Operations Specialist - Vendor Oversight, AVP

About the role

DWS Group is hiring an Operations Specialist for its Operations Vendor Oversight function within the COO Division, based in Madrid. The function governs and oversees strategic service providers for retirement savings accounts, Riester pensions, Transfer Agent and Registrar services and Fund Administration, and the successful candidate will help shape the vendor oversight model for DWS's new retirement savings account platform.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee outsourced services through a governance framework aligned with internal policies, service standards and German regulatory outsourcing requirements, including recurring due diligence.
• Develop and maintain service catalogues, SLAs, management information and KPIs, and monitor performance through risk-based controls and regular service reviews.
• Prepare, lead and document service review, due diligence and escalation meetings, and contribute to annual outsourcing reports.
• Act as the main interface between DWS Business Owners and service providers, coordinating enquiries, complaints and escalations.
• Support the joint project book of work and recommend service and control improvements.
• Contribute to budget planning, forecast and project cost oversight, validate and approve vendor invoices, monitor service credits and maintain a reliable data basis for management reporting.
• Help build the vendor oversight model for the new retirement savings account platform.
• Contribute to the Smart Middle Office agenda by identifying AI, machine learning, workflow automation and data analytics use cases, working with Technology and transformation partners.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience).
• Solid industry knowledge of wealth management, asset management or retirement savings.
• Experience in service provider management, procurement or finance is an advantage; good knowledge of German outsourcing regulations is an advantage.
• Confident written and verbal German and English is preferable.
• Ability to build relationships with internal stakeholders, external specialists and service providers, and to work independently as a subject matter expert.
• Strong ownership, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Required skills

• Practical understanding of AI, automation and data analytics concepts.
• Experience with process automation, workflow design, digital tooling, Python, Power Automate, SQL, data visualisation tools or similar is highly beneficial.

What we offer

• A hybrid working model, with the office-to-home split discussed during the application and interview process.
• A choice of benefits tailored to personal needs, such as healthcare, company perks and retirement plans.