At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence in a dynamic trading environment, managing projects and people.
- Company: Join a leading global investment bank known for innovation in financial technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, remote work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced team driving impactful change in global markets.
- Qualifications: 5-10+ years in COO or Business Manager roles; strong project governance and communication skills required.
- Other info: Ideal for those with experience in FX or Emerging Markets; global exposure is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Client: Our client is a leading global investment bank with a strong presence across North America, EMEA, and Asia–Pacific. They are known for their innovation in financial technology and robust global markets infrastructure.
About the Role: We are seeking an experienced and driven COO / Business Manager to support the global FX and Emerging Markets (EM) Technology team within a leading investment bank. This high–impact role reports into the Global COO and partners closely with senior technology and business leadership across London, New York, and Asia. You'll drive operational excellence across a complex, fast–paced technology organisation supporting one of the bank's most dynamic trading businesses.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead across a mix of the following (strength in at least 2 areas required):
- Centralise and report on cross–border tech project initiatives
- Coordinate between project leads and governance teams
- Drive senior–level project review meetings and deliverables
- Manage regulatory and structural compliance (e.g., FINRA, span of control)
- Lead people–focused initiatives (training, engagement, development)
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and headcount/resource planning
- Analyse financial performance and support cost optimization
- Track contractor/consultant spend and hiring approvals
- Identify, track, and resolve operational risk issues
- Support compliance with internal tech risk/control frameworks
- Own remediation plans and back–to–green tracking
Ideal Candidate Profile:
We're looking for someone with:
- 5–10+ years' experience in a COO, Business Manager, or PMO–type role in financial services
- Strong experience in at least two of: project governance, tech finance, operational risk, or people management
- Excellent communication skills – able to engage with senior stakeholders globally
- Proven ability to operate in fast–paced, evolving environments
- Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; strong analytical mindset
- Prior experience within investment banking, trading tech, or global markets strongly preferred
Nice to Have:
- Knowledge of FX / Emerging Markets businesses or trading systems
- Exposure to financial governance tools (e.g., Clarity, Apptio, Tableau)
- Experience working across UK, US, and Asia regions
Apply Now: If you're a high–performing operations leader with a background in financial technology or trading environments, we'd love to hear from you.
Chief-Operating-Office /Chief of Staff employer: Pontoon
Contact Detail:
Pontoon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief-Operating-Office /Chief of Staff
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the financial services sector, especially those who have experience in COO or Business Manager roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in financial technology and operational excellence. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing cross-border projects and how you've successfully coordinated between different teams. Highlight specific examples that showcase your ability to drive senior-level project reviews and deliverables.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your analytical skills, particularly with Excel and PowerPoint. Be ready to present data-driven insights and recommendations, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your capability to analyse financial performance and support cost optimisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief-Operating-Office /Chief of Staff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in COO, Business Manager, or PMO roles within financial services. Emphasise your strengths in project governance, tech finance, operational risk, or people management, as these are key areas for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the investment banking sector and your ability to drive operational excellence. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, along with your analytical mindset. These technical skills are crucial for the role and should be prominently featured.
Showcase Communication Abilities: Demonstrate your excellent communication skills by providing examples of how you've engaged with senior stakeholders globally. This will help illustrate your capability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pontoon
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your 5-10 years of experience in COO or Business Manager roles. Highlight specific projects where you drove operational excellence, especially in financial services.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since the role involves engaging with senior stakeholders globally, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your communication prowess.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Financial Governance Tools
If you have experience with tools like Clarity, Apptio, or Tableau, be ready to discuss how you've used them in previous roles. If not, do some research to understand their relevance in project governance.
✨Prepare for Fast-Paced Scenarios
The investment banking environment is dynamic. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated fast-paced situations, demonstrating your ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.