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- Tasks: Lead operational strategy and execution for UK banking, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Company: Join a dynamic banking organisation focused on innovation and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary package with benefits and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an executive team driving transformation and making a real impact in banking.
- Qualifications: Requires a degree in Business or Finance and 10 years of leadership experience in banking.
- Other info: Ideal for strategic thinkers passionate about operational resilience and risk management.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: United Kingdom
Salary: Competitive Salary Package + Benefits
Job Purpose: We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the operational strategy and execution for our UK banking operations. As a member of the executive leadership team, the COO will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and aligning operational initiatives with the strategic goals of the Board and CEO. This role plays a critical part in the First Line of Defence for Operational Risk and Financial Crime prevention, including AML.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Translate Board-level strategic direction into operational execution, driving delivery of the Strategic Business Plan.
- Design, implement, and optimise operations strategies, policies, and procedures to enable sustainable business growth.
- Lead business transformation initiatives and continuous improvement to enhance operational efficiency.
- Ensure the organisation’s operations comply with internal policies, regulatory standards, and industry best practices.
- Oversee the firm’s day-to-day operations and systems infrastructure to support scalability and effective risk management.
- Drive the development and execution of the firm’s Operational Resilience Framework, including business continuity and incident response.
- Lead the ongoing improvement of operational risk frameworks, governance, and internal controls across the bank.
- Ensure robust outsourcing and third-party risk management, including due diligence, monitoring, and exit planning.
- Provide executive oversight of end-to-end transaction processing across key business units.
- Liaise with Compliance, Credit Risk, KYC, AML, and other control functions to ensure integrated risk mitigation.
- Develop strong partnerships with critical suppliers to ensure delivery of business-critical services, including resilience testing and incident resolution.
- Lead supplier risk governance, from onboarding to performance review and continuity planning.
- Build and lead high-performing operations teams across the organisation.
- Set and monitor KPIs, ensure professional development, and create a culture focused on performance, compliance, and innovation.
- Promote a culture of risk awareness, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Serve as the executive lead for reporting on operational performance, resilience, and risk to the Board and executive committees.
- Oversee the preparation of operational MI, Board papers, and regulatory reports.
- Ensure governance frameworks are adhered to in all operational matters.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- Minimum of 10 years’ leadership experience in banking operations, with at least 5 years at a senior management or COO level.
- Deep knowledge of UK banking regulations, operational risk, and financial crime prevention.
- Proven experience in driving business transformation, operational resilience, and third-party risk oversight.
- Strategic Thinking & Execution
- Leadership & People Management
- Resilience Planning & Incident Management
Chief Operating Officer (COO) – UK employer: Antal International Network
Contact Detail:
Antal International Network Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer (COO) – UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the banking sector, especially those in senior operational roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in operational risk and compliance.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific operational challenges faced by UK banks today. Understanding current issues like regulatory changes or financial crime prevention will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading business transformation initiatives. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved operational efficiency and resilience in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style and how you build high-performing teams. Be prepared to explain how you set KPIs and foster a culture of compliance and innovation within your teams.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO) – UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in banking operations and leadership roles. Emphasise your achievements in operational strategy, risk management, and compliance to align with the responsibilities of a COO.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the UK banking landscape and your vision for operational excellence. Mention specific examples of how you've driven business transformation and improved operational efficiency in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your educational background, especially if you have a Master’s degree or relevant certifications. Include any specific training related to operational risk, financial crime prevention, or regulatory compliance.
Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've built and led high-performing teams. Discuss your approach to fostering a culture of compliance, innovation, and performance within an organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Antal International Network
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a COO in a banking context. Familiarise yourself with operational strategies, regulatory compliance, and risk management practices specific to the UK banking sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles, particularly in banking operations. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully driven business transformation or improved operational efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to articulate how you would translate strategic goals into operational execution. Think about how you can align operational initiatives with the broader objectives of the Board and CEO.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Prepare examples of how you've handled operational risks, compliance issues, or supplier management challenges in the past.
