Vice President, Operations (Financial Services)

Horizon Recruitment has been engaged exclusively to conduct a search for the Vice President, Operations for a leading financial services firm headquartered in Vancouver. The Vice President, Operations will lead a 30 member operations team responsible for managing cash and securities processing functions. Reporting directly to the COO, this role requires exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of self-clearing financial services. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in implementing best practices, enhancing process efficiency, and fostering a culture of accountability, compliance, and operational excellence. Our client is one of Canada’s largest independent investment dealers with approximately 300 employees across the country. With $10 billion in assets under administration our client enjoys a leadership position in the industry servicing both institutional and private clients.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & People Management:

• Provide strong leadership and mentorship to a team of approximately 30 operations professionals, focusing on engagement, development, and performance management.
• Cultivate a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes continuous learning and improvement.
• Set clear goals and expectations, ensuring alignment of team objectives with company goals.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, offering coaching and development opportunities to support career growth within the team.

Operational Oversight:

• Oversee all aspects of cash and securities processing operations, ensuring secure and compliant handling of financial transactions.
• Monitor and manage the firm’s capital usage as it relates to operational activities
• Implement and enforce strict internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure adherence to regulatory standards including:
  • Manage operational side of annual CIRO FINOPS audit
  • Manage operational side annual fiscal audit
  • Ensure the Operations team is operating within CIRO regulations
• Monitor and assess key metrics, including transaction processing times, accuracy rates, and operational costs, to drive continuous improvement and uphold service quality.

Process Optimization:

• Evaluate current operational processes to identify areas for improvement and increased efficiency.
• Ownership of the TMX Post Trade Modernization (PTM) project ensuring team members are trained and prepared for the new system for the 1st quarter of 2025.
• Develop and implement new procedures that enhance operational efficiency, reduce risk, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to streamline workflows, introduce automation where applicable, and eliminate process redundancies.

Strategic Planning & Reporting:

• Collaborate with the COO to align departmental goals with the organization’s strategic vision.
• Prepare and deliver regular reports on team performance, key operational metrics, and process improvements.
• Work closely with other departments to support company-wide initiatives, contributing to overall growth and success.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• 10 years of progressive operational leadership experience in a financial services organization, ideally with a self clearing organization.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, or a related field; an MBA or relevant certification is an asset.
• Extensive knowledge of securities processing, settlement, compliance requirements, and operational best practices in a self-clearing environment.
• Proven ability to lead a large team, drive high performance, and effectively manage diverse skill sets.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience in conflict resolution, coaching, and team development.
• Expertise in identifying inefficiencies and implementing practical, scalable solutions to enhance process quality and effectiveness.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other process optimization methodologies is advantageous.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex operational data, identify trends, and make informed strategic decisions.
• Experience in setting and achieving strategic goals, particularly in operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Rewards:

• The salary range for this position is $200 – $225K, plus bonus

Our client offers a unique opportunity for an operations leader passionate about driving efficiency, enhancing processes, and leading a high-performing team in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. If you are a results-driven operations professional with a commitment to excellence, we invite you to apply.

Only candidates eligible to work in Canada will be considered

Horizon Recruitment Inc. is a specialized recruitment and search firm with two complimentary practice areas: Finance & Supply Chain