Portfolio Implementation Specialist - Cape Town at Investec

Description

• We are seeking a highly trustworthy and client-centric Portfolio Implementation Specialist to join our investment operations   team. This role is focused on accurate, timely, and risk-aware implementation of investment decisions, with particular attention to trade execution and operational integrity. The ideal candidate is passionate about delivering impactful value to clients, aligned with institutional-quality governance, controls, and service. This position closely resembles that of a fund administrator and plays a critical part in translating portfolio strategy into effective market action.

Key responsibilities

Trade Execution & Implementation

• Execute trades across a range of asset classes (equities, fixed income, funds, derivatives, etc.) in accordance with portfolio manager instructions and internal policies.
• Manage daily trade workflows, ensuring orders are executed timely, within mandate constraints
• Monitor order routing, execution quality, and market timing to mitigate slippage and maintain implementation efficiency.

Operational Oversight

• Coordinate pre- and post-trade checks, reconciliation, and settlement processes.
• Liaise with custodians, brokers, counterparties, and internal teams to resolve trade discrepancies or settlement issues.
• Support portfolio managers by ensuring portfolios remain fully invested and aligned with strategic objectives and mandates

Client-Centric Delivery

• Act as a trusted operational liaison for clients, demonstrating ownership, responsiveness, and accountability in all interactions.
• Deliver high-quality, consistent service by understanding client-specific guidelines and requirements.
• Proactively identify and address potential risks or anomalies in portfolio implementation that could impact client outcomes.

Risk and Control

• Ensure all activities are conducted within a robust risk control framework, compliant with internal procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate records, contribute to audit and regulatory reporting, and support continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Identify and escalate any breaches, exceptions, or operational risks promptly.

Experience, skills and capability

• A relevant Bachelor's degree in Finance, Investments, Economics, Accounting or similar would be advantageous
• 3–5 years of experience in investment operations, trading, fund administration, or portfolio implementation.
• Familiarity with trade lifecycle management, settlement processes, and portfolio accounting systems.
• Proficient in Excel, experience using trade and portfolio management systems (e.g., IRESS, Bloomberg, INET, or similar OMS/PMS platforms)., and trade reconciliation tools.
• Solid understanding of investment products, financial markets, and regulatory frameworks would be helpful