Operations Manager, Futures - CITIC CLSA - #2112155

Position Description

An exceptional opportunity to join a newly established Futures business in London at a formative stage and work directly with the Head of Futures Operations as his right-hand. You will help design, build, and run operational processes for our futures and derivatives activities — with a core focus on LME and ICE Europe markets. This is a hands-on role with a rare chance to influence how the business operates from day one. Depending on experience, we will consider candidates at either Manager or Analyst level.

Key Areas of Responsibilities

• Partner with the Head of Futures Operations to set up and manage daily operational and trade support functions for exchange-traded futures and derivatives.
• Oversee clearing deadlines and ensure all trades are processed accurately and on time, meeting regulatory, exchange, client, and internal requirements.
• Execute daily settlement processes across cash-settled and physically-delivered contracts, including LME prompt date processes, physical delivery notices, and option exercise/assignment.
• Perform daily reconciliations of positions, trades, margins, and cash flows; investigate and resolve exceptions promptly.
• Maintain precise records, monitor operational risk, and ensure compliance with internal policies, clearing house rules, and exchange regulations.
• Prepare and submit daily, weekly, and monthly reports on settlement activities to internal stakeholders and external regulators, as required.
• Liaise with clearing houses, brokers, and build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure smooth transaction flow and timely issue resolution.
• Support strategic projects including system implementation, process automation, and onboarding of new markets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of futures operations experience covering clearing & settlements, reconciliation, physical delivery, margin control, option exercise/assignment, and regulatory reporting.
• Strong working knowledge of LME and ICE Europe clearing house rules and delivery processes, with particular experience in LME physical delivery.
• Familiarity with LMEsmart, LMEmercury, LMEsword, and industry back-/middle-office systems such as ION XTP, GMI, etc.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
• Resilient and adaptable — able to operate independently in a start-up style environment while being a collaborative team player.
• Relevant professional qualifications or strong track record of hands-on operational experience in futures markets.
• Fluent in both written and spoken English.