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- Tasks: Lead operations and ensure compliance in a dynamic banking environment.
- Company: Established Chinese corporate bank with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, high-impact leadership role, and opportunity for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact during a critical period in a respected bank.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in senior operational roles, fluent in Mandarin, strong banking expertise.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior management and contribute to strategic initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Start date: By 14 February
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
Contact Detail:
ABL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Deputy Head of Operations (Mandarin‑Speaking)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the banking sector, especially those who might know someone at the bank you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your Mandarin and understanding the bank's operations inside out. Show them you’re not just a candidate but the perfect fit for their ambitious growth agenda.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest opportunities listed there, and it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
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 is tailored to highlight your experience in operations, especially within corporate banking. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Interim Deputy Head of Operations, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
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 your fluency in Mandarin and how your background supports our ambitious growth agenda. Let’s see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leadership, so make sure to highlight your experience in managing teams and driving operational excellence. We want to know how you've uplifted team capability and navigated challenges in fast-paced environments.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at ABL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of corporate and residential banking operations, especially in relation to UK regulatory requirements. Familiarise yourself with key regulations like EMIR and MiFID II, as well as operational processes like payments and treasury settlements.
✨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 be crucial for the position.
✨Fluency is Key
Since Mandarin is essential for this role, practice your language skills before the interview. Be prepared to demonstrate your fluency, especially in a business context, as you'll need to communicate effectively with the head office.
✨Cultural Awareness Matters
Understand the cultural nuances between London and China, as this role requires seamless operation across both locations. Show that you can navigate these differences and foster strong relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
