What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Implementation Solutions position at Great Gray?
Why Great Gray?
At Great Gray Group, we strive to set the bar for the retirement services industry. Our goal is to deliver advanced retirement solutions that combine our core fiduciary services with robust investment options, innovative technology, and dedicated client service. We focus on making choices clearer, transitions smoother, and the client experience more delightful. Complacency isn't in our vocabulary. Every day, we look for opportunities to better serve our clients, be an excellent business partner, and earn the trust of those who rely on us.
The Role
Great Gray is looking to add a Director of Implementation Solutions to our newly created Implementation Solutions Team.
The Implementation Solutions Team is tasked with the end-to-end solutioning and implementation of complex and critical fund launches, new share classes, and life-cycle events across all Great Gray collective investment funds.
The team partners with key cross-functional internal and external stakeholders to lead and handle the implementation of essential deliverables to support the launch of new funds, new share classes and life-cycle events. Responsibilities include leading internal governance review, finalizing required legal documentation, implementation with external service providers and ensuring a seamless experience for investors and related parties.
The Director of Implementation Solutions sets the strategic direction and priority for the team that aligns with the product goals and revenue targets of the company. They will instill Great Gray’s vision in the team and promote forward-thinking solutions with the goal of confidently leading implementations and representing Great Gray’s industry leading fiduciary expertise. They are accountable for the establishment of implementation procedures, proper execution of fund governance and timely/quality delivery of implementation activities. They also will report key performance metrics to leadership and the Board.
Location
This position will work from our Wilmington, DE office. Great Gray currently supports a hybrid work model with 4 days onsite, and 1 day remote.
Visa sponsorship or transfer of an existing visa is not available for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work directly for any employer in the United States without visa sponsorship or transfer.
Responsibilities
- Sets strategic direction and priority on implementation activities. Responsible for the team’s execution on implementation activities, including:
1. Project management for large, complex fund conversions, fund launches, new share classes, fund maintenance, and fund events.
2. Completion of committee governance materials, presentations, evaluations and approvals within procedural requirements and fiduciary standards.
3. Production of all legal documents required for establishing funds and ongoing legal document maintenance.
4. Evaluation and communication of business requirements to relevant internal and external parties.
5. Establishment and maintenance of fund data and services with external service providers.
6. Establishment and maintenance of fund data and workflows within internal applications and storage of legal documents within corporate guidelines.
- Responsible for the identification and implementation of the proper level of internal and external reporting for implementation activities, including key performance metrics, key risk indicator reporting and project management reporting on fund conversions.
- Consults with multiple internal cross-functional teams, service providers, sub-advisors and other external parties on execution strategies. Handles escalation matters to remove barriers and ensure proper resolution of implementation issues. Communicates effectively and timely with stakeholders and leadership to keep them informed of implementation status across all Great Gray funds.
- Provides leadership to identify and execute opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiency related to implementations. Ensures development and execution of workflow efficiencies that enhance productivity and reduce costs.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing implementation team, fostering a culture of client success, accountability and continuous improvement
- All Great Gray employees are responsible for the identification, assessment and control of risks and risk events. Employees will maintain an understanding of applicable policies, procedures, risk appetites and tolerance relevant to their function and operational unit and are expected to consider current and potential risks when making or informing business decisions. Employees are responsible for the accurate and timely escalation and recording of incidents associated to relevant risks. Managers will reinforce these principles with their team.
- Complete other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business or relevant field.
- 10 years’ experience in the financial services industry, preferably collective fund or mutual fund administration.
- Minimum 5 years people management experience.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, particularly an ability to negotiate, influence, tell a story, bridge different vantage points and gain consensus with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- In-depth knowledge of implementation methodology and previous success in building out a scalable and repeatable framework for implementations.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity.
- Entrepreneurial mindset to bring best practice ideas to the team.
- Exhibits our Great Gray attributes: Results-Driven, Innovative, Resilient, and Decisive.
Benefits
We have a comprehensive and competitive benefits package at Great Gray. Some of the highlights are:
- Be an integral part of an early-stage, high-growth organization!
- Hybrid work environment
- Competitive compensation package including 401(k) with elective and non-elective match opportunities
- Lifestyle spending allowance program
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Employer-paid life and disability insurance
- Generous paid time off program
Company Background
Great Gray is the leading independent provider of trustee and administrative services to Collective Investment Trusts (“CITs”), with over $185 billion in CIT assets, across more than 700 funds. We proudly work with 75 subadvisors, including leading firms such as Alliance Bernstein, American Funds, BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, MetLife, Neuberger Berman, PGIM, PIMCO and Raymond James.
CITs are more than just an investment vehicle. They represent a forward-thinking approach to retirement planning. These tax-exempt, pooled investment vehicles are offered to employer-sponsored retirement plans, like 401Ks. CITs are comparable to mutual funds, but, because they are tailored for the institutional retirement market, they can offer distinct advantages, including efficient administration and cost-effectiveness. CITs have a history dating back over 90 years; but they have gained favor over the past decade, driven by innovations, and Great Gray has been at the forefront.
Great Gray has consistently delivered year-over-year growth at an above market rate and is investing in the continued development of its core CIT business as well as complementary administrative services and technology solutions for the retirement market.
Madison Dearborn Partners (“MDP”) purchased Great Gray from Wilmington Trust in April 2023. As a result, Great Gray is an independent company owned by funds affiliated with MDP.
Investor Background
MDP is a leading private equity investment firm based in Chicago. Since MDP's formation in 1992, the firm has raised aggregate capital of over $28 billion and has completed over 150 platform investments. MDP invests across five dedicated industry verticals, including basic industries; business and government software and services; financial and transaction services; health care; and telecom, media, and technology services.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Great Gray, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or other non-merit factor.
