ETF Business Analyst / Project Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Business Analyst / Project Manager (Contract)

Sector: Investment Management

Focus: Target Operating Model Design for Active ETF Launches

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Business Analyst / Project Manager to support a boutique investment manager in the design and implementation of a Target Operating Model (TOM) for the launch of new active Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). This is a contract role requiring a hands-on professional with deep expertise across business analysis, project delivery, and front-to-back investment operations. The successful candidate will play a critical role in bridging strategic objectives with operational execution, ensuring the firm is equipped to deliver scalable, compliant, and efficient ETF products.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design of the Target Operating Model for active ETF launches, covering front, middle, and back office functions
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders (Portfolio Management, Operations, Compliance, Distribution, and Technology) to define business requirements and operating workflows
• Translate business needs into clear functional and non-functional requirements, ensuring alignment with regulatory and market standards
• Manage project delivery, including planning, governance, RAID management, and reporting to key stakeholders
• Define and document operating processes including portfolio construction, order management, trading, settlement, NAV calculation, and reporting
• Assess and recommend service providers (e.g., custodians, administrators, market makers, APs) and oversee onboarding activities
• Support technology selection and implementation, ensuring systems integration across the investment lifecycle
• Ensure regulatory considerations (e.g., UCITS, ETF-specific requirements, exchange listing rules) are embedded in the operating model
• Facilitate workshops, produce high-quality documentation, and drive decision-making across business units
• Oversee testing phases including UAT, ensuring readiness for ETF launch

Key Requirements

• Proven experience operating as both a Business Analyst and Project Manager within asset management or investment management environments
• Demonstrable experience designing and implementing Target Operating Models, ideally for ETFs or similar investment products
• Strong understanding of ETF structures, including active ETFs, creation/redemption mechanisms, and market ecosystem participants
• Deep knowledge of front-to-back investment operations, including trading workflows, fund accounting, and transfer agency
• Experience working with external vendors such as fund administrators, custodians, and market makers
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leadership
• Excellent documentation, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks relevant to ETFs (e.g., UCITS, MiFID II)
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving environment with a high degree of autonomy

Desirable Skills

• Experience within boutique or start-up investment environments
• Prior involvement in ETF launches or product development initiatives
• Exposure to system implementation projects (OMS, PMS, IBOR/ABOR platforms)

Contract Details

• Contract role (initial term with potential extension)
• Competitive day rate, dependent on experience
• Hybrid working model (flexibility expected)

This is a high-impact role offering the opportunity to shape the operational foundation of a growing investment platform and play a key role in bringing innovative active ETF products to market.