At WTW, we help clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With over 45,000 colleagues in more than 140 countries, WTW provides data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk, and capital. Our team is committed to delivering excellence in multinational credit and finance solutions.
The Head of Operations, Western Europe, oversees daily operations in Germany, Spain, Netherlands, and Ireland. Responsibilities include regulatory compliance, finance oversight, process optimization, and risk management.
The ideal candidate will implement an efficient operating model, support business goals, foster strong relationships, bridge the gap between operational lines, ensure risk mitigation reporting, and improve internal controls.
WTW’s Investments business, with around 1,000 colleagues, manages over $4 trillion in assets under advice and $170 billion in assets under management. It has evolved into a diversified investment solutions firm, offering a broad range of strategies across asset classes and geographies.
Head of Operations – Western Europe - Investment (m/f)
(Requisition No 202502525)
Key responsibilities
Operational Leadership: Lead the operational strategy, ensuring efficient and effective day-to-day operations that comply with all regulatory requirements under BaFin and MiFID II. Regulatory Compliance: Working with colleagues in our local and global compliance function and ensure all colleagues follow local and international financial regulations and standards. Financial Management: Work with Finance teams to provide clear financial information to the Board, optimize cost-efficiency and drive financial performance. Governance and Oversight: Support the governance and oversight of regulated activities across Western Europe by coordinating with Compliance and Risk functions to help ensure alignment with BaFin and MiFID II regulations. Risk and Process Management: Work with our risk and internal control functions to develop and implement risk management processes which identify, assess, and mitigate business risks. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with key stakeholders across Western Europe to drive alignment with business goals and strategic objectives and build strong partnerships with other business units. Reporting and Analysis: Provide regular operational reports and insights to the executive team to support decision-making. Collaboration with different teams:: Build strong partnerships with other business units and champion efforts to promote an equitable, inclusive culture and support a diverse workforce. Representation: Represent Business Operations internally and externally, inspiring the team to outperform, empowering leaders, attracting high-performing talent, and creating a client-first culture of collaboration. Change Management: Manage and drive change appropriately, communicating with transparency.
Key Requirements
Experience
Extensive experience in operations management, particularly under BaFin and MiFID II regulations.Proven senior, strategic leader with demonstrated knowledge of the Investments industry.Proven track record of leading operational improvements and driving process optimization.Experience in risk management and mitigating compliance risks.Skills
High level of executive presence with excellent oral and written communication skills, capable of positively impacting the direction of the organisation and effectively challenging the status quo.Ability to communicate complex information accurately and timely, making presentations to groups with varied levels of finance and investment knowledge.Ability to influence and drive C-suite level client relationships.Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with peers, colleagues, and external contacts, working effectively in a professional team environment.Fluency in German and English is required.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field; MBA or relevant degree preferred.
What we offer
dynamic and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration.Opportunities to work with a global team of experts and access cutting-edge tools and resources.Career development and growth opportunities within WTW’s global network.A competitive compensation and benefits package, reflecting the seniority of the role.
Join us in shaping the future at WTW!
Interested?
We are looking forward to our online application, which takes only 5 minutes on our career site.
WTW is an equal opportunity employer.
WTW (Willis Towers Watson) is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has 45,000 employees serving more than 140 countries. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets, and ideas – the dynamic formula that drives business performance. Learn more at wtw.wtwco.com.