Business Operations Support Assistant Manager

Overview

Join BlackStrait, a leading boutique investment banking advisory firm renowned for their global and regional presence and expertise in cross-border transactions, is offering an exciting opportunity for talented professionals to join their dynamic team. Our firm is highly active as a generalist advisor in various industry sectors, working on a variety of specialized or high-profile projects and initiatives.

BlackStrait advises the middle market and large-scale deals and projects across the APAC Region and other key selected markets.

About the role: Business Operations Support Assistant Manager

As a Business Operations Support Assistant Manager, we are seeking a detail-oriented, process-driven professional, you will provide full operational and administrative support to a small-sized, lean, and high performing internal team. You will also support the front-end and back-end office knowledge management activities including records management, internal coordination, operational functions, and other administrative functions. While this is not a technical or corporate finance-heavy position, you will work closely with advisor, corporate finance specialists, and consultants, giving you valuable exposure to the world of sustainable finance and the private capital landscape.

This role will provide you to take significant ownership of building and scaling the operational engine that fuels our growth. This role is perfect for a self-starter who is 2-4 years into their career, is eager to trade a rigid corporate structure for autonomy and impact. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity, love tinkering with new tools, and want to directly contribute to the collective success of the team.

Imagine being the key player behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly in the administrative and client support side of advisory transactions. From preparing documents to collaborating with the project coordinator, you ensure all paperwork is in order and reports are run without a hitch. You've got it covered with consistent follow-ups and personalized communication. Behind every transaction, you're the team collaborator, supporting everyone with ad hoc tasks to keep things moving seamlessly.

Key Responsibilities and Aspects

The successful candidate will:

Operational Aspect

• Project & Task Management Assist with small operational projects and utilize project management tools effectively.
• Project Coordination & Task Support (Clickup).
• Help manage project files, folders, and internal databases.
• Assist in tracking tasks, deadlines, and project checklists.
• Assist in the execution of projects from requirements gathering to deployment, including defining timelines, scope, and implementation plans.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project milestones and deliverables are achieved within schedule and budget.
• Monitor project status and proactively raise concerns or recommend adjustments to timelines, scope, or cost when necessary.
• Facilitate change requests and ensure all stakeholders are aligned on potential impacts to schedules and outcomes.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with suppliers and external partners, support day-to-day communication regarding project status and deliverables.
• Ensure that instructions of senior management are communicated to all concerned staff for proper action and monitor the status of replies.
• Monitor progress and status of confidential items requiring immediate attention to ensure completion of required action.
• Organize and maintain digital records across systems.
• Schedule, monitor, and report completed sessions to clients for billing purposes.
• Use Canva to design and edit marketing and promotional materials.
• Prepare and update PowerPoint presentations, proposals, and business documents.
• Keep track of priorities, deliverables, and timelines across multiple projects.
• Organize files, folders, and materials for fast, easy access.
• Maintain and organize records related to sales, staffing, and general operational functions.
• Assist with ongoing data hygiene tasks to support opportunity management.
• Internal Communication, Documents Management, and Knowledge Dissemination.
• Support the efficient handling and approval of incoming and outgoing documents.

Administrative Aspect

• Meeting Preparation & Follow-Ups Provide pre-meeting briefings, take meeting notes, summarize discussions, and track action items.
• Documentation Support Create and refine 1-pagers, small decks, and reports as needed.
• Communication & Coordination Act as a liaison between executives and teams, managing follow-ups and paperwork.
• Calendar & Meeting Coordination Schedule/reschedule meetings, manage time zones, and prepare daily agendas.
• Administrative & Scheduling Manage client scheduling, appointment coordination, and provider calendar (including speaking engagements).
• Provide, effective, and efficient administrative support to the internal teams of the Operations Department and Investment Banking Department.
• Ensure that requests from clients are properly recorded, distributed, and brought to the attention of the department or staff concerned.
• Coordinate with other Departments, Staff, and clients to ensure the efficient execution of firmwide meetings and attendance to external events.
• Help in the application of work area procedures, guidelines and formats to junior administrative staff and administrative assistants.

Business Development and Market Research Aspect

• Regularly update information for both prospects and existing clients.
• Research & Process Improvement Conduct research online, merge docs, and learn new tools quickly.
• Business Matching - Coordinate and facilitate one-on-one business meetings (matchings or advising sessions) between Firm clients and potential strategic partners.
• Provide comprehensive deal flow support, including managing CRM systems.
• Oversee and maintain client data in the CRM (Client & Deal Flow), ensuring it is accurate and up to date.
• Opportunity and contact management: Assist in preparing documents for engagements, project proposals and compliances.

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Key Requirements

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Management, Communications or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience.
• 2+ years of experience as an Executive Assistant or in Business Operations support.
• Familiar with operational and administrative procedures and full understanding of the interactions between different work areas and relevant workflows.
• Proficient in standard software programs and information technologies.
• Able to liaise and work with staff within own work location.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in collaborative, team-oriented environments.
• Excellent typing and note taking skills.
• Able to work collaboratively with teams as a constructive team member
• Professional English communication (both written and verbal).
• Familiarity with CRM and task management tools.
• A fast learner with a problem-solving mindset who can work independently.
• Tech-savvy, detail-oriented and service-oriented with a positive attitude.
• Ability to maintain high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to work UTC+8 hours (Philippine Standard Time).
• Open to work in Makati City, hybrid setup.

Why Join us

• A chance to work with a globally and regionally recognized, independent investment banking firm with a significant project footprint.
• No bureaucracy lean structure, fast execution, high impact.
• Full independence and ownership from day one.
• The potential for professional growth and development within a collaborative and innovative team.
• Plus, performance-based incentives for high commitment, project delivery, and outstanding results
• Hybrid role.

Additional Role Info

• Schedule: Monday Friday, 9:00 AM 6:00 PM (UTC+8 - PH ST)
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid
• Contract Type: Independent Contractor
• Commitment: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Side Note

This is a project-based role, structured as an Independent Contractor arrangement. Selected candidates must have their own equipment and reliable internet connection. Additionally, they will be responsible for managing their own taxes and benefits. Compensation is offered on a monthly basis.

Ready to Take the Next Step

If you're an ambitious analyst looking for a career-defining opportunity, we'd love to hear from you. Send your CV to [Confidential Information] to be considered. All applications are strictly confidential.