Group Manager - Operations

WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS), is a leading Business Process Management (BPM) company. We combine our deep industry knowledge with technology and analytics expertise to co-create innovative, digital-led transformational solutions with clients across 10 industries. We enable businesses in Travel, Insurance, Banking and Financial Services, Manufacturing, Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods, Shipping and Logistics, Healthcare, and Utilities to re-imagine their digital future and transform their outcomes with operational excellence.We deliver an entire spectrum of BPM services in finance and accounting, procurement, customer interaction services and human resources leveraging collaborative models that are tailored to address the unique business challenges of each client. We co-create and execute the future vision of 400+ clients with the help of our 44,000+ employees.

Job Description – Group Manager (Trade Finance – Letters of Guarantee) – UAE ProjectPosition: Group Manager – Trade Finance (LG)Project: UAE – Trade Finance OperationsLocation: Chennai / Offshore Support for UAE RegionDepartment: Trade Operations – Guarantees⸻Role SummaryThe Group Manager will lead the offshore trade finance team supporting UAE-based Letters of Guarantee (LG) operations, ensuring accurate and compliant processing in line with UAE Central Bank regulations, URDG 758, and internal bank policies. The role involves managing high-volume guarantee issuance, amendments, claim processing, and coordinating closely with UAE onshore teams while maintaining strong governance, risk control, and people leadership.⸻Key Responsibilities1. UAE Guarantee Operations • Manage end-to-end processing of UAE Guarantees—issuance, amendments, claims, cancellations, and extensions. • Verify guarantee formats in line with UAE market practices (Performance Guarantees, Advance Payment Guarantees, Payment Guarantees, Bid Bonds, SBLCs). • Review Arabic/English guarantee texts for accuracy (if applicable). • Ensure compliance with Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE) regulations and bank UAE policy guidelines.2. Risk & Compliance • Ensure all transactions align with URDG 758, AML/KYC standards, sanctions guidelines (OFAC/EU/UN), and CBUAE requirements. • Perform due diligence checks on applicants, beneficiaries, and underlying transactions. • Manage audit compliance, operational risk reviews, and control testing for UAE processes. • Identify gaps in guarantee formats/wordings and escalate risk appropriately.3. Team Leadership & Governance • Lead and manage a team supporting UAE guarantee operations. • Oversee day-to-day capacity management, queue monitoring, and ensure timely SLA delivery. • Conduct team performance assessments, provide coaching, and drive skill development on UAE products and rules. • Monitor adherence to SOPs, training plans, and operational controls.4. Stakeholder Collaboration (UAE Market Focus) • Act as a senior liaison with UAE Onshore Trade Ops, Relationship Managers, Product teams, and Compliance. • Maintain quick turnaround times for UAE business hours and support urgent requests/escalations. • Support relationship managers with technical clarifications on complex guarantee structures. • Engage with correspondent banks in UAE/GCC for cross-border guarantee transactions.5. Quality, Process & Transformation • Implement best practices to strengthen UAE LG processing quality. • Monitor defect levels and ensure QC/QA checks reflect UAE market standards. • Lead process enhancements, automation initiatives, and SOP improvements for UAE workflows. • Support migration, stabilization, and transition activities for UAE trade projects.6. Reporting & Controls • Prepare MIS, dashboards, and reporting for UAE business management. • Track volume trends, peak load patterns, and forecasting for UAE business lines. • Contribute to governance forums and control committees.Required Skills & CompetenciesTechnical Skills • Strong knowledge of UAE guarantee types, formats, and local market norms. • Expertise in URDG 758, ISP98, and internal bank guarantee policy frameworks. • Familiarity with CBUAE regulations, AML, sanctions, and compliance requirements. • Experience with SWIFT MT760/767/799 and trade finance systems.

Qualification & Experience • Graduate/Postgraduate in Banking, Finance, Commerce or equivalent. • 15+ years in Trade Finance with strong exposure to Guarantees, preferably UAE market. • Minimum 5 years in team management / supervisory role. • Professional certifications (CSDG, CDCS, CTFC) preferred.KPIs • SLA/TAT adherence for UAE region • Error-free LG issuance & amendments • Audit and compliance ratings • Stakeholder satisfaction (UAE Onshore) • Team capability and productivity