Job Description

Head of the Real Estate & Infrastructure Operations team that provides end to end specialist accounting and operational support in respect of Columbia Threadneedle Investments circa. 7BN UK Real Estate and Infrastructure businesses.


Alongside accountability for the team that delivers business as usual accounting and operational support, this role is accountable for managing change and delivering operational excellence in response to the strategic and tactical goals of the business

How you will spend your time..

1) Responsible for departmental planning to manage change and achieve the strategic goals of the business.


2) Responsible for driving through departmental and cross team improvements to achieve operational excellence.


3) Responsible for management of three direct reports and accountable for a team of c. 40 indirect reports in respect of recruitment, training, motivation and development.


4) Representing the department internally and externally, for example board meetings, committee meetings and with key investors.


5) Accountable for all aspects of running the Operations department including the following:

Accounting, NAV pricing and financial statements across numerous asset-holding vehicles, master fund and feeders including offshore/onshore companies, limited partnerships, unit trusts, unit-linked life funds, exempt pension funds, PAIF, etc. Taxation - VAT, Corporation Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Non-residents Scheme Tax, Construction Industry Scheme, Capital Allowances etc. External reporting; Client, loan provider, depositary/trustee and regulatory reporting. Internal reporting; Management reporting for example liquidity monitoring and reporting. Performance measurement; MSCI and PPFI. Oversight and relationship management of key suppliers; including trustee, depositary, administrator, valuer, auditor. Monitoring investment restriction/guidelines compliance. Administration of certain fund vehicles; meetings, board papers and filing. Accounts payable, accounts receivable, document and database management. Change projects including fund launches and terminations.
6) [Member of the Property Business Management Team with joint responsibility for meeting the committee's objectives including:

To monitor the functions of Real Estate Investment, Asset Management, Property Managing Agent Oversight, Real Estate & Infrastructure Operations, Insurance and Health and Safety, and Project Management. The identification and regular review of Real Estate risks and development and implementation of appropriate controls to mitigate those risks including recommendation/implementation of appropriate policies and procedures. Monitor key third party service providers. Identification of potential conflicts of interest and recommendation/implementation of procedures to manage those conflicts.]

To be successful in this role you will have..

Post-qualified accountant - ACA, ACCA or CIMA. Experience working with UK Real Estate and Infrastructure funds. Experience in a senior management position within a Financial Services environment. Experience working across multiple jurisdictions including the UK, Jersey and Luxembourg. Clear and concise communicator dealing with clients and colleagues at all levels (including Fund Managers, boards, committees, fund administrators, investors, suppliers and auditors). Experience managing and motivating a team with multiple competing priorities. Ability to identify and drive through cross team operational efficiencies and control improvements, managing risks appropriately on own initiative. Ability to deal complex issues as they arise. Client focus driven. Forward thinking with excellent planning skills. Self-starter, deadline driven and can work on own initiative.
Working Relationships - Internal

Front office investment teams, group departments (e.g. Distribution, Risk, Compliance, Tax, GCO, Controllership, LFO), business committees, statutory boards, etc.
Working Relationships - External

Major banking/loan provider relationships, key investors, non-exec Board members, real estate valuers, lawyers and managing agents, administrators and custodians, auditors and business consultants, etc.

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments

Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses.


We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,500 people working together. Our expertise is diverse with more than 650 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements.


Columbia Threadneedle is a people business and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace that supports the diversity of our employees and reflects our broader communities and client-base.


We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full time

Worker Sub Type

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Job Family Group

Unclassifieds