Global Markets Operations, Business Relationship Specialist

This role focuses on enhancing operations within Global Markets, specifically within the Foreign Exchange (FX) and Money Markets. The core objective is to ensure smooth and efficient functioning across the entire trade lifecycle, from initiation to settlement. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between operational processes and system capabilities, driving continuous improvement, and ultimately elevating the quality of service delivery.

About the Role

As a Business Relationship Specialist, your primary responsibility will be to foster strong, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders across the organisation. This involves actively engaging with individuals and teams to understand their needs, gather insights, and ensure that operational strategies align with business objectives. You'll be a crucial link, translating business requirements into actionable operational improvements and communicating the value of these enhancements. A significant part of your work will involve leveraging the expertise of subject matter specialists to tackle complex issues and refine existing processes and systems.

The day-to-day activities will revolve around monitoring and assessing the performance of Global Markets operations. This includes identifying areas for optimisation and driving initiatives that lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to build and maintain constructive working relationships.
• Utilising subject matter expertise to resolve operational challenges and enhance service delivery.
• Championing process and system integration to streamline the Global Markets trade lifecycle.
• Identifying, understanding, and actively mitigating a range of risks, including financial, transactional, reputational, legal, regulatory, and credit risks.
• Leveraging data-driven tools for accurate performance measurement and to support informed decision-making.
• Contributing to projects aimed at improving operational capabilities and system functionalities.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this position, you will need a solid foundation in Global Markets operations, with a minimum of five to seven years of experience. A deep understanding of both Money Markets and FX products is essential, along with seasoned knowledge of the trade support and back-office functions within these areas.

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Proven ability to build and nurture effective stakeholder relationships across diverse organisational levels.
• A knack for leveraging the knowledge of subject matter experts to drive operational enhancements and resolve complex issues.
• The capacity to operate effectively within a matrix organisational structure.
• A comprehensive understanding of complex financial market products, with particular expertise in cash management, interest rate instruments, and foreign exchange transactions.
• Advanced proficiency in using data-led tools to provide accurate measurements and inform decision-making processes.
• A proactive approach to identifying and mitigating various forms of risk.

In terms of behavioural competencies, the ideal candidate will be adept at meeting deadlines, consistently producing high-quality output, taking initiative, and working collaboratively within a team environment. Upholding high standards of quality and integrity will be paramount. Technical skills should include strong data management capabilities, a good grasp of process governance, in-depth product knowledge (especially Money Markets and FX), project management experience, and the ability to perform root cause analysis.

A first-degree qualification in Business or Commerce is a prerequisite for this role.

In the South African context, roles involving business relationship management within financial markets operations are often found within large banking institutions and financial services groups. These positions typically offer competitive remuneration packages, reflecting the specialised knowledge and experience required. Career progression can lead to senior operational management or business development roles, often with opportunities for further specialisation within specific market segments or product areas.

Type of Qualification: First Degree Field of Study: Business Commerce

Experience Required: Global Markets Operations

5-7 years

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain constructive stakeholder relationships across an organisation, leverage the knowledge of subject matter experts to resolve issues and enhance operations and operate effectively in a matrix organisation. Demonstrated ability to identify, understand and mitigate risk (financial, transactional, reputational, legal, regulatory and credit risks).

5-7 years

Global Markets Trade Support and/or back-office work experience with seasoned knowledge of Money Markets and FX products. Demonstrated expertise in complex financial market products, particularly in cash management, interest rate instruments, and foreign exchange transactions. Advanced proficiency in the use of data-lead tools to provide the basis for accurate measurement and to support informed decision-making.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Meeting Timescales
• Producing Output
• Taking Action
• Team Working
• Upholding Standards

Technical Competencies:

• Data Management 
• Process Governance
• Product Knowledge (Money Markets, FX and other GM products)
• Project Management
• Root Cause Analysis