Role : Head of Operations - Portfolio Management Services (PMS)

Location : Pune, Maharashtra, India

Experience : 10 - 15 Years (Minimum 5 Years in PMS, Wealth Management, AMC, or Related Financial Services)

About the Opportunity :

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Head of Operations to lead and strengthen the operational framework of a SEBI-registered Portfolio Management Services (PMS) business.

This leadership role is responsible for overseeing all operational functions, including trade settlement, client onboarding, fund accounting, regulatory reporting, technology systems, vendor management, and process governance. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in SEBI regulations, wealth management operations, and operational risk management, while demonstrating the ability to build scalable processes and lead high-performing teams.

The role requires close collaboration with Investment, Compliance, Finance, Risk, and Technology teams to ensure operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and superior client service.

Key Responsibilities :

Operations & Trade Settlement :

- Manage the complete trade lifecycle, including order management, trade execution coordination, settlement, and reconciliation.

- Ensure seamless T+1 settlement processes and resolution of trade breaks.

- Oversee execution and tracking of mutual fund transactions, including non-financial transactions.

- Manage relationships with custodians, brokers, clearing members, and market infrastructure institutions.

- Monitor portfolio valuation and NAV computation processes.

- Drive straight-through processing (STP) initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce operational risk.

Client Onboarding, KYC & AML :

- Oversee onboarding processes in compliance with SEBI regulations, PMLA requirements, and AML standards.

- Ensure completion of KYC, FATCA/CRS declarations, beneficial ownership verification, and risk profiling.

- Coordinate with KYC Registration Agencies (KRAs) and relevant intermediaries.

- Conduct periodic reviews of client records and enhanced due diligence where required.

- Maintain client documentation and agreements in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Regulatory Compliance Support :

- Support regulatory compliance initiatives under SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020.

- Ensure timely submission of all regulatory reports and disclosures.

- Maintain operational manuals, SOPs, compliance checklists, and governance frameworks.

- Coordinate regulatory audits, inspections, and due diligence reviews.

- Track regulatory developments and implement operational changes as required.

- Support implementation of insider trading controls and conflict-of-interest management processes.

Fund Accounting & Reporting :

- Oversee maintenance of client portfolio records, performance reports, and financial statements.

- Ensure accurate fee calculations, including management and performance fees.

- Manage quarterly and periodic client reporting processes.

- Coordinate with auditors for statutory audits and financial reporting requirements.

- Monitor accounting treatment of taxes, charges, and transaction-related expenses.

Technology & Process Automation :

- Manage PMS back-office platforms, portfolio management systems, CRM tools, and reporting applications.

- Lead technology enhancements, integrations, and system migration initiatives.

- Drive automation and process improvement projects to improve scalability and efficiency.

Team Leadership & Governance :

- Build, mentor, and lead operations, middle-office, back-office, and client service teams.

- Establish SOPs, turnaround time standards, escalation frameworks, and quality controls.

- Conduct periodic operational reviews and internal audits.

- Lead training initiatives related to regulations, systems, and operational best practices.

- Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Client Service & Investor Support :

- Serve as the senior operational escalation point for client servicing matters.

- Support seamless onboarding, portfolio transitions, account closures, and restructuring requests.

- Collaborate with relationship managers to enhance client experience.

- Ensure timely resolution of client grievances within regulatory timelines.

Qualifications & Experience :

Additional certifications in AML/KYC, Risk Management, or Financial Technology will be an advantage.

Professional Experience :

- 6+ years of experience in financial services operations.

- Minimum 5 years in a senior operations role within PMS, AMC, Wealth Management, AIF, Broking, or NBFC environments.

- Proven experience managing teams and operational processes in a regulated environment.

- Strong exposure to SEBI regulations and compliance frameworks.

- Experience handling regulatory audits and inspections is highly desirable.

- Exposure to managing operations supporting AUMs above 500 crore preferred.

Technical Expertise :

- Portfolio management operations and trade settlement.

- Custodian and depository operations.

- Fund accounting and portfolio reporting.

- KYC, AML, FATCA, and CRS compliance.

- PMS technology platforms and reporting systems.

- GST, TDS, STT, and transaction accounting.

- Advanced Excel, MIS reporting, and operational analytics.

Key Skills :

- Strategic Leadership

- Regulatory & Compliance Expertise

- Team Management

- Stakeholder Engagement

- Process Improvement & Automation

- Operational Risk Management

- Client-Centric Mindset

- Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

- Communication & Relationship Management

- High Ethical Standards and Integrity

Success Metrics :

- Near-zero trade settlement exceptions.

- 100% on-time regulatory submissions.

- Efficient client onboarding turnaround times.

- Timely resolution of client grievances.

- Successful audit outcomes with minimal observations.

- Improved operational efficiency through automation initiatives.

- High system uptime and data accuracy standards.

- Strong team engagement and retention.

What We Offer :

- Competitive compensation package with performance-linked incentives.

- Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and influence business growth.

- Exposure to a rapidly evolving wealth management ecosystem.

- Professional development support, including regulatory and industry certifications.

- Collaborative, entrepreneurial, and high-integrity work environment.

Preferred Industry Background :

Candidates from the following sectors will be preferred :

- Portfolio Management Services (PMS)

- Asset Management Companies (AMCs)

- Wealth Management Firms

- Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

- Stock Broking Firms with HNI/PMS businesses

- NBFCs with Investment Advisory or Portfolio Management divisions