Associate Director Equity Derivatives Middle Office

Why join us?

Join a global Equities Middle Office function supporting Equity Derivatives activity across multiple balance sheets and locations (New York, EMEA and Hong Kong). You’ll lead a sizeable team (20+ people) in KL and partner closely with Front Office, Operations and Technology to strengthen controls, improve processes and deliver a consistently high service level across regions.

What you’ll do:

• Lead day-to-day Equity Derivatives Middle Office / desk support coverage for Equity Derivatives, ensuring a strong client and trading desk service model across regions (NY, EMEA, HK).
• Oversee end-to-end trade validation and controls including reconciliations, reporting, complex booking validation, unauthorized trading controls and commissions controls.
• Provide oversight of key operational risk indicators, manage issue escalation, and maintain robust control frameworks in line with internal standards and audit expectations.
• Partner with Front Office on new products / booking models to ensure operational readiness and scalable, well-controlled processes.
• Drive continuous improvement and automation/change agenda, feeding priorities into relevant change forums and working with Technology/product owners to deliver.
• Lead global coordination with onshore/offshore stakeholders to resolve cash flows, outstanding trades and reconciliation breaks efficiently.
• Build an inclusive, high-performing culture: develop managers, coach talent, and maintain clear goals and accountability across a 20+ team in KL.

What you will need to succeed in the role

• Strong front-to-back understanding of Equities Middle Office / trade support, including trade lifecycle events, corporate actions and associated controls.
• Proven leadership experience managing a large operations team (20+), including performance management, structure design and talent development.
• Confident engagement with senior stakeholders (Trading, COO/Business Management, Control functions) and ability to influence outcomes under pressure.
• Demonstrated operational risk and control mindset, including experience managing audits, issues and control enhancements.
• Track record of streamlining/re-engineering processes without weakening the control framework; strong delivery focus.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex topics for varied audiences.
• Ability to operate effectively across multiple locations/time zones and balance sheets, maintaining consistent standards and outcomes.

What additional skills will be good to have?

• Experience supporting Equity Derivatives booking/lifecycle complexity and regional operating models.
• Change delivery experience (process redesign, automation, tooling); Python/AI skills are advantageous.
• Experience working closely with Technology and product owners to translate business needs into sustainable solutions.