COO

Full-Time 69750 - 85250 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Black Swan Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operational strategy and ensure client-centric services in wealth management.
  • Company: Dynamic wealth management firm focused on innovation and compliance.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of operations.
  • Other info: Join an executive team committed to excellence and operational resilience.
  • Why this job: Drive strategic transformation and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in operational management and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 69750 - 85250 £ per year.

The COO is accountable for the end‑to‑end operational performance of the wealth management business, ensuring that systems, processes, people, and controls support the delivery of compliant, efficient, and client‑centric services.

The role ensures operational resilience, oversees day‑to‑day execution, and drives strategic transformation across the firm’s platform operations, client onboarding, portfolio administration, technology, and outsourced service providers.

The COO acts as a key member of the Executive team, providing challenge, leadership, and direction to ensure the firm meets FCA expectations under SYSC, Consumer Duty, Operational Resilience, and Outsourcing & Third‑Party Risk Management.

  • Core Responsibilities
  • Operational Strategy — Develop and execute the operational strategy aligned to business goals, regulatory expectations, and client outcomes.
  • Operational Resilience — Ensure compliance with FCA operational resilience rules, including impact tolerances, mapping, scenario testing, and remediation.
  • Client Onboarding — Oversee onboarding, KYC/AML processes, suitability assessments, and client lifecycle management.
  • Platform & Administration — Manage custody, dealing, settlement, reconciliations, corporate actions, and portfolio administration.
  • Technology & Systems — Own the technology roadmap, system selection and data focus.
  • Third‑Party Oversight — Oversee outsourced providers (platforms, custodians, tech vendors) ensuring compliance with SYSC 8 and operational resilience expectations.
  • Process Optimisation — Drive automation, efficiency, and scalability across operational workflows.
  • Risk & Controls — Maintain robust operational risk frameworks, incident management, and control testing.
  • Consumer Duty — Ensure operational processes deliver good client outcomes, fair value, and transparent communications.
  • Governance — Provide MI to the Board, chair operational committees, and contribute to strategic decision‑making.
  • Business Continuity — Maintain and test BCP arrangements, ensuring readiness for disruption.
  • Change Management — Lead operational change programmes, platform migrations, and regulatory implementation projects.
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COO employer: Black Swan Group

Black Swan Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, the firm provides ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement, alongside a highly competitive compensation package that reflects the value placed on expertise and dedication. Join a team that values your contributions and fosters a culture of excellence and efficiency in the fast-paced world of equities operations.

Black Swan Group

Contact Details:

Black Swan Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land COO

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Black Swan Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace COO

Operational Strategy Development
Regulatory Compliance (FCA, SYSC)
Client Onboarding Management
KYC/AML Processes
Portfolio Administration
Technology Roadmap Ownership
Third-Party Risk Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Black Swan Group.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Black Swan Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Black Swan Group

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Black Swan Group.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Black Swan Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Black Swan Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.