At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise banking operations, ensuring smooth payment processes and team performance.
- Company: Join an international bank in the heart of London with a dynamic work culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Exciting role with opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of banking operations while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in banking operations with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 € per year.
cer Financial are working alongside an international bank, who are based in the City of London. They are seeking an Operations Manager to work with them on a permanent basis.
The responsibilities of the Operations Manager will include:
- Oversee processing of all domestic and international payments
- Ensure payment instructions are verified, authorised, and released per policy
- Review and improve operational processes
- Ensure tasks meet SLAs with high accuracy and control standards
- Maintain strong controls (segregation of duties, maker-checker, policy adherence)
- Lead, mentor, and develop team performance and succession planning
- Support internal and external audits
- Manage resourcing, staff engagement, performance reviews, and training
- Promote accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, AML/KYC, and segregation of duties
- Lead quality control across operations and client service delivery
- Coordinate priorities through regular meetings with department heads
- Authorise payments and operational messages as required
- Approve invoices and contribute to budgeting with COO
- Identify and implement process improvements, automation, and system enhancements
- Lead/support change initiatives, system upgrades, and SWIFT-related projects
- Strengthen operational resilience, business continuity, and disaster recovery
- Support COO with planning and key business decisions
- Oversee implementation of new/updated products and processes
- Act as authorised signatory where required
- Identify, manage, and escalate risks appropriately
- Manage operational business contracts
- Produce regular management information (MI) reports
- Ensure compliance with laws, policies, training, and reporting obligations
- Support operational resilience training and incident response
- Lead, motivate, and develop team through reviews and 1-1s
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and staff development
- Ensure continuous training and development for staff
The candidate will have:
- Degree-level education or equivalent experience in banking/financial services
- Minimum 5+ years’ banking experience
- Strong background in banking operations and payments processing in regulated environments
- Knowledge of payment schemes (SWIFT, BACS, Direct Debits) and operational requirements
- Familiarity with Equation Banking system (advantageous)
- Understanding of AML, sanctions, PSRs, and financial crime risks in payments
- Experience managing teams in fast-paced operational settings
- Knowledge of operations, third-party vendor management, private banking, treasury, risk, and compliance
Operations Manager in London employer: cer Financial
As an esteemed international bank located in the heart of the City of London, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions employee growth and operational excellence. Our commitment to professional development is evident through comprehensive training programmes and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that our Operations Manager can thrive while leading a dedicated team in a fast-paced, innovative setting. 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 banking sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the banking 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 operations. Understand their payment processing systems and compliance requirements. This will help you showcase your knowledge and demonstrate how you can contribute to their operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership skills! As an Operations Manager, you'll need to lead and motivate teams. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or implemented process improvements, and be ready to share them during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your interest in joining our team and staying updated on new roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in banking operations, payments processing, and team management. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Share specific examples of how you've improved operational processes or led teams in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Quantify your successes where possible, like improving SLAs or leading successful audits. We want to see the impact you've made in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at cer Financial
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of banking operations and payments processing. Familiarise yourself with payment schemes like SWIFT and BACS, as well as the regulatory requirements that come with them. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who understands the intricacies of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've mentored or developed team performance in the past. Highlight any successful change initiatives you've led, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Process Improvements
Think about specific instances where you've identified and implemented process improvements or automation in your previous roles. Be prepared to discuss these examples in detail, as they will illustrate your proactive approach to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
✨Understand Compliance and Risk Management
Given the importance of compliance in this role, make sure you can speak confidently about AML, KYC, and financial crime risks. Prepare to discuss how you've managed risks in past positions and how you ensure adherence to policies and regulations. This will show that you take compliance seriously and are ready to uphold high standards.
