Title Implementation Director, Real Estate
Department Asset Management
Location UK
Reports To Global CAO, Asset Management
Level Director (management level 8)
We’re proud to have been helping our clients build better financial futures for over 50 years. How have we achieved this? By working together - and supporting each other - all over the world. So, join our team and feel like you’re part of something bigger. Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We are proud of our inclusive culture and encourage applications from the widest mix of talent, whatever your age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, social background and more.
As a flexible employer, we trust our people to perform their role in the way that works best for them, our clients and our business. We are a disability-friendly company and would welcome a conversation with you if you feel you might benefit from any reasonable adjustments to perform to the best of your ability during the recruitment process and beyond.
About your team
The Asset Management CAO (Chief Administrative Officer) department provides strategic, change and administrative leadership to enable the Asset Management department to manage investment capabilities that meet client needs and deliver the investment performance clients expect. The department supports the entire investment value chain across each of the core asset classes within Asset Management – Equities, Fixed Income, Multi-Asset & Solutions, Systematic and Real Estate.
About your role
The Implementation Director, Real Estate will be part of the Asset Management CAO Team and operate as a core part of the Real Estate Leadership Team. You will work closely with the Real Estate investment team, Investment Directing, Product, FIL Platforms (our technology & operations team, including Real Estate operations) and other enterprise functions to design, implement, continuously improve and adapt the operating model to support the commercial growth of the Real Estate business. The role will ensure that client and market requirements are translated into business priorities and reflected in the development of the operating model to enable rapid, scalable growth. The aim is to develop a Real Estate business that is operationally scalable, well-governed, and delivers to client needs in a timely manner, whilst also considering operational efficiency, control and end-to-end alignment across functional areas. The role will work in close collaboration with FIL Platforms to deliver the change agenda for the Real Estate business.
Operating Model & Business Strategy
- In collaboration with the Real Estate team, FIL Platforms and other functions across Fidelity, own the strategic direction and business outcomes of the operating model for the Real Estate business aligned to the commercial strategy
- Work in close partnership with FIL Platforms to assess current capabilities, and to redesign processes, structures and workflows
- Align the operating model to business strategy, growth initiatives and new product launches (e.g. multi-country segregated mandate or closed end value add vehicle)
Business Transformation & Delivery
- Provide executive sponsorship and business ownership of the change portfolio, accountable for business prioritisation decisions and outcomes working in close collaboration with FIL Platforms
- Ensure delivery of strategic initiatives, continuous improvement and BAU optimisation programmes
- Drive execution discipline, ensuring initiatives translate into tangible business outcomes (e.g. time-to-market, launch and onboarding effectiveness, scalability, support for AUM growth etc.)
Governance, Risk & Control
- Establish clear governance structures, decision-making frameworks, and accountability models
- Oversee board reporting, regulatory reporting, debt provider reporting and records management frameworks
- Ensure the end-to-end business operates with robust control and compliance standards
Data, Technology & Infrastructure
- Work with FIL Platforms to help shape & support delivery of the data strategy, data ownership models and data flows across the platform
- Ensure alignment between business needs and technology / data capabilities
- Work with the Real Estate business and FIL Platforms to drive simplification and optimisation of technology architecture and systems landscape
Operational Efficiency & Performance
- Identify and deliver efficiency improvements and cost optimisation opportunities
- Introduce KPIs and performance frameworks aligned to business objectives
- Balance short-term BAU efficiency with long-term scalability and growth
Third‑Party & Ecosystem Management
- Working with FIL Platforms, define and maintain clear ownership and governance across suppliers and partners to optimise value delivery
- Working with enterprise functions oversee adherence to procurement frameworks and third-party supplier performance
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Act as a senior leader partnering with:
- Investment (Portfolio Managers, Asset Management, ESG, Research)
- Investment Directing
- Operations & Technology (FIL Platforms)
- Product / Distribution
- Investment Legal
- Finance & Procurement
- Treasury
- Risk, Compliance & Audit
- Serve as Business Accountable Executive for change and operating model initiatives
- Influence senior stakeholders and drive alignment across a complex, matrixed organisation
About you
- Deep understanding of real estate investment processes, operational activities, technology and vehicle structures
- Strong experience in operating model design, transformation, change or in COO/CAO-type roles
- Proven track record in leading complex change programmes, working with matrixed, virtual teams and agile structures
- Strong governance, risk, and regulatory awareness
- Ability to operate across strategy, execution, and delivery
- High degree of flexibility, comfortable with ambiguity and ability to operate in fast paced, changing environments
- Excellent stakeholder management, leadership capability and ability to influence across the organisation
Feel rewarded
For starters, we’ll offer you a comprehensive benefits package. We’ll value your wellbeing and support your development. And we’ll be as flexible as we can about where and when you work – finding a balance that works for all of us. It’s all part of our commitment to making you feel motivated by the work you do and happy to be part of our team. For more about our work, our approach to dynamic working and how you could build your future here, visit careers.fidelityinternational.com.
For more about our work, our approach to dynamic working and how you could build your future here, visit careers.fidelityinternational.com.