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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations strategy and enhance customer experience in a digital retail bank.
- Company: Join Alpha Bank London, where people and purpose matter.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, collaborative culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on compliance and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in banking while fostering innovation and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Extensive banking operations experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
Working pattern: Hybrid (minimum 3 days in the office, including Wednesday as a core day)
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
SMCR Status: SMF18, MRT – PRA Prescribed Responsibility Z (Overall responsibility for the firm’s compliance with CASS)
About Us
We are not your run-of-the-mill bank. It's our people which makes us exceptional. Every individual here is valued - not just for what they do, but for who they are. We’ve built a culture rooted in purpose, passion, and a healthy dose of humanity. Joining Alpha Bank London isn’t just about a career - it’s about connection. You’ll collaborate with colleagues from all walks of life, building bonds that last and networks that matter. It’s this blend of international reach and local expertise that makes us strong. Whether you’re starting out or stepping up, you’ll find responsibility, variety, and experiences that go far beyond what a boutique bank or a corporate giant could offer alone. Together, we amplify ideas, share knowledge, and create impact. We believe in doing well and doing good. That means more than closing deals; it’s about making a difference for our clients, our communities, and each other. Because when one of us succeeds, we all succeed. Ready to make your mark? Let’s do it. Together.
The Role
As Head of Operations, you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping and executing the operational strategy of Alpha Bank London as we evolve into a mass affluent digital retail bank. You will oversee a broad portfolio — from payments and treasury operations to KYC, card operations — ensuring regulatory compliance, and a seamless customer experience.
The ideal candidate for this position is someone who takes a practical, hands‑on approach and takes pride in process improvement and the embedding of new systems. Driving operational enhancements and embedding best practices throughout the organisation. Strategic thinking and a forward‑looking mindset are essential, as has the ability to build and lead teams effectively. This individual will thrive in a transformative environment, working closely with the COO to design and implement the future operating model. They will champion innovation and inspire high‑performing teams within the Operations function.
What You’ll Do
- Partner with the COO to design and deliver the strategic roadmap for Operations, including the future target operating model for a digital retail bank.
- Lead, mentor, and empower your direct reports — fostering a collaborative, high‑performance culture across Operations.
- Own the Bank’s Payments Strategy, ensuring competitive advantage and full compliance with scheme rules.
- Oversee the design and implementation of an effective customer onboarding and due diligence programme aligned with AML best practice.
- Perform key security administration functions for SWIFT, Bankline, and HMRC profiles and permissions.
- Lead the implementation of Straight Through Processing (STP) and workflow automation enabled by the new Core Banking System.
- Strengthen operational capability across Card Operations, AML, and Fraud Management.
- Ensure timely and accurate delivery of all regulatory reporting within your area.
- Maintain full compliance with CASS and MiFID II reporting obligations.
What You’ll Bring
- Extensive experience in Banking Operations, including treasury mid/back office, payments, and loan administration.
- Strong background in digital banking models, hybrid service environments, and managing both in‑house and outsourced teams. Experience in a retail digital or neo bank environment is preferred.
- Expertise in Cards Operations, complaints management, AML/KYC, CASS, and payments (including SWIFT).
- Deep understanding of evolving digital banking trends and fintech‑driven operating models.
- Proven track record delivering modern operating models using STP, automated workflows, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to lead through change and bring people with you.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills.
- Prior experience in the UK payments market (PSD2, Agency Banking, SWIFT), AML/KYC, vendor management, and Operational Resilience.
Why Join Us?
- Innovation – Contribute ideas to improve processes and efficiency.
- Collaboration – Work closely with a supportive team to achieve shared goals.
- Excellence – Deliver accurate, high-quality work that makes a difference.
- Delivery – See the results of your efforts in real‑time operations.
- Empowerment – Take ownership of your tasks and build skills for your next career step.
Head of Operations employer: Alpha Bank London Limited
Contact Detail:
Alpha Bank London Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Alpha Bank London on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal connections can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the bank's values and culture. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission of making a difference. Be ready to share examples that showcase your leadership and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to compliance and operational strategy. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to lead operations at Alpha Bank London.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in banking operations and digital environments. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve driven operational excellence and compliance in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your achievements and skills. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Head of Operations role.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our community from the get-go.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alpha Bank London Limited
✨Know the Company Culture
Before your interview, dive deep into Alpha Bank London's culture. Understand their values around connection, collaboration, and making a difference. This will help you align your answers with what they truly value, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the team.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
As the Head of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic thinking. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully designed and implemented operational strategies. Highlight how these strategies led to improvements and how you can bring that same mindset to Alpha Bank.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
Leadership is key for this role. Be ready to discuss how you've mentored and empowered teams in the past. Share specific instances where your leadership has fostered a high-performance culture, as this aligns perfectly with what Alpha Bank is looking for.
✨Prepare for Regulatory Questions
Given the importance of compliance in this role, brush up on your knowledge of CASS, AML, and other regulatory frameworks. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach it at Alpha Bank London.