Senior Manager of Investment Operations

The Senior Manager of Investment Operations will oversee and manage the operation of the Firm pension investments (the Firm-Directed Portfolio) and partner investment programs. He/she is responsible for the development and oversight of the operational and financial controls and procedures associated with the investment programs.  The Senior Manager of Investment Operations supports the Firm’s Retirement Plans Committee and the Investment Managers for the partner investment programs.

• Manage and support partner investment programs and the associated investment vehicles established within those programs
• Oversee the management of the investment operations associated with the Firm-Directed Portfolio in the Firm’s cash balance retirement plans
• Articulate and lead an operations strategy that best supports the various partner investment programs and the Firm-Directed Portfolio
• Build best practices, overlapping controls, and a best-in-class operational infrastructure to support current investment programs with flexibility for growth
• Identify and raise process improvements and automation opportunities and work with IT to implement
• Oversee and advise on the implementation of fund administration software including how to further leverage the software’s capabilities
• Evaluate investment program opportunities and provide analysis and recommendations on operational and financial considerations to the Investment Managers
• Own preparation of materials for financial review by Investment Managers and reporting to investors in the partner investment programs
• Oversee the annual audit process and tax filings
• Assist with the preparation of legal documents such as subscription and redemption documents
• Respond to questions and requests from investors with the highest level of service
• Own special projects and cross-functional tasks, as needed
• Develop productive, effective and collaborative working relationships with vendors, the Investment Managers, the other teams in Partner Matters and Firm Sr. Staff
• Manage and train investment operations team
• Other job duties and analysis as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources). 

Education and/or Experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, including oversight of investment operations, financial, and/or data management functions, within a relevant buy-side organization including family office, endowments, foundations, hedge fund, other asset managers, and consulting firms
• Experience in fund accounting, audit & tax process for private funds
• Strong computer skills (MS Office including Excel) and adeptness at learning new software

Preferred:

• Advanced degree and/or CPA designation a plus
• Understanding of the investment regulatory environment and industry best practices

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Familiarity and comfort with overseeing and managing relevant outsourced service providers
• Familiarity with corporate owned life insurance (COLI) and/or private placement life insurance (PPLI) 
• Superior organizational skills with a strong attention to detail
• Experience with software systems and implementation, relevant to investment management
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to improving accuracy of data and preventing errors, yet able to effectively “see the big picture” and execute what need to be done to accomplish goals and objectives
• Superior ability for effective time management & meeting deadlines, multi-tasking, and ability to work well under pressure
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively with all constituencies

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer