Operations Associate

Who you are

• This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys working with different systems and data, solving problems, collaborating across teams and delivering high-quality operational outcomes in a dynamic environment
• Experience in an operations, business support, fund operations or financial services administration role
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work
• Interest in applying modern technology, automation and AI-assisted tools to improve operational processes and ways of working
• Experience supporting or participating in AML/KYC, onboarding or operational control processes
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Experience within venture capital, private equity, asset management or broader investment management environments
• Exposure to investor onboarding, fund operations or investment operations activities
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance processes relevant to FCA-regulated firms

What the job involves

• Part of Octopus’ broader Operations team, the Business Operations team is integral to the success of Octopus Ventures, supporting the data, systems, reporting, governance and regulatory activities that underpin our venture capital funds and portfolio
• The team works closely with investment professionals, other Operations sub-teams, Finance, Valuations, Legal, Data Insights, IT (Labs), Compliance, Product, and external partners to ensure the business operates effectively and continues to scale
• Together, these teams support the full investment lifecycle, from fundraising and investor onboarding through to portfolio management and realisation activities
• We are looking for an Operations Associate to join our Business Operations team on a 12-month fixed-term contract
• Venture Capital remains one of the most exciting and fast-moving areas within financial services
• This role offers the opportunity to play an important part in supporting the operational infrastructure that enables Octopus to invest in and support ambitious founders across Europe and beyond
• The successful candidate will support a broad range of operational activities across fundraising, investor onboarding, portfolio management, data governance, system administration and regulatory obligations
• The role combines day-to-day operational delivery with opportunities to contribute to practical process improvements and operational projects that help the business scale efficiently
• Maintain and develop accurate records across our core systems relating to funds, investors, portfolio companies, investments and other integral data (eg. CRM, book of records)
• Support the effective execution of limited operational processes across the investment lifecycle, ensuring appropriate controls and governance are maintained
• Produce, validate and distribute management information and reporting for internal and external stakeholders
• Support fundraising and client onboarding, helping ensure clients are onboarded efficiently and compliantly
• Assist with the management of portfolio and investor data, ensuring accuracy, completeness and consistency across systems
• Support ongoing monitoring and maintenance activities required to meet regulatory and governance requirements
• Build effective working relationships with colleagues across Ventures, Operations and other internal teams, and external service providers to ensure information flows smoothly and operational processes run effectively
• Support anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC) and related due diligence activities for investors, portfolio companies and other third parties
• Help maintain operational procedures, controls and documentation to support a robust control environment, including in relation to Client Assets (CASS)
• Identify operational risks, data quality issues or process inefficiencies and escalate appropriately
• Contribute to system enhancements, testing activities and process improvement initiatives that help increase efficiency and improve user experience
• Assist with documenting business requirements and operational procedures
• Support the implementation of new processes, regulatory requirements and business initiatives
• Look for opportunities to simplify, automate or improve existing operational activities while maintaining appropriate controls
• Embrace approved AI and productivity tools where appropriate, helping identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce manual effort and enhance the quality of operational outputs whilst maintaining appropriate controls and governance
• Contribute to operational projects and workstreams that support fundraising activities, new products, regulatory change and business growth

Benefits

• Critical Illness Cover & Death In Service
• Health Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Performance Bonus
• Share Incentive Plan
• Hybrid Working (3 days in the office, 2 days remote)
• Childcare Vouchers
• Sick pay
• 'Take what you need' Annual leave
• £3000 Bike to Work Scheme
• Employee Discount Portal
• Professional Development & Training
• Monthly 'Drink Up'
• The Greatest Christmas Party Ever