Syndicated Bank Loan Operations Manager

Symetra • Farmington, CT

11d • $120,600 - $163,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Bank Loan Operations Manager owns the operational lifecycle of syndicated loan investments, including oversight of the Bank Loan team day-to-day and the ownership of platform relationships and service provider oversight. This role is critical in ensuring accurate and timely trade settlement, cash flow processing, and data integrity within our loan investment portfolios and will work closely with front office bank loan team to ensure proper treatment of more complex transactions and portfolio holdings. The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of syndicated bank loans, a strong understanding of loan agency and custody platforms, and a proven ability to manage bank loan operations teams, oversee multiple service providers and platforms and processes in a fast-paced investment environment. This is a remote role with required travel to the Farmington office several times per month.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or equivalent work experience.
• At least eight years working with bank loans from an operational perspective, with at least three years in a people manager or team lead role.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Knowledge of the bank loan trade lifecycle and/or experience supporting a trading business.
• Technical knowledge of all broadly syndicated loan processes and current best practices and regulations.
• Familiarity with syndicated loans and other investments and with loan-based software.
• Experience with LSTA standard documentation, knowledge of the LSTA Standard Terms and Conditions.
• Ability to improve processes and create efficiencies utilizing technology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail while being analytically oriented.
• Ability to multitask and work both independently as well as in a team environment.
• Continuously exhibits a high level of motivation and initiative.
• Versatility and flexibility to work extra hours as needed to assist with coverage of other team members and support business needs, including projects.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to query databases e.g., SQL queries
• Ability to map operational workflows using tools such as Visio, Lucid Chart or Miro
• Demonstrated interest and ability to use AI tools
• Programming languages such as Python etc.
• Data visualization tools such as PowerBI (including Power Query)

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of loan closing, a process which includes review of trade details, signing of loan documentation, AML/KYC, movement of wires to fund bank loan trades and much more.
• Ownership of ensuring bank loan activity (e.g. paydowns, rollovers, interest payments, etc.) is processed accurately and timely in various systems. This includes oversight of the bank loan team as well as outsourced functions performed by service providers, troubleshooting escalations and technology pain points.
• Oversee and be able to participate in the daily review and reconciliation of loan positions and transactions between the various Trade Order Management Systems, agent banks, accounting platforms and downstream systems to confirm completeness of activity. Responsible for timely resolution of any issues identified. Additionally, be responsible for understanding the controls in place related to performance, valuation and data quality, and ensuring they are followed.
• Ownership of relationships with platform providers (e.g., ClearPar, Markit, etc.) including access rights, SLAs, contract terms and data feeds, when applicable. In addition to platform providers, the Bank Loan Operations manager is responsible for oversight of functions outsources to service providers, specifically the loan closings and administration. This included SLAs, day-to-day oversight and validation of activity preformed on SIMs behalf.
• Ensure the team and service providers provide information timely and accurately and maintain good relationships with clients, both internal and external. Participate in prospective clients’ due diligence process, including questionnaires and in-person meetings.
• Provide guidance, training and hands-on leadership to a growing team. In conjunction with management, develop pathways for career and skills advancement. Collaborate with other teams within SIM and senior management to ensure goals are aligned and to share knowledge. Stay current with market practices, regulatory changes, and industry standards affecting loan operations. Ensure the team is processing based on best practices and workflows designed to create the most accurate performance, compliance, accounting and reporting results. Look for opportunities to automate processes and controls where appropriate.

Benefits

• Flexible full-time or hybrid telecommuting arrangements
• 401(k) plan with immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%
• Paid time away including vacation and sick time, flex days and ten paid holidays
• Company matching for community contributions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree