CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO) - Investment Management Firm - Woods Foster

Boutique Investment Management | London

Excellent Base + Bonus + Equity / Share Options

THE OPPORTUNITY

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an accomplished, commercially astute Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director to join an ambitious, newly established investment management business in London.

The firm is preparing to launch two innovative investment funds across the alternative investment sector, supported by an experienced leadership team with ambitious plans for growth.

This is a rare opportunity to join a business at a formative stage, playing a pivotal role in its establishment, regulatory development, fund launches and long-term strategic growth.

The successful individual will operate at board level, working closely with the founders, CIO and senior leadership team to build a robust, scalable and commercially successful investment management platform.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to business strategy, commercial development and growth.

• Lead the operational establishment and launch of new investment funds.

• Develop and scale the firm's operating model, governance framework and infrastructure.

• Provide senior oversight of FCA regulatory obligations, permissions, compliance and regulatory engagement.

• Oversee fund administration, accounting, NAV, valuations, reporting and operational controls.

• Manage relationships with fund administrators, custodians, depositaries, auditors, legal advisers and other service providers.

• Oversee risk management, financial crime controls, operational resilience and regulatory reporting.

• Provide strategic oversight of financial management, budgets, cash flow, capital requirements and commercial performance.

• Establish scalable systems, technology, processes and outsourcing arrangements.

• Build and lead operational teams as the business expands.

• Work closely with the founders and CIO on strategic partnerships, fund development and long-term business growth.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Minimum 12–15 years' experience within asset management, hedge funds or alternative investment management.

• Proven experience as a COO, Managing Director, CFO, Head of Operations or equivalent senior executive.

• Extensive knowledge of FCA regulation, governance and direct regulatory engagement.

• Demonstrable experience establishing or launching investment funds and associated operational infrastructure.

• Experience helping boutique or entrepreneurial investment management businesses grow and scale.

• Strong understanding of fund structures, investment operations, risk, compliance and outsourced service providers.

• Experience working closely with founders, boards, investment professionals and senior stakeholders.

• Commercially astute, entrepreneurial and hands-on, with excellent leadership and communication skills.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE

• Experience launching an investment management business or regulated investment platform.

• Exposure to real estate, private markets or alternative investment strategies.

• Experience of FCA authorisation or variations of permission.

• Knowledge of UK and/or Luxembourg fund structures.

• Experience overseeing multiple fund launches and complex external partnerships.

THE INDIVIDUAL

We are seeking a pragmatic, commercially minded senior executive who thrives in entrepreneurial environments and enjoys building businesses rather than simply managing established operations.

The successful candidate will be equally comfortable contributing at board level, engaging with regulators, managing external stakeholders and taking direct responsibility for implementation.

This is a genuine opportunity to help establish and shape a growing investment management business at board level, with meaningful long-term financial upside.