At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational and regulatory change, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Company: Join AJ Bell, a fast-growing investment platform known for its supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and health cash plans.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on inclusion and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in operational change and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
The Head of Operational and Regulatory Change will be responsible for ensuring that change and process improvements are resourced, analysed, risk managed and delivered successfully on time, within budget and to a consistently high quality - working with the operational product, development, testing, implementation, and business teams through to live. The role will be responsible for business analysis and execution and project management working in conjunction with the Product Delivery Manager and key stakeholders in relation to the prioritisation of changes.
The successful candidate will have experience in the change profession operating at a senior level, managing change teams such as business analysis, delivery teams and project management teams and with a proven track record of successfully delivering change of all scale from small change to large initiatives. Evidence of the ability to influence and to develop strong relationships at all levels is key, as is the need for excellent communication skills.
What does the job involve?
- Own and maintain the governance model and process for Business Analysis and Project Management.
- Manage a team of project managers and change managers in Operational Change to effectively deliver change in a consistent and robust manner.
- Leading and engaging the Analysis teams to deliver a portfolio of change and process improvement in line with agreed timescales, costs, and quality.
- Developing and maintaining strong working relations with senior management across business areas and with key internal and external stakeholders.
- Championing and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the Business Analysis and project management teams, focusing on operational efficiency through operational change.
- Engage and collaborate with business teams ensuring change is captured and fed into the change process.
- Ensuring the Operational and Regulatory change function continuously improves business resilience and efficiency, delivering improved service and/or reducing costs for customers & advisers.
- Leading the analysis for large and ad hoc projects/initiatives through to successful implementation.
- Alongside the Product Delivery Manager maintaining and driving the ‘book of work’ for Operational Change; to monitor and track change, drive change and escalate issues where appropriate.
- Produce appropriate MI to support the change process.
- Preparing, agreeing, and managing project/team budgets.
- In conjunction with the Head of Customer Operations and Product Delivery Manager; developing and implementing strategic people plans for the Business Analysis and Project Management teams, to include recruitment, performance management, training and development, succession planning and staff engagement, to build and support a high performing team.
- Maintaining a detailed knowledge of industry developments, including legislative change, current best practice, and relevant contacts within the industry.
- Supporting and enabling the business to achieve its regulatory requirements, including consumer duty.
Competence
- Experience at a senior level in operational change or business change roles.
- Strong leadership and management skills; role model, acts inclusively, provides direction and clarity to own teams and wider business.
- People management - engages and motivate teams to analysis teams work collaboratively and meet stretching goals.
- Actively seeks to improve others by providing constructive feedback, coaching, and mentoring.
- Stakeholder management; builds and maintains positive relationships, including at Director level.
- Strategic planning and delivery.
- Sharing/adopting common practices across the Operational Change team.
- Project management (large and small).
- Highly effective communication skills, verbal and written.
- Critical/creative thinking; effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Operational resilience and business continuity.
- Technology and Operational risk.
- Knowledge of the platform business, including CASS.
- Experience of multiple project delivery methodologies e.g. Agile, SDLC, SAFe.
- Experience of delivering in a financially regulated environment desirable.
- Financial services industry knowledge, e.g. pensions, investments and stockbroking, would be desirable.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to build and manage effective relationships.
- Good business/commercial knowledge.
- Analytical skills/problem solving.
- Planning and organisational skills.
- High attention to detail.
About AJ Bell
AJ Bell is one of the UK’s fastest-growing investment platform businesses, providing award-winning solutions for everyone, from professional financial advisers to first-time investors. Today, over 723,000 customers trust us to manage more than £108.7 billion of assets. By continually striving to make investing simpler and more accessible, we’re helping more people take control of their financial futures. We’re proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s Best 100 Companies to Work For for six consecutive years, and a Great Place to Work® in 2025 and 2026 a reflection of our supportive and collaborative culture.
What we offer
- 28 days holiday, increasing with service + buy/sell scheme + bank holidays.
- 8% Pension with matched contributions.
- Discretionary bonus scheme.
- Share schemes (including free shares and BAYE).
- Health Cash Plan and discounted private healthcare.
- Free onsite gym.
- Enhanced family leave (subject to qualifying criteria).
- Travel and bike loan schemes.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
Life at AJ Bell
- Regular social events including summer and Christmas parties.
- Learning and development opportunities tailored to you.
- Casual dress code.
- Friendly, supportive team environment.
Our ways of working
We offer hybrid working, with a minimum of 60% of your working time per month spent in the office. For new starters, there’s an initial period of full-time office working to help you settle in and build relationships.
Inclusion & diversity
We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and able to be themselves at work. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and make hiring decisions based on skills, experience and potential.
Head of Operational and Regulatory Change in Manchester employer: AJ Bell Management Limited
AJ Bell is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the UK’s Best 100 Companies to Work For for six consecutive years. With a supportive and collaborative culture, we offer extensive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, matched pension contributions, and tailored learning opportunities, all within a vibrant environment that champions inclusion and diversity. Our commitment to employee growth and well-being, combined with our hybrid working model, makes AJ Bell a fantastic place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the financial services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operational and Regulatory Change in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s answering common interview questions or discussing your past experiences, being clear and confident is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to sharpen your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational and Regulatory Change in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Operational and Regulatory Change role. Highlight your experience in managing change teams and delivering projects, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've led teams and influenced stakeholders in your previous roles. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to motivate and engage others, as well as your strategic planning skills.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and experiences, as we appreciate excellent communication skills in our candidates.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at AJ Bell Management Limited
✨Know Your Change Management Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of operational and regulatory change. Be ready to discuss specific methodologies you've used, like Agile or SDLC, and how they’ve helped you deliver successful projects in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and people management abilities. Think about times when you’ve motivated teams or provided constructive feedback, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Build Relationships on the Spot
Since stakeholder management is key for this role, practice how you would engage with different levels of management. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve built strong relationships in previous roles and how you plan to do the same here.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Excellent communication skills are a must. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. You might even want to prepare a brief presentation on a relevant topic to demonstrate your communication prowess during the interview.
