Card Operations Manager
Card Operations Manager

Card Operations Manager

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operations for credit products and collaborate with various teams to drive growth.
  • Company: Join Cleo, a fast-growing fintech unicorn transforming financial advice.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, equity options, flexible work, and generous leave policies.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of finance.
  • Qualifications: 4+ years in operations or program management, strong communication and analytical skills.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusivity and innovation with excellent career progression opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

About Cleo

At Cleo, we’re building a hyper‑intelligent financial advisor that will fundamentally change humanity’s relationship with money. Our mission is to give everyone, regardless of background or income, access to expert financial guidance in their pocket.

About The Company

Cleo is a profitable, fast‑growing unicorn with over $200 million in ARR, growing at more than double year‑over‑year. We run a tight‑knit, collaborative team that values excellence, innovation and positive impact.

About The Role

As an Operations Manager aligned to Cleo’s credit products and UK expansion, you will lead initiatives and collaborate across Product, Legal & Compliance, and our Bank and Payments Partners. You’ll ensure we can launch, scale, and continuously improve our credit offerings while staying aligned with bank and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Act as the primary operational bridge between Product, Legal, Compliance, Fraud, Risk, and external partners.
  • Manage day‑to‑day interactions with the partner bank and third‑party providers, maintaining strong relationships and fostering strategic collaboration for long‑term growth.
  • Develop scalable operational processes for new credit products and monitor reporting to identify trends, anomalies, and devise action plans.
  • Lead end‑to‑end operational program management, partnering closely with product teams to deliver change requests, provide required documentation, and drive timely decision‑making and approvals.
  • Support expansion into new markets, starting with the UK, by planning and coordinating operational requirements, partnering with Legal and Compliance on complaints and regulatory obligations, and creating playbooks to ensure scalable, repeatable processes.

Qualifications

  • 4+ years of experience in program management, operations, payments, banking, card programs, or a similar role (fintech or startup experience is a strong plus).
  • Excellent communicator who can frame problems clearly, tailor messages to different audiences, and manage communication with external partners.
  • Detail‑oriented and good with numbers – able to analyze data, detect risks and present clear narratives.
  • Experience running complex, multi‑stakeholder initiatives end‑to‑end, including planning, prioritisation, and keeping parallel workstreams moving.
  • Proactively identify risks, improve processes and implement practical solutions that balance speed with control.
  • Organised, detail‑oriented, and confident managing approvals, documentation, and reporting in regulated environments.
  • Comfortable operating with ambiguity, thriving in a fast‑paced environment and able to adapt as priorities shift.

Nice to haves

  • Experience working with partner banks or regulated financial institutions, comfortable navigating and challenging varying risk appetites.
  • Experience with card programs, lending products or payments (e.g., debit cards, credit cards, BNPL, loans).
  • Experience with complaints management or regulatory operations in financial services.

Benefits

  • A competitive compensation package (base + equity) with reviews every 6 months.
  • Work at one of the fastest‑growing tech startups, backed by top VC firms.
  • A clear progression plan with opportunities to lead, challenge the status quo and own impact.
  • Flexibility: autonomy to structure your day around personal commitments.
  • Hybrid‑first model with London office presence 1‑3 times a week; lunch on Wednesdays.
  • 25 days annual leave plus public holidays (+ an additional day for every year you spend at Cleo).
  • 6% employer‑matched pension in the UK.
  • Company‑wide performance reviews every 6 months.
  • Generous pay increases for high‑performers and high‑growth team members.
  • Equity top‑ups for team members getting promoted.
  • Private medical insurance via Vitality, dental cover and life assurance.
  • Enhanced parental leave.
  • 1 month paid sabbatical after 4 years at Cleo.
  • Regular socials and activities, online and in‑person.
  • We’ll pay for your OpenAI subscription.
  • Online mental health support via Spill.
  • And many more!

Welcoming Everyone

We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, parents, carers, and people from lower socio‑economic backgrounds. If there’s anything we can do to accommodate your specific situation, please let us know.

Card Operations Manager employer: cleo

Cleo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive compensation, and a hybrid work model, Cleo empowers its team members to take ownership of their roles while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. The company also champions inclusivity and provides numerous benefits, including generous leave policies and regular performance reviews, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the fintech sector.
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Contact Detail:

cleo Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Card Operations Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to Cleo. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Cleo’s products and their mission. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in operations and compliance.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources. Get comfortable talking about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Card Operations Manager.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you note. It shows appreciation and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!

We think you need these skills to ace Card Operations Manager

Program Management
Operations Management
Payments Knowledge
Banking Experience
Card Program Management
Data Analysis
Risk Management
Regulatory Compliance
Communication Skills
Relationship Management
Process Improvement
Detail Orientation
Adaptability
Project Coordination

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Card Operations Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in program management, operations, and any fintech or banking background you have. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Cleo!

Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a key communicator between various teams and partners, it’s essential to demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Use examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed stakeholder communications or resolved conflicts.

Be Detail-Oriented: We love candidates who pay attention to detail! When filling out your application, double-check for any typos or errors. Also, provide specific examples of how you've analysed data or improved processes in previous roles to show us your analytical skills.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Plus, we can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at cleo

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Card Operations Manager, you'll need to be detail-oriented and good with numbers. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles. This will show that you can analyse trends and present clear narratives.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Cleo values excellent communication, so prepare to demonstrate how you've effectively framed problems and tailored messages for different audiences. Think of examples where you've managed communication with external partners or stakeholders, as this will highlight your ability to act as the operational bridge.

✨Be Ready for Ambiguity

Cleo operates in a fast-paced environment, so be prepared to discuss how you've thrived in similar situations. Share experiences where you've navigated ambiguity and adapted to shifting priorities, showcasing your proactive approach to identifying risks and improving processes.

✨Understand Regulatory Requirements

Since the role involves working closely with Legal and Compliance, brush up on relevant regulations in the financial services sector. Be ready to discuss how you've managed compliance in past roles, especially in regulated environments, to demonstrate your understanding of the importance of these aspects in operations.

Card Operations Manager
cleo

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