At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and technology strategy, driving efficiency and transformation in a dynamic banking environment.
- Company: Join an international bank in the heart of London with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £140,000, career development, and a chance to shape the future of banking.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor teams and drive strategic change in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact by leading operational excellence and digital transformation initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in banking operations and IT leadership, with strong regulatory knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 77400 - 94600 £ per year.
City of London
Permanent
Up to 140,000
cer Financial are working alongside an international bank, who are based in the City of London. They are seeking a Head of Operations who also has technical experience and holds SMF24, to work with them on a permanent basis.
The role:
- Lead strategic planning and delivery of operations, systems, outsourcing, and business continuity
- Develop and implement transformation programmes aligned with business needs
- Design and execute change strategies and implementation plans
- Manage third-party vendors to improve systems, processes, and reporting (e.g. dashboards)
- Drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement across the business
- Represent Operations at executive level and support decision-making with specialist insight
- Translate strategic objectives into actionable business plans with measurable outcomes
- Ensure delivery of business change projects in line with executive direction
- Allocate and manage resources (budget, headcount) effectively within approved limits
- Contribute to business strategy through operational assessment and improvement initiatives
- Oversee departmental budgets, approvals, and capital expenditure decisions
- Analyse and optimise processes, systems, and overall operational effectiveness
- Monitor performance against plans, identify gaps, and implement corrective actions
- Benchmark productivity and introduce measures to enhance performance
- Build and manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
- Maintain an efficient operating model and drive digital transformation
- Act as Data Protection Officer (DPO) and ensure regulatory compliance
- Participate in internal and external committees (e.g. ExCo, ALCO, Risk)
- Ensure effective risk management across operations
- Set strategic direction and performance expectations for teams
- Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams and direct reports
- Oversee capacity and project planning to meet resource requirements
- Monitor service quality and adherence to governance standards
- Identify training needs and support ongoing team development
- Maintain succession planning for leadership roles
- Handle escalations, grievances, and performance management processes
- Commit to ongoing personal development and effectiveness
The candidate will have:
- Must have banking operations experience - payments, settlements, operational resilience.
- Must have IT leadership experience: Tech/system upgrades, infrastructure, etc.
- Must have held SMF24.
- Strong FCA/PRA regulatory and compliance expertise
- Solid understanding of banking operations in highly regulated environments
Head of Operations and Technology in London employer: cer Financial
As a leading tax, accountancy and business advisory firm based in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our supportive environment, where you will have the opportunity to manage high-net-worth clients while mentoring junior team members, ensuring both personal and professional advancement. With competitive salaries and a focus on work-life balance, we offer a rewarding career path for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of taxation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations and Technology in London
✨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 cer Financial. 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 Head of Operations and Technology in London
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 cer Financial.
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 cer Financial'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 cer Financial
✨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 cer Financial.
✨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 cer Financial 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 cer Financial 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.
