Parthian Securities - Head of Operations

Job Summary

The Head of Operations is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of all operational activities within Parthian Securities Limited. The role oversees the end-to-end trade lifecycle, settlement operations, custody administration, client onboarding, regulatory reporting, operational risk management, and process improvement initiatives in accordance with the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, SEC Rules and Regulations, NGX Rules, CSCS Operating Guidelines, AML/CFT requirements, and other applicable Nigerian capital market regulations. The Job holder will establish and maintain robust operational controls, ensure exceptional client service delivery, and provide leadership that supports business growth while safeguarding the firm's assets, reputation, and regulatory standing.

Job Details

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations Strategy & Leadership

Develop and implement the firm's operational strategy in alignment with corporate objectives and regulatory requirements.
Provide strategic leadership across all operational functions, ensuring efficient execution of securities transactions and client servicing.
Drive operational excellence through continuous process improvement and automation initiatives.
Review operational policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Develop operational capacity to support new products, business expansion, and digital transformation initiatives.
Ensure adequate succession planning, workforce planning, and staff development within the Operations Department.

2. Trade Processing, Clearing & Settlement

Oversee the complete trade lifecycle from execution to settlement for equities, fixed income securities, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), mutual funds, and other investment products.
Ensure timely confirmation, clearing, settlement, and reconciliation of all securities transactions.
Monitor settlement obligations and proactively resolve settlement failures, exceptions, and trade discrepancies.
Liaise with brokers, custodians, registrars, clearing houses, and counterparties to ensure efficient transaction processing.
Ensure full compliance with settlement timelines prescribed by NGX, CSCS, SEC, and other market operators.
Supervise corporate action processing, including dividend payments, bonus issues, rights issues, stock splits, and mergers.

3. Client Account Administration

Oversee the onboarding of retail, institutional, and high-net-worth clients in accordance with SEC KYC, AML/CFT, and customer due diligence requirements.
Ensure accurate account opening documentation and periodic customer information updates.
Supervise account maintenance activities, mandate changes, account closures, and client record management.
Ensure prompt processing of client instructions relating to transfers, withdrawals, pledges, and securities movement.
Maintain confidentiality and integrity of client information.

4. Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

Ensure operational compliance with the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2007, SEC Rules, NGX Rulebook, CSCS Operating Guidelines, AML/CFT regulations, and applicable corporate governance standards.
Coordinate timely preparation and submission of operational reports to SEC, NGX, CSCS, FMDQ (where applicable), and other regulatory bodies.
Ensure compliance with client asset segregation requirements and investor protection standards.
Support regulatory inspections, audits, and compliance reviews.
Monitor regulatory developments and implement operational changes accordingly.

5. Operational Risk Management & Internal Controls

Develop and maintain a strong operational risk management framework.
Identify operational risks across transaction processing, settlement, custody, client onboarding, and cash management and provide recommendations to mitigate.
Design and implement internal controls to minimize operational losses, fraud, processing errors, and compliance breaches.
Monitor key operational risk indicators (KRIs) and recommend mitigation strategies.
Ensure business continuity plans and disaster recovery procedures remain effective.

6. Client Service & Service Delivery

Ensure high standards of operational support for retail, institutional, and corporate clients.
Monitor service delivery against agreed SLAs.
Resolve escalated client operational issues promptly.
Improve client experience through process optimization and technology-driven solutions.
Support Business Development teams with efficient operational execution.

7. Technology, Process Improvement & Digital Transformation

Lead automation initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency.
Collaborate with ICT to implement secure and scalable operational systems.
Evaluate new technologies that enhance transaction processing, reporting, reconciliation, and client servicing.
Champion straight-through processing (STP) initiatives.
Ensure operational systems maintain high availability and security standards.

8. Vendor & Stakeholder Management

Maintain productive relationships with:
Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS)
Nigerian Exchange (NGX)
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Registrars
Custodian Banks
Settlement Banks
External Auditors
Technology Vendors
Monitor vendor performance against SLAs.
Resolve operational issues affecting service delivery.

9. Leadership, Performance Management & People Development

Lead, mentor, and develop Operations personnel.
Establish departmental KPIs aligned with organizational objectives.
Conduct performance reviews and identify capability development opportunities.
Promote a culture of accountability, compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Foster collaboration between Operations, Compliance, Finance, Risk, ICT, and Business Development.

Requirements

Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Banking, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
Master's degree or MBA is an added advantage.
Professional certification such as ACA, ACCA, CFA, CIS, CISA, or relevant capital market certification is desirable.
A Dealing Clerk will be an added advantage.
Minimum of 10–12 years' post-qualification experience, with at least 5 years in a senior operational leadership role within a stockbroking firm, investment bank, securities firm, or capital market institution.
Strong knowledge of:
Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025
SEC Rules and Regulations
Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Rulebook
CSCS Rules and Operating Procedures
AML/CFT Regulations
Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements
Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA)
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Sound understanding of securities settlement processes, custody operations, and capital market infrastructure.
Knowledge of risk management frameworks and internal control systems.

Skills

Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
Extensive knowledge of securities operations and settlement processes.
Excellent operational planning and process optimization skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency in securities trading and settlement systems.
Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial systems skills.
Excellent project management capabilities.
Strong report writing and presentation skills.
Effective stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong vendor and regulatory relationship management skills.

Abilities

Ability to lead large operational teams in a fast-paced capital market environment.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining operational accuracy.
Ability to interpret and implement evolving regulatory requirements.
Ability to establish effective internal controls and operational governance frameworks.
Ability to drive digital transformation and operational automation initiatives.
Ability to identify operational risks and implement proactive mitigation measures.
Ability to make sound decisions under pressure while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and customer service excellence.

Benefits

Employee Value Proposition (EVP)
•    Competitive Compensation & Benefits – We offer attractive remuneration packages that reward performance.
•    Career Development – Access to mentorship, training programs, and growth opportunities.
•    Inclusive & Diverse Workplace – We embrace diversity and promote an inclusive culture.
•    Innovative Work Environment – Work on cutting-edge projects that shape the financial landscape.
Non-Financial Perks – At Parthian, we understand that a fulfilling work experience goes beyond monetary compensation. We offer:
•    Quality Healthcare – Comprehensive medical insurance to ensure the well-being of our employees and their families.
•    Progressive Parental Leave Policies – Generous maternity and paternity leave to support employees in their journey as parents.
•    Wellness Programs – Initiatives that focus on mental and physical well-being, including gym memberships, wellness workshops, and stress management sessions.

About Company

Parthian Partners Limited

https://parthianpartnersng.com/

Parthian Partners is a leading Nigerian financial services provider, licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and established in 2012. We leverage technology and expertise to empower a diverse clientele across the financial landscape. Our core strength lies in providing a comprehensive suite of inter-dealer brokerage and investment banking solutions. This includes fixed income, structured finance, equities, mergers & acquisitions advisory, corporate finance advisory, and financial integration.