<p>The Trust Operations Manager will lead day-to-day trust administration, ensuring accurate client account management, regulatory compliance and robust control frameworks. This role suits an experienced operations professional with a strong background in trustee services, risk management and process improvement. The post requires excellent stakeholder engagement skills, an analytical approach and the ability to manage and develop a small team to deliver consistent, high-quality service.</p>
<p>This job description outlines the role, core responsibilities and required qualifications for a Trust Operations Manager. It is intended for HR teams, recruiters and agencies seeking a candidate who can operate at the intersection of operations, compliance and client service.</p>
<h2>Trust Operations Manager Job Profile</h2>
<p>The Trust Operations Manager oversees the operational delivery of trustee and trust administration services. They manage end to end processes from onboarding to ongoing record keeping, ensuring accuracy in accounting, distributions and statutory reporting. The role demands strong process governance, hands-on problem solving and close liaison with legal, tax and client relationship teams.</p>
<p>Reporting to the Head of Operations or Chief Operating Officer, the manager is responsible for sustaining operational resilience, embedding efficient workflows and maintaining regulatory standards. They will lead a small operations team and work with external service providers to deliver timely, compliant and client-focused outcomes.</p>
<h2>Trust Operations Manager Job Description</h2>
<p>The Trust Operations Manager will design, implement and monitor procedures to support trust administration across multiple trust structures. Key tasks include supervision of trust accounting, beneficiary communications, trustee meeting preparation and execution of distributions. The post holder will ensure KYC and AML checks are completed and maintained in line with regulatory requirements.</p>
<p>Day to day duties include reviewing trust documentation, reconciling client ledgers, preparing management information and overseeing tax and regulatory filings. The manager will establish performance metrics, conduct risk assessments and lead continuous improvement initiatives to streamline operations and reduce operational risk. They will escalate complex legal or tax matters to senior advisers and support audit and regulatory inspections.</p>
<p>In addition to technical duties, the role requires staff development and resource planning. The manager will coach team members, allocate workload and foster a culture of quality, accountability and client centricity. They will also support business development by providing operational input to proposals and client transition plans.</p>
<h2>Trust Operations Manager Duties and Responsibilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Manage day-to-day trust administration and trustee services for a portfolio of trusts and fiduciary arrangements</li>
<li>Oversee trust accounting, reconciliations, distributions and beneficiary reporting</li>
<li>Ensure full compliance with KYC, AML and relevant regulatory requirements</li>
<li>Develop and maintain operational controls and governance documentation</li>
<li>Prepare and review management information, statutory filings and tax data</li>
<li>Lead and mentor a small operations team, including resource planning and performance reviews</li>
<li>Coordinate with legal, tax and client relationship teams on complex matters</li>
<li>Implement process improvements and automation to increase efficiency and reduce error</li>
<li>Manage relationships with external service providers and custodians</li>
<li>Support internal and external audits and regulatory reviews</li>
</ul>
<h2>Trust Operations Manager Requirements and Qualifications</h2>
<ul>
<li>Degree in finance, law, business or related discipline preferred</li>
<li>Proven experience in trust administration, private client services or fiduciary operations</li>
<li>Strong knowledge of trust law, accounting principles and regulatory requirements</li>
<li>Familiarity with KYC, AML and regulatory reporting obligations</li>
<li>Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail</li>
<li>Experience in managing teams and developing staff</li>
<li>Proficient with trust accounting systems and MS Office; experience with process automation is an advantage</li>
<li>Strong communication and stakeholder management skills</li>
<li>Professional qualifications such as STEP, ACCA or equivalents are desirable</li>
<li>Ability to work under pressure and prioritise competing deadlines</li>
</ul>