Chief Operating Officer

ISLA is looking for an experienced
Chief Operating Officer
to join our small organisation on a full-time basis.
The ISLA Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for overseeing the Association’s day-to-day operational activities and the overall management of the business. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the role has managerial responsibility for the functional Heads of the business and Senior Managers, and oversees the implementation and adherence of the company’s policies and procedures, its human resources, IT, finance, health and safety, membership, and facilities management functions. The COO is also the principal point of day-to-day contact and liaison with the Association’s US affiliate entity to support operational and strategic alignment, as relevant.
Read all the information about this opportunity carefully, then use the application button below to send your CV and application.
About ISLA
The International Securities Lending Association (ISLA) is a leading non-profit industry association, representing the common interests of securities lending and financing market participants across Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Americas. Its geographically diverse membership of over 180 firms includes institutional investors, asset managers, custodial banks, prime brokers, and service providers.
Working closely with the industry, as well as national, regional, and global regulators and policy makers, ISLA advocates for, amongst other things, the importance of securities lending to the broader financial services industry. It supports both the Global Master Securities Lending Agreement (GMSLA) legal framework, including the Title Transfer and Security Interest over Collateral variants.
Through member working groups, industry guidance, consultations and first-class events, ISLA plays a pivotal role in the creation and promotion of market best practices and processes, thought leadership, standards for legal frameworks, and securities lending guides and related documents.
Responsibilities
The COO is responsible for measuring the strength of the Association’s operational processes and taking steps to improve them.
Developing strategies for the growth of the organisation (through new membership opportunities) and ensuring they are implemented.
Accountable for the managerial oversight of each of the business lines within the Association as well as membership engagement and office and facilities management.
Ensuring the financial budget is in place to support the operational running of the business and working with the ISLA Board Treasurer accordingly.
Providing all employees with access to the appropriate levels of mentoring and training to optimise motivation levels.
Ensuring sufficient levels of engagement with the Board and its Executive Committee (ExCo), and the appropriate escalation of risk items both to the CEO, the Board and ExCo, as relevant.
The COO is responsible for the following operational functions;
Financial Accounts
Preparation of the annual budget plan to ensure there is sufficient funding for the operational running of the Association.
Manage the day-to-day financial accounts, ensuring invoices are reconciled with incoming payments for membership, events, legal services, etc, and are within the agreed budget.
Ensure VAT, tax, and financial reporting is filed in accordance with standard accountancy practices.
Human Resources
Manage payroll & staff benefits (life insurance, private health plan, pension)
Supervise the completion of regular staff performance appraisals.
Provide access to mentoring and training.
Ensuring that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for staff enrolment and onboarding.
Board Secretariat – ISLA Board of Directors
Create management reporting including financial reports against budgets.
Support and attend, as appropriate, quarterly board meetings, annual board offsite, AGM, EGMs and various board sub-committees.
Produce meeting agendas and minutes of meetings and complete company filings.
Oversee periodical ISLA Board election process including oversight of messaging and candidate nominations.
Facilities Management
Health & Safety
All aspects of office maintenance – rent, rates, utilities, management fees, office supplies, etc
IT & Infrastructure
Data Privacy
Technology & Website Server Maintenance
Telephony
Help Desk Support
Membership
New member enquiries and onboarding
Membership queries and problem solving
Management and integrity of ISLA’s CRM (HubSpot)
Oversight of the collection of membership fees
Policies & Procedures
Maintenance of the Employee Handbook
Creation and updating of all staff policies and procedures including objective setting and development of KPI’s
Management of all third-party commercial relationship including consultants
Contract negotiation for all ISLA contractors, consultants, and third-party service providers.
Key Credentials & Personal Qualities
Degree or equivalent experience (Non-profit Management, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or its equivalent).
Previous Senior Leadership role at a financial organization, with proven experience of managing teams with diverse skillsets and backgrounds
Relevant securities lending/financing experience and strong understanding of the securities finance market and financial services industry more broadly
Proven focus on Risk Management, including Financial, Reputational, Legal/Regulatory & Operational Risks
Commitment to results; ‘can-do’ mindset with emphasis on accountability, strong work ethic
Experience in Change Management
Strong motivational and staff leadership abilities
Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written
Integrity and highest standards of ethics and professionalism
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Due to the volume of applications, we are only able to contact successful applicants. Therefore, if you have not heard from us within 10 working days, please deem your application as unsuccessful on this occasion
April 2024