with our 401(k) plan and take advantage of immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%
• Self-Managed Time Away along with paid holidays
• Give back to your community and double your impact through our company matching

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director