At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and drive growth in a dynamic wealth management firm.
- Company: Join a respected St. James’s Place Partner Practice in North London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, pension contributions, and study support.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional development and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 4 years in wealth management and strong operational management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: North London
Basic Salary: Up to £65,000
About our client and the role:
Swarm Recruitment are delighted to be supporting an established and highly respected St. James’s Place (SJP) Partner Practice based in North London. The firm is focused on delivering exceptional client service while building long-term relationships with individuals and families across generations. With strong ethical and professional standards at its core, the practice has experienced significant growth and has ambitious plans to further develop its wealth management offering, strengthen its team and continue to build a successful, sustainable business.
The firm is now seeking an experienced, pro-active and commercially minded Operations Manager to play a key role in its continued growth and development. As a Senior member of the team and working closely with the Principal, this is a broad and influential position combining day-to-day operational leadership with strategic planning, team management and business improvement. The successful candidate will drive efficiencies, enhance systems and processes, oversee key business functions and help develop a high-performing, client-focused team, making a meaningful contribution to the practice’s long-term success.
The successful candidate will bring energy, structure and focus to the practice whilst ensuring exceptional client service and leading with communication skills to inspire and build strong relationships internally and externally.
Salary & Benefits:
- £50,000 - £65,000 depending on experience
- Annual Bonus
- Annual leave allowance
- Company pension contribution
- Supportive and collaborative environment
- Study Support - Exams paid for and study leave offered prior to and day of the exam
- Social events
- Training days
Working Hours:
Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm, office based
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership and Business Growth: Work with the Principal to develop business strategies, KPIs and growth plans, monitoring performance across FUM, OAF, retention and EBITDA. Identify & implement projects to improve systems, efficiency and profitability, support practice acquisitions and expansion, and coordinate business development & networking opportunities.
- Practice Operations and Technology: Oversee day-to-day practice operations, systems, workflows, AI and technology, office facilities and external providers. Drive continuous improvement, ensure effective use of paraplanning tools and technology, maintain accounting systems, support basic hardware setup and coordinate IT support to resolve issues.
- Financial Management: Support the Principal with financial planning and cash flow management. Oversee invoicing, supplier payments and negotiations, team expenses, fees, payroll and HMRC payments, ensuring accurate financial records and timely processing. Liaise with payroll providers, bookkeepers and accountants, and coordinate regulatory exam bookings.
- Compliance and Client Service: Ensure compliance with SJP guidance, licensing, CPD, regulatory, legislative and internal requirements. Oversee client applications, advice documentation, data accuracy, templates, team handbooks, onboarding, fund receipts, fees, welcome packs and ongoing client reviews. Maintain the security of client information and systems in-line with regulatory standards.
- Adviser and Team Performance: Monitor adviser activity, client engagement, skills development and pipeline progression. Coordinate case prioritisation and resolve conflicts, escalating where necessary. Oversee administration and paraplanning teams, taking the lead on complex case issues. Monitor paraplanning performance against targets for first-time suitability, turnaround times and minimising errors, ensuring efficient workflows and high-quality output.
- HR and People Management: Support recruitment, onboarding and offboarding of employees and self-employed advisers, staff training and development, performance reviews and monthly one-to-ones. Manage leave, sickness and HR documentation, working with external HR providers to ensure compliance. Foster a supportive and accountable culture, delegating effectively while maintaining quality, productivity and professional standards.
- Team Leadership and Business Development: Lead, motivate and develop the team, promoting knowledge-sharing, continuous learning and collaboration. Build relationships with clients and external partners, represent the practice at networking events, including speaking on panels where appropriate, and manage the Principal’s diary and executive support requirements.
Essential skills and experience:
- Proven experience working within a wealth management/financial planning, with a firm understanding of the industry’s operations and client service expectations.
- Strong organisational, prioritisation and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing demands and deadlines.
- Proven experience in operational management, workflow and process improvement, project management and team leadership.
