Head of Operations

Head of Operations & Portfolio Management

Eighteen48 Partners – London

Overview

Eighteen48 Partners is a private investment office and alternative asset manager serving private and institutional clients.

The firm operates through two business units: 1. Wealth Management which provides discretionary portfolio management services to ultra-high-net-worth clients, via (i) bespoke multi-asset portfolios spanning public and private markets, invested across UCITS, Cayman, semi-liquid and closed-ended funds or (ii) a pooled Endowment Fund on the firm’s Irish ICAV QIAIF platform. 2. Direct Private Equity with a dedicated PE fund (Luxembourg SCSp with Irish ICAV QIAIF feeder). focused on European middle-market buyout transactions sourced through Independent Sponsors.

We are seeking a Head of Operations & Portfolio Management to lead and evolve the firm’s operational platform. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the CIO, Head of Client Team, Head of Direct PE and Head of Compliance, the role owns the investment operations platform - middle office, data and reporting, and operational risk. This is a critical growth hire with an initial focus on strengthening the core platform and providing senior oversight of the FA Solutions implementation (a cloud-based front-to-back portfolio management system). The successful candidate will be a hands-on, solutions-oriented operator combining strategic oversight with practical execution.

Key Responsibilities

Operational leadership

• Lead day-to-day operations across investment operations, client operations, data/reporting, IT and infrastructure, taking a hands-on role in redesigning processes and closing any platform gaps
• Design a scalable operating model to support growth in AUM, client relationships and product complexity, with clear accountability across the operations team (c. 9 individuals)
• Champion AI and automation across the technology stack and reporting processes

Investment & client operations

• Oversee the full lifecycle of investment and client activity: onboarding/KYC, portfolio implementation, execution and liquidity management, subscriptions, capital calls, and Direct PE administration
• Oversee the Eighteen48 fund umbrellas in Ireland (QIAIF, UCITS) and Luxembourg (SCSp), including service providers, investor and tax reporting
• Own client administration, payments, fee calculation, CRM, and delivery of client reporting, performance analytics and meeting materials

Data governance & reporting

• Own portfolio data management, integrity and reconciliation, including pricing and valuation of complex and illiquid assets
• Develop and maintain a best-in-class reporting framework and client portal, simplifying processes wherever possible

Risk, governance & regulatory oversight

• Own operational risk and control frameworks, including incident management and risk registers, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements across jurisdictions
• Support Compliance as a second line of defence; act as the key interface with custodians, fund administrators, auditors and external advisers

Technology & systems

• Own and optimise core operational systems (CRM, PMS/IBOR, OMS, KYC/DD platforms, reporting tools), including delivery of the FA Solutions implementation
• Lead system enhancements, integrations and vendor management, ensuring architecture supports data integrity, efficiency and scalability

Projects, change & strategic contribution

• Lead operational and technology projects - system implementations, automation and process improvements - driving continuous improvement in efficiency, risk and service quality
• Partner with the CEO, CIO and Head of Client Team on strategic initiatives, ensuring operational feasibility of new investments, products and client solutions
• Manage third-party providers and support the firm’s growth through scalable infrastructure and disciplined cost management

People leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing, multi-functional operations team, setting clear objectives and fostering a culture of accountability, efficiency and collaboration
• Act as a visible, credible leader who promotes operational excellence and rebuilds confidence within the team and broader business

Experience & Requirements

• 10–15+ years in investment operations within a multi-family office, wealth manager or asset manager, with strong multi-asset coverage including private markets and co-investments
• Proven leadership of cross-functional operations teams in a growing, regulated, multi-jurisdictional business
• Strong understanding of portfolio data management, client reporting and operational control frameworks, with a track record of leading system implementations and change initiatives
• Able to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels in lean environments; exposure to private equity, hedge funds and wealth management preferred

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (required)
• Professional qualification - ACA, ACCA, CFA or equivalent (preferred)

Personal Attributes

• Commercially minded with strong strategic judgement; pragmatic, execution-focused, with a bias toward simplification
• Highly organised, detail-oriented and control-focused, with high levels of integrity, discretion and professionalism
• Strong leader and stakeholder manager - collaborative, adaptable and comfortable managing upwards across different styles