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- Tasks: Lead operations and ensure compliance in a dynamic banking environment.
- Company: Established Chinese corporate bank with a strong presence in London.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate of £462, high-impact leadership role.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact during a critical period in banking operations.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in senior operational roles, fluent in Mandarin.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic change initiatives and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 96000 - 144000 £ per year.
Day rate: £462 per day (equivalent to £120k per annum)
Location: London
My client is a well‑established Chinese corporate bank with a significant London presence and an ambitious growth agenda. As Interim Deputy Head of Operations, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring operational continuity, regulatory compliance, and disciplined execution across all core banking processes. This interim appointment offers a high‑impact leadership opportunity for an experienced Operations executive with fluent Mandarin and a strong background across corporate and residential banking. The successful candidate will provide immediate stability and senior oversight during a critical period, supporting the COO and senior management team in maintaining and strengthening the Bank’s operational platform in the UK.
The Role
This is a senior, visible, and hands‑on position requiring deep technical authority, strong risk and control judgement, and the ability to lead and influence in a fast‑moving environment. You will be responsible for the effective oversight of day‑to‑day operations across:
- Payments Operations (domestic & international)
- Treasury Settlements
- Trade Finance Operations
- Loan Administration (bilateral & syndicated)
- Reconciliations, Correspondent Banking & Custodian Services
- Oversight of corporate and residential banking operational activity
- Treasury, finance, and broader operational governance
You will champion a robust operational risk and control framework, support CASS‑related responsibilities as a delegated SMF individual, and oversee key elements of the UK regulatory reporting landscape including EMIR, MiFID II, SFTR, SCV, SMMD and CASS. The interim leader will also contribute to strategic change initiatives, including systems enhancements, UAT governance, business continuity planning, and regulatory reviews. Close partnership with Front Office, Compliance, Risk, Finance, Internal Audit and governance committees is essential.
Candidate Requirements
- 10–15 years’ experience in senior operational leadership roles within corporate or wholesale banking
- Experience spanning corporate and residential banking operations, treasury, finance, and oversight
- Broad, hands‑on expertise across Treasury, Clearing, Corporate Banking and Custodian Operations
- Strong understanding of UK regulatory requirements and their operational impact
- Proficiency with SWIFT, treasury booking/settlement systems (e.g., OPICS) and core operational platforms
- Demonstrated people leadership and experience uplifting team capability
- Proven ability to work confidently with Compliance, Risk, Audit and senior management
- Excellent communication skills in English; Mandarin essential for collaboration with head office
- High levels of organisational discipline, accuracy, and resilience under pressure
This is a rare interim opportunity to step into a senior leadership role within a respected Chinese corporate bank, ensuring operational stability and regulatory integrity during a key period. It is ideally suited to an experienced Operations leader with deep technical expertise, strong governance capability, and the cultural fluency to operate seamlessly between London and China.
Interim Deputy Head of Operations (Mandarin‑Speaking) employer: ABL Recruitment
Contact Detail:
ABL Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Deputy Head of Operations (Mandarin‑Speaking)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend networking events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or industry contacts. You never know who might have a lead on your next big opportunity.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and understanding their operations inside out. Practice common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with the role. Remember, confidence is key, so show them you’re the right fit!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance, demonstrate your expertise in operational leadership and regulatory compliance. Use specific examples from your past roles to highlight your achievements and how they relate to the job at hand. This will help you stand out as a candidate.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Deputy Head of Operations (Mandarin‑Speaking)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Deputy Head of Operations. Highlight your experience in corporate and residential banking, and don’t forget to showcase your Mandarin skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your operational leadership and understanding of UK regulatory requirements. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your people leadership experience and how you've uplifted team capabilities in the past. We’re looking for someone who can lead and influence effectively, so share examples that highlight your ability to do just that.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at ABL Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of corporate and residential banking operations, especially in areas like Treasury and Payments Operations. Familiarise yourself with UK regulatory requirements and how they impact operations, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and uplifting their capabilities. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed operational continuity and compliance in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your fit for a senior position.
✨Practice Your Mandarin
Since fluency in Mandarin is essential, practice speaking it before the interview. You might be asked to discuss operational strategies or regulatory matters in Mandarin, so being comfortable with the language will give you an edge.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the bank's growth agenda and how you can contribute to their strategic initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you stand out.
