Head of Application Management (Financial Services)

Head of Application Management (Investment Operations, Risk & Portfolio Platforms)

Location: London (Hybrid Working) Type: Permanent Salary: Competitive + Benefits

The Opportunity

A leading financial services organisation is seeking an experienced Head of Application Management to lead the strategy, governance and operational management of a significant portfolio of business-critical applications supporting investment operations, risk management, portfolio management and core back-office functions. Based on the attached specification, the role focuses on leadership of application services, operational excellence, risk governance, supplier management and technology enablement across a complex regulated environment.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who combines strong application management expertise with experience managing technology services supporting middle and back-office investment functions, operational risk, portfolio administration and enterprise platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Application & Service Leadership

Lead the Application Management function across a diverse portfolio of operational, risk and investment-related technology platforms. Own application service performance, availability, resilience and lifecycle management. Drive continuous improvement across support, service delivery and operational processes. Ensure effective service transition from project delivery into business-as-usual operations.

Portfolio, Risk & Operations Technology

Oversee technology services supporting portfolio management, investment operations, operational risk and associated business functions. Act as a trusted technology partner to senior business stakeholders. Ensure application services align with business objectives, technology strategy and architectural standards. Support strategic technology initiatives and organisational transformation programmes.

Governance, Risk & Control

Establish and maintain strong governance frameworks across the application estate. Ensure compliance with security, regulatory and operational risk requirements. Drive risk identification, mitigation and reporting activities. Champion a strong control environment and embed best practice operational disciplines.

Supplier & Commercial Management

Manage strategic third-party technology partners and service providers. Lead contract negotiations, service reviews and performance management activities. Ensure suppliers deliver against agreed service levels and business outcomes. Manage operational budgets, forecasts and expenditure controls.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

Build, develop and inspire high-performing teams. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. Engage effectively with senior executives, technology leaders and business stakeholders. Provide leadership across governance forums, change boards and strategic committees.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience

Senior leadership experience within Application Management, Application Support or IT Service Management. Experience overseeing large-scale application portfolios within financial services or similarly regulated environments. Strong understanding of portfolio management, investment operations, back-office processing, risk management or related business functions. Proven experience managing outsourced service providers and technology vendors. Track record of delivering operational excellence, service improvement and governance initiatives. Experience managing budgets, commercial relationships and operational reporting.

Technical & Professional Skills

Strong understanding of application management, service delivery and IT operational frameworks. Knowledge of governance, controls, risk management and regulatory requirements. Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing capabilities. Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution. Strong leadership, coaching and team development experience.

Desirable

Experience supporting portfolio management, investment operations, risk management or asset management platforms. Exposure to change delivery, service transition and agile delivery environments. Degree qualified or equivalent professional experience. ITSM or related professional certifications.

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