Derivatives Team Lead

As a Derivatives Team Lead at Manulife, your key responsibilities include overseeing Derivatives Business Operations, which focuses on Settlements and Collateral. You will be responsible for quality reviews, training staff, and ensuring effective work delegation. Additionally, you will set a common technical vision for your team, participate in cross-training, support ad-hoc analysis of production problems, and manage process migration projects.

Candidates for the Derivatives Team Lead position at Manulife should possess a bachelor's degree in economics, Business Administration, Finance, Math, or related fields, along with at least five years of experience in a financial services firm specializing in derivatives. A strong understanding of derivative products, familiarity with Bloomberg and Reuters, and advanced skills in Microsoft Office are essential. Knowledge of SQL and strong communication and leadership skills are also highly valued.

Manulife emphasizes professional development for its Derivatives Team Lead by conducting regular training needs analysis and offering extensive training resources. You will have opportunities for one-on-one coaching, leadership development, and participation in management meetings, all designed to help you grow your skills and advance your career.

At Manulife, a Derivatives Team Lead can expect a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values wellness and personal growth. The company promotes a culture of open communication, encouraging team members to share their insights and actively participate in decision-making. With a focus on client-centricity, you will join a team dedicated to delivering high-quality service and support.

Manulife offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive HMO package from day one, which extends to dependents including same-sex partners. Additionally, employees benefit from retirement savings plans, a supportive work culture, and ongoing training resources designed to enhance skills and career growth.

To effectively manage a diverse team in a derivatives environment, it is essential to understand each team member's strengths and weaknesses. Foster open communication and encourage collaboration while promoting an inclusive culture that values different perspectives. Establish clear goals and leverage the unique skills of your team members to achieve common objectives.

When asked about your experience with derivatives products, provide specific examples of the products you have worked with, such as options, futures, or swaps. Highlight your understanding of their functionalities, applications within financial markets, and any analytical tools or systems you have utilized to manage these products effectively.

In high-pressure situations, it’s important to maintain a calm demeanor and prioritize tasks effectively. I focus on open communication, ensuring my team understands their responsibilities. I encourage collaboration to develop quick and effective solutions while fostering a supportive environment where team members can express concerns or seek guidance.

To assess team performance, I implement a combination of regular one-on-one meetings, performance metrics, and team feedback sessions. This multi-faceted approach allows me to understand individual contributions, identify areas for improvement, and develop tailored strategies for professional growth, ensuring the team meets its objectives.

Prioritizing the team's workload involves evaluating the urgency and importance of each task. I typically collaborate with my team to assess deadlines and align our objectives with business goals. Utilizing project management tools and clear communication helps ensure that everyone is aware of priorities and can manage their time effectively.

For process improvement, I apply lean methodologies to identify inefficiencies and engage my team in brainstorming sessions to develop actionable solutions. This collaborative approach not only empowers team members but also leads to innovative ideas for enhancing service delivery and operational excellence.

Ensuring compliance in derivatives operations requires a thorough understanding of regulatory frameworks and internal procedures. I promote consistently updated training and encourage staff to stay informed on industry changes. Regular audits and adherence to best practices further help mitigate risks and maintain accountability in our operations.

When discussing a challenging problem, choose an example that demonstrates your analytical skills and decision-making process. Explain the context, the approach you took to analyze the situation, how you consulted with your team, and the successful outcome that followed. Highlight what you learned from the experience and how it influences your approach today.

To foster collaboration between different teams, I emphasize building strong relationships through regular communication and joint projects. Establishing cross-team meetings encourages knowledge sharing and provides opportunities to align interests, ensuring we work toward common goals in a cohesive manner.

Your understanding of derivatives systems such as Findur should include knowledge of their functionalities in managing trade lifecycle events, financial reporting, and risk management. Discuss your experience using such systems, emphasizing your proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and optimizing workflows to enhance operational effectiveness.