- Proactive, solutions-focused approach with excellent problem-solving, multitasking and decision-making abilities.
- Outstanding client service skills, with the ability to lead by example and inspire a client-focused team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence engaging with staff, clients, external providers, large audiences and camera.
- Professional, confident and commercially minded, with the ability to identify opportunities to improve and grow the business.
- Strong IT skills and experience using CRM systems, ideally Salesforce.
- Ability to develop and motivate others, bringing structure and efficiency to the practice while freeing the Principal to focus on advice, business development and strategic growth.
By applying for this position, you agree for your data to be stored by Swarm Recruitment until notice is given by you for it to be removed. Your data will only be used for the purposes intended. Our Data Protection Policy will be forwarded to you if requested.
Pay: £50,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
Experience: working within Wealth Management/Financial Planning: 4 years (required)
Work Location: In person
Operations Manager - Wealth Management in London employer: Financial Planning Today
Financial Planning Today is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London at Chancery Lane. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training and mentorship opportunities, fostering growth within the wealth and investment sectors. The collaborative culture encourages initiative and innovation, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in financial planning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Wealth Management in London
✨Tap into Online Freelance Networks
Jump onto platforms like Upwork or Freelancer where finance and accounting gigs pop up all the time. Build a strong profile that showcases your financial controlling expertise, and don’t hesitate to apply for projects that fit your skillset.
✨Connect with Finance Communities
Join finance-specific groups on LinkedIn or forums like Finance Club. Engage in discussions and share insights to get noticed. This can lead to word-of-mouth recommendations and direct job leads from fellow finance professionals.
✨Show Off Your Knowledge
Create a public portfolio showcasing your projects or case studies related to financial controlling. Consider writing articles or blogs about finance trends or strategies, which can help establish your credibility and attract new clients.
✨Leverage Local Meetups
Keep an eye out for finance meetups or workshops in your area. They’re perfect for networking and can often lead to freelance opportunities. Plus, having that face-to-face connection can set you apart from the competition when clients are choosing who to hire.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Wealth Management in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your qualifications:In financial controlling, it's essential to highlight your relevant qualifications. Make sure to include any certifications like ACCA or CIMA in your CV, as they particularly catch the eye of hiring managers in this field. It's all about showcasing your expertise!
Portfolio of projects:As a freelancer, your portfolio is your best friend. Include case studies or summaries of past financial projects you've worked on. Clearly outline the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes. This not only showcases your skills but also proves your value to potential clients like Financial Planning Today.
Be clear about your rates:When applying for freelance gigs, it's wise to be upfront about your rates in your application. Clearly stating your hourly or project-based fees can save both you and Financial Planning Today time down the line. It shows you’re professional and ready to jump into negotiations.
Personalise your application:Don’t just send a generic application to Financial Planning Today. Tailor your cover letter to include specific examples of how your skills in financial controlling align with their needs. Mention any software tools you're proficient with, like ERP systems or financial modelling tools, that are relevant to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Planning Today
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
In financial controlling, your ability to analyse data is vital. Make sure we highlight specific examples from your previous work where you've utilised analytical tools like Excel or specific forecasting software. The interviewers at Financial Planning Today will want to see your numbers dance!
✨Prepare to Discuss Financial Strategies
Expect questions around how you approach financial strategy development. Have a few examples of successful strategies you've implemented in the past, as these can demonstrate your value to Financial Planning Today. We should also think about discussing risk management, as it'll show you're thinking ahead.
✨Tailor Your Portfolio for Freelance Success
As a freelancer, your portfolio is your calling card! Let’s make sure it’s packed with case studies that showcase your financial projects, perhaps including any forecasting or budgeting you’ve done for diverse clients. Highlighting your versatility will be key to impressing Financial Planning Today.
✨Pitch Your Services Confidently
When working as a freelancer, be prepared to discuss not just your experience but also your rates and value proposition. We need to have a clear idea of how your skills will fit into Financial Planning Today's needs. Confidence in pitching your worth can go a long way!
