Head of Fund Operations & Governance

About us 

At Davy, it’s the unique talents of all our people that have been the foundations of our success for 100 years. As we continue to grow, so do you. Because you are not just part of our team – you are a key player in shaping our future.  

At Davy, you are the difference.   

Established in 1926, the Davy Group sits at the heart of wealth and capital in Ireland, providing a broad range of services to high-net-worth individuals, self-directed investors, small-to-medium enterprises, credit unions, corporations, and domestic & international institutional investors.  

Our culture is shaped around three values, which are at the heart of everything we do: client success, one Davy, and building a proud legacy. Sharing the same goals, we work together to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients. As part of a team of over 900, you will be encouraged to learn and to grow, both professionally and personally.

About the role 

An exciting opportunity has opened up on our Investment Team.

We are seeking an experienced, motivated, detail‑oriented fund operations and governance lead to join the investment function supporting our UCITS funds and segregated portfolios. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast‑paced environment and can take ownership of critical data processes that underpin portfolio management, reporting, regulatory oversight, and investment governance.

Senior leader accountable for the operating model and 1st line control environment across a UCITS fund platform with c. €8bn AUM and seg mandates with c5bn AUM within the wealth management business. The role owns operational integrity, outsourced provider oversight, incident resolution, data quality, and workflow/system effectiveness.

In the role, the successful candidate will: 

• Lead senior engagement, performance governance, and escalation management across the external model (ManCo/administrator and wider providers). Ensure robust MI, service standards, issues tracking, and evidence-based oversight appropriate to the scale and complexity of the platform.
• Own oversight of the operational implications of trading performed by a sub‑IM: trade lifecycle exceptions, settlement issues, failed trades, allocation/broker queries, and resolution coordination across sub‑IM, administrator, and depositary.
• Lead the operational governance of fund launches, share class changes, fee changes, prospectus/document updates, benchmark/strategy changes, mergers/closures, ensuring operational readiness and reliable delivery.
• Accountable for all IM content in UCITS board packs, including incidents, trends, KPIs, exceptions, and remediation. Own responses to board queries.
• Build a disciplined first-line governance culture with clear ownership, rapid escalation, strong documentation and continuous improvement in control design and operational resilience.
• Implement consistent first-line controls and operational standards across both funds and segregated portfolios.
• Coordinate with internal teams on data operating model for investment operations: data sourcing from counterparties/providers, validation, exception handling
• Participate in projects involving data improvements, system upgrades, or process optimisation.

About you

We are looking for somebody who has the following background and skills:

• 12–18+ years in UCITS fund operations / investment operations / fund governance within an asset manager, ManCo or relevant advisory background.
• Strong track record in delegated operating models (ManCo + administrator + sub‑IM) with demonstrable ability to drive outcomes through influence, governance, and escalation.
• Comfortable operating at board level: clear reporting, structured thinking, concise communication and constructive challenge.
• Strong understanding of investment data structures (holdings, benchmarks, transactions, pricing, corporate actions, FX, analytics).
• Experience resolving data exceptions and working with administrators, custodians, or middle office ops teams.
• Experience spanning both pooled vehicles and segregated mandates (or demonstrably transferable expertise) with a strong appreciation of wrapper differences.
• Experience with UCITS funds, portfolio reporting, or regulatory data requirements (CBI, ESMA, UCITS) is a strong plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple deliverables and strict deadlines.
• Proactive mindset with a strong sense of ownership and problem‑solving capability.

What we offer 

At Davy, our people are our biggest investment. In today’s fast-moving world, we know it’s important to feel secure and empowered. That’s why Davy benefits support you through all of life’s stages, offering health and wellness, flexible working options, flexible benefits allowance, learning and development opportunities, through to assisted retirement planning.   

Health and Wellbeing  

Psychological safety, emotional wellbeing and support are a priority at Davy. We offer a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and mental health first aid. Our Sports & Social teams promote physical wellbeing and social connection.  

Reward and Recognition  

We offer a competitive remuneration package to include salary, bonus, pension and a host of additional benefits to protect you and your family when it matters most.  

Growth and Development  

Our award-winning L&D function supports you and your growth at Davy. We offer a comprehensive range of professional and personal development opportunities. Our culture supports learning, and we encourage you to explore more at Davy.  

Positive Workplace  

Our workplace is inclusive, diverse, and offers everyone a sense of belonging. We are flexible and continue to support a hybrid working model. You will get to be your best at Davy.  

Values and Culture  

Exceptional client outcomes delivered by a world class team, underpinned by our core Davy values – One Team, Client Success, and Proud Legacy.   

Important Information 

Davy is an equal opportunities employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We value diversity in both background and experience, and even if you don’t meet all of the requirements outlined in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. We review all applications received. As part of our commitment to creating an accessible environment, we want to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in the interview process. If you require any reasonable accommodations, please let us know, and we will do our best to make the necessary arrangements.  

Appointment to this role is subject to the candidate's eligibility to work in Ireland. 

Where agency assistance is required, our Recruitment Team will engage directly with suppliers. Unsolicited CVs / profiles supplied to us by recruitment agencies will not be accepted for this role. 

Davy Group is a member of the Bank of Ireland Group.