A Director at Optima Partners is a senior leader responsible for managing key client relationships, driving revenue growth, and contributing to the strategic development of the firm. This role requires deep regulatory expertise, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to lead both clients and internal teams with authority and credibility.
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of 8 to 10 years of relevant experience within buyside compliance consulting, asset management, or financial services regulation.
Core Responsibilities
Client Leadership and Delivery
- Lead and manage a portfolio of 20+ clients, acting as a trusted senior advisor and primary point of contact
- Provide clear, timely, and commercially pragmatic regulatory advice to clients and internal stakeholders
- Lead complex client engagements from scoping through to delivery, ensuring high-quality outcomes
- Confidently manage challenging client situations and provide solutions-oriented guidance
- Oversee and sign off on key deliverables including compliance manuals, policies, and regulatory frameworks
- Draft and review policies and procedures in response to evolving regulatory requirements
- Maintain deep expertise in FCA regulation relevant to the asset management sector
Business Development and Market Presence
- Lead business development efforts including proposal writing, pricing, and client pitches
- Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships, including cross-sell and upsell opportunities
- Represent Optima externally through speaking engagements, conferences, and industry events
- Contribute to thought leadership, including publications, white papers, and client communications
Technical Expertise
- Act as a subject matter expert across key regulatory frameworks including MiFID II and AIFMD, with knowledge of UCITS considered advantageous
- Strong understanding of hedge funds, private equity and venture capital, across various investment strategies
- Maintain awareness of broader UK, European and global regulatory developments where relevant
- Provide clear and concise interpretation of complex regulatory requirements to clients and colleagues
- Lead the development of new technical content and solutions aligned with regulatory change
- Ability to translate technically complex regulation into commercial advice
- Understand broader industry best practice
- Understanding of how AI is being implemented into buyside asset management
Team Leadership and Internal Contribution
- Line manage and develop junior team members, including setting objectives, providing feedback, and supporting career progression
- Act as a mentor and go-to resource for technical and client-related queries
- Deliver training sessions and share expertise across the firm
- Contribute to internal initiatives that support the growth and development of Optima
- Ensure effective communication and coordination across teams to meet client deadlines
Collaboration and Communication
- Effectively manage expectations and deadlines across multiple stakeholders
- Produce content for internal and external communications, including newsletters and insights
- Share knowledge from external events and regulatory updates with the wider team
Candidate Profile
- Extensive experience in compliance consulting or in-house compliance within asset management or financial services
- Strong working knowledge of FCA regulation and UK regulatory frameworks
- Demonstrated ability to lead client relationships and deliver commercially focused solutions
- Proven experience in business development and revenue generation
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong leadership capability with experience managing and developing teams
Equal Opportunities
Optima Partners is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity, race, religion, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, age, or disability.
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