Senior Associate - Trading Operations

Validus Risk Management · London

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Validus Risk Management is seeking a high-performing Capital Markets Operations professional to join our growing team and play a hands-on, high-impact role in scaling our global operations capability.

This is not a purely transactional operations role. You will operate as a senior member and trusted operator, taking ownership of complex trade lifecycle processes, driving continuous improvement and acting as an informal leader within the team.

You will work closely with senior management, front-office colleagues, clients and a global banking panel to ensure our operating model is robust, controlled and scalable as the business continues to grow.

This role is well suited to someone who enjoys owning outcomes, improving how things work and being relied upon as a problem-solver and coach without requiring formal people-management responsibility.

Requirements

Trading & Lifecycle Operations

• Own and oversee end-to-end trade lifecycle activities across FX, derivatives, commodities and futures, including:
• Trade capture, confirmation and affirmation
• Settlement, payments and cash movements
• Reconciliations and investigation of breaks
• Regulatory and internal reporting
• Support trading infrastructure onboarding, including engagement with investment banks, brokers and other counterparties.
• Act as a primary operational contact for external counterparties, vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Support fund finance and treasury-related operations.
• Collect and review client financial statements and conduct ATE testing.
• Manage LEI onboarding and renewals.

Process Improvement, Automation & Data

• Take ownership of improving, standardising and automating operational processes across the trade lifecycle and related workflows.
• Apply advanced Excel skills as a core tool for operational control, reporting and efficiency, including:
• Complex formulas and logic
• Power Query and Power Pivot
• Robust, scalable spreadsheet models and controls
• Use data to identify inefficiencies, reduce manual processing, and strengthen operational oversight.
• Contribute to the design and build-out of scalable operational infrastructure to support business growth.
• Experience with Python and/or Alteryx for automation and workflow enhancement is highly desirable but not essential.

Leadership & Team Contribution

• Act as an informal team lead, supporting and coaching junior team members through hands-on training and day-to-day guidance.
• Set high standards for accuracy, ownership and control discipline.
• Serve as a point of escalation for complex operational issues, applying sound judgment and structured problem-solving.
• Partner with senior management on operational initiatives, change delivery and process redesign.

Governance & Risk

• Ensure strict adherence to internal policies, procedures and control frameworks.
• Maintain awareness of relevant regulatory requirements and industry best practices, assessing operational impact.
• Proactively identify operational risks and contribute to mitigation strategies.

Core Experience

• 5+ years’ experience in financial markets or capital markets operations, ideally within FX, derivatives or hedging.
• Strong understanding of trade lifecycle mechanics, market infrastructure, settlement processes and operational risk.
• Proven ability to take ownership of complex workflows and deliver consistently under pressure.
• Experience in a growing or evolving operating environment is strongly preferred.

Process Automation & Data

• Advanced Excel skills are essential and will be used extensively in this role.
• Demonstrated experience using Excel to improve processes, enhance controls and deliver operational insight.
• Experience with Python and/or Alteryx is a strong advantage but not a prerequisite.
• Comfortable working with large datasets and translating data into actionable operational outcomes.

Leadership & Behaviours

• Evidence of training, mentoring or coaching junior team members, even without formal line-management responsibility.
• Strong ownership mindset with the confidence to challenge existing processes and drive improvement.
• Highly analytical, detail-oriented and resilient under time pressure.
• Clear, professional communicator able to engage effectively with operations, front office, clients and counterparties.

Education & Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics or a related discipline.
• Professional qualifications such as CFA, FRM or CAIA would be a desirable asset

Benefits

Share in our mission to become the largest and most respected specialist provider of financial market risk services in the world. Notable benefits include a competitive remuneration package (salary + bonus), health care, retirement plans, and financial support towards professional qualifications.

Our core company values are;

• Accountability – Getting it done and owning the result.

• Teamwork – We succeed by helping others succeed.

• Integrity – We serve our clients; the responsibility is sacrosanct.

• Diversity – Diversity boosts creativity – creativity is our edge.

• Kaizen – Strive to do things better. Innovation kills complacency.

Validus is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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