The AVP Operational Readiness Manager for New Client Onboarding will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the Funds Industry and detailed Transfer Agency knowledge. This senior role will lead the coordination of projects within Transfer Agency (including lift-outs, launches and system migrations), focusing on the Operating Model Design and Operation Readiness. You will govern projects, manage risks, and ensure stakeholder engagement. The AVP will actively lead meetings, monitor progress, provide status updates, document issues, coordinate solutions, and oversee implementation of operating models, procedures, controls, operating model testing and training. The AVP will interact with all groups involved in the project lifecycle, both internal and external, ensuring successful completion of projects and operational readiness.

The incumbent will possess expert knowledge of Transfer Agency Operations, which includes product and service offerings,  systems and processes and will be focused on operational efficiencies, being a solid advocate for change to support continued growth and overall evolution of the business. 

The incumbent will work closely and provide support to Sales and IT Development, Operations and various other key stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Lead management of client-facing projects, Operational Readiness Workstream ensuring delivery of complex onboarding and conversions.
• Lead in client project calls and Governance for operational readiness
• Lead due diligence, gap analysis, and project meetings (internal and external), negotiating solutions and approvals.
• Liaises extensively with clients to establish exact requirements, agree solutions for global operation model
• Manage and allocate resources, including direct and virtual teams, ensuring optimal project scheduling.
• Oversee BA workflow, challenge resolution, and escalation management.
• Define scope and objectives in collaboration with sponsors and stakeholders.
• Provide input into conversion strategies, documentation, and run books.
• Lead global Model Office/UAT testing for system enhancements, new operating models, and connectivity.
• Document requirements, workflows, and facilitate workshops for solution agreement.
• Lead brainstorming and solution design, drawing on prior experience to guide teams.
• Design and document operating models and inter-location handoffs.
• Coordinate with other business units and project teams, ensuring alignment and delivery.
• Maintain thorough documentation and sign-offs throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare non-standard process reports and facilitate risk/compliance reviews.
• Coordinate internal legal and risk requirements.
• Report on project status and issues to business units and senior management.
• Proactively identify and manage project risks, ensuring mitigation and stakeholder awareness.
• Track and manage issues, ensuring resolution and stakeholder agreement.
• Respond directly to client inquiries and concerns, maintaining high service standards.
• Ensure adherence to Transfer Agency Project Office structure, templates, and resource procurement.
• Willingness to travel (Ireland, Cardiff, London).
• Make fact-based decisions, communicate clearly and directly, maintain confidentiality, and support company position.
• Take responsibility for achieving results, establish clear focus, and hold self and others accountable.
• Balance client and State Street needs, build strong partnerships, and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure excellence in planning and execution, manage change, and incorporate stakeholder input.
• Demonstrate leadership, initiative, and collaboration, employing progressive team management practices.

Core Requirements

• Regulatory: Comply with regulatory regimes relevant to State Street, including Client Asset, Data Protection, and Financial Crime Prevention regulations.
• Quality: Deliver quality service, drive for excellence, and continuously review processes for improvement. Observe proper standards of market, business, and personal conduct, demonstrating integrity. Communicate and promote values supporting a consistent quality culture.

Knowledge and Competency Requirements

Essential:
- Expert knowledge of fund service industry and Transfer Agency operating model.
- Advanced knowledge of TA systems and/or fund administration systems.
- Excellent administrative, organisational, and business support skills; ability to multi-task and work under pressure.
- Proficiency in MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work accurately to tight deadlines.
- Proactive, independent, and team-oriented.
- Demonstrated leadership skills: initiative, accountability, credibility, consensus building.
- Ability to manage direct and indirect reports in a virtual team setting.
- High interpersonal skills for senior stakeholder engagement.
- Ability to engage internal stakeholders across functions.
- Client service orientation, with proven ability to diagnose and develop solutions.
- Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to innovate and develop new proposals/solutions.
- Positive impact, high energy, problem-solving approach, approachable, and urgency when required.
- Experience within European Financial Services, deep understanding of financial services organizations and dynamics.
- Articulate, authentic, credible, flexible, and responsive to changing strategies.
- Strong communicator, optimising communication for results.
- Experience managing large projects in a matrix environment, adapting project management techniques as needed.
- Strengths in problem-solving, issue resolution, deadline-driven work, attention to detail, multitasking.
- Excellent English oral and written communication skills (fluency required).
- Extensive experience in similar client-facing roles.
- Well-developed decision making, judgment, and problem-solving skills.

Desirable:
- Undergraduate degree.
- Project Management experience
- Experience in client onboarding in financial services.
- Experience with analysis and project lifecycle methodologies.
- Knowledge of compliance, AML, and regulatory environment.
- Proactive in acquiring new skills and applying new information.
- Detail-oriented, with process improvement capabilities.
- Understanding of investment concepts and ability to communicate strategies/products.
- Knowledge of mutual fund processing, quality control, call centers, and back-office operations.

About State Street

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