At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational teams to deliver top-notch SIPP and SSAS administration services.
- Company: Award-winning provider of innovative retirement planning solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a culture of collaboration and accountability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the financial services sector while driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Strong operations experience, leadership skills, and a focus on process improvement.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Location: North West England, with hybrid working available
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience
About the business
They are a specialist, award‑winning provider of Self‑Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) and Small Self‑Administered Schemes (SSAS), working with authorised financial advisers across the UK. Their products are designed to offer flexible, efficient, and personal retirement planning solutions for clients with a wide range of needs. The business has a long‑standing presence in the UK pensions market and manages billions of pounds in assets through a robust and technology‑led platform.
Their flagship SIPP was launched over 20 years ago to provide a more flexible approach to retirement planning than traditional insurance‑based pension plans. It allows a broader range of investments than many standard products, including commercial property and land, unit trusts and OEICs, and individual stocks, shares and ETFs. Plans can be tailored from a streamlined, low‑cost entry‑level option through to the full SIPP offering, enabling advisers to match investment choice and cost to their clients’ needs. They also offer a SSAS solution aimed at business owners who wish to manage their pension arrangements alongside their business, using the specific legislative features available under SSAS.
The role
They are seeking an experienced and highly organised Operations Manager to lead the operational delivery of their SIPP and SSAS administration services. This role sits at the heart of the business, supporting financial advisers and scheme members by ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of transactions, instructions, and queries.
The successful candidate will manage operational teams, oversee workflow and service levels, and drive continuous improvement across processes and systems. They will combine strong leadership with a hands‑on, detail‑oriented approach and will be comfortable working in a regulated financial services environment. The role acts as a key link between front‑office, technology, and support functions, helping to translate business priorities into effective operational delivery.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and support operational teams to deliver high‑quality, accurate, and compliant administration of SIPP and SSAS plans.
- Oversee daily workflow, resource planning, and capacity management to meet service levels and SLAs.
- Identify, design, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce risk, and improve client and adviser experience.
- Work closely with senior stakeholders, including technology, compliance, and product teams, to support business objectives and service development.
- Ensure procedures, controls, and documentation are aligned to regulatory and governance requirements.
- Support change initiatives, system enhancements, and automation projects, including those that improve straight‑through processing and reporting.
- Monitor and report on team performance, key metrics, and operational incidents.
- Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the operations function.
About the candidate
- Strong experience in operations, preferably within pensions, financial services, or a regulated financial environment.
- Proven people management experience, with the ability to lead, coach, and motivate teams.
- Excellent organisational and problem‑solving skills; able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
- A strong focus on process improvement, service delivery, and operational risk.
- Confident engaging with colleagues, senior stakeholders, and external partners.
- Knowledge of SIPPs and/or SSAS and of advised, adviser‑facing service models would be highly beneficial.
Desirable
- Experience working in a specialist pensions administration environment.
- Familiarity with pension platforms, trust structures, and cash deposit arrangements.
- Understanding of operational controls, governance, and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience with transformation, automation, or change projects, including system or workflow improvements.
Operations Manager in Sunderland employer: Cameron Kennedy
As an Operations Manager at this award-winning provider of Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) and Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSAS), you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With hybrid working options available in North West England, the company fosters a collaborative environment where innovation is encouraged, and your contributions directly impact the delivery of high-quality financial services. Join a team that values accountability and continuous improvement, offering you the chance to lead operational excellence while managing significant assets in a robust, technology-led platform.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pensions and financial services sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their SIPP and SSAS offerings inside out. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their operational success.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and improved processes in previous roles. Highlighting your experience in managing operations within a regulated environment will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get that application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in pensions and financial services, and don’t forget to showcase your people management skills. We want to see how you can lead teams and improve processes!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational improvements or managed teams effectively in the past. Keep it engaging and relevant!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, highlight instances where you've tackled challenges head-on. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours. Don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cameron Kennedy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SIPPs and SSAS. Understand the key features, benefits, and regulatory requirements. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This is crucial for an Operations Manager role, so be ready to discuss your management style.
✨Be Process-Oriented
Since the role focuses on process improvement, come prepared with ideas on how to enhance operational efficiency. Think about past experiences where you identified a problem and implemented a solution that improved service delivery.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with different departments, like technology and compliance, to achieve business objectives. This will highlight your teamwork and communication skills.
