Head of Operational Due Diligence (ODD)

Boston

Firm Description

Founded in 2001, Partners Capital is an Outsourced Investment Office acting for distinguished endowments and foundations, senior investment professionals and prominent families across the globe. With $60B in assets undermanagement, the Firm constructs customized investment portfolios for its clients tapping into its deep network of partnerships with what we consider exceptional asset managers across all major asset classes. Clients include INSEAD Business School, New York’s Metropolitan Opera, Eton College, Colorado College, several Oxford and

Cambridge University Colleges and several family offices around the world. The Firm employs more than 350 people across its eight offices located in Boston, New York, San Francisco, Dallas, London, Paris, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Partners Capital is diverse and inclusive, in people and in thought. Our meritocracy is enabled by fostering a truly inclusive and collaborative culture. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer where diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences are valued.

Position Description

The Head of Operational Due Diligence (ODD) is responsible for leading the assessment and monitoring of operational risks associated with current and prospective investment managers across all asset classes. This senior role involves developing and executing the firm’s ODD framework, conducting in-depth reviews of investment managers’ operational infrastructures—including compliance, governance, trading, valuation, and IT systems—and presenting findings and recommendations to internal stakeholders and investment committees. The role requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and deep industry expertise to ensure robust risk management, regulatory compliance, and alignment with best practices. ODD responsibilities include managing the internal ODD team and third-party providers as well as direct ownership of ODD processes and deliverables.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Operational Due Diligence (ODD) to join our team in Boston. This is a manager-level position responsible for leading the firm’s evaluation of operational risk across our investment platform and liaising with our asset class heads to drive solutions. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record in conducting ODD and driving best-in-class diligence standards across alternative and traditional investment strategies. This is a high-impact role for a detail-oriented and strategically minded professional, offering the opportunity to shape the direction of operational due diligence efforts in a global investment environment.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management

  • Lead, mentor, and develop internal operational due diligence professionals.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Manage resourcing, workflow prioritization, and development plans for team members.
  • Strategically utilize and manage third-party service providers to expand and supplement internal coverage, optimizing delivery timelines and budget.

Due Diligence Oversight

  • Oversee and conduct in-depth ODD reviews of both new and existing investment managers across a range of asset classes, including hedge funds, private equity, real estate, and long-only strategies.
  • Evaluate key operational risk areas including governance, compliance, valuation, service provider relationships, cybersecurity, and business continuity.
  • Draft and review detailed ODD reports for internal and client use, clearly articulating risk findings and mitigants. Liaise with managers and asset class heads to drive resolution where possible.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders including the investment, legal, compliance, and client teams.
  • Present findings and recommendations to internal committees and external clients in a clear and compelling manner.
  • Liaise with external managers and service providers to clarify findings and ensure transparency.

Strategic Development

  • Evolve and enhance the firm’s ODD framework, methodology, and risk rating models.
  • Maintain awareness of regulatory developments and industry best practices; ensure the ODD process remains aligned with current standards.
  • Drive technology and process innovation to improve efficiency and data integrity.

Key responsibilities may be assessed and are subject to change from time to time based on the needs of the business.

Qualifications / Attributes

  • Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field; advanced degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CAIA, CFA) a plus.
  • 8+ years of relevant experience in operational due diligence, investment operations, risk management, or a related field.
  • Prior management experience, with demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing teams and managing third-party service providers.
  • Strong understanding of operational and business models of alternative investment managers.
  • Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and presentation.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, professional integrity and a critical, analytical mindset.
  • Highly motivated team player who is willing to do whatever it takes to contribute to the success of the team and business.

Benefits

Partners Capital is committed to being a great place to work. We are focused both on wellbeing and professional growth. You can expect professional development and career progression opportunities, competitive compensation, exceptional benefits, and a flexible “results-focused” working model. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, paid time off and a 401(k) plan with employer matching. The Firm also supports global philanthropy via a charity program and volunteer day. In addition, we champion a variety of wellness and social events. We also support the pursuit of professional certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), etc.

Benefits and Compensation

Benefits Partners Capital is committed to being a great place to work. We are focused both on wellbeing and professional growth. You can expect professional development and career progression opportunities, competitive compensation, exceptional benefits, and a flexible “results-focused” working model. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, paid time off and a 401(k) plan with employer matching. The Firm also supports global philanthropy via a charity program and volunteer day. In addition, we champion a variety of wellness and social events.

Contact Details

Please send your CV to NorthAmericaRecruiting@partners-cap.com with the subject: Head of Operational Due Diligence (ODD). Further information about Partners Capital is available on our website www.partners-cap.com.

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