At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive operational excellence and enhance customer experience in retail banking.
- Company: Dynamic retail banking environment focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, holiday bonus, pension matching, and generous leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and community involvement through volunteering.
- Why this job: Shape strategies and processes that make a real impact on customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in banking operations, vendor management, and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Overview
In this role you drive operational excellence within the Retail Deposits business, overseeing operations, resilience, and supplier governance to support compliant, customer-focused outcomes.
You will shape operating models, streamline processes, and lead cross-functional initiatives with partners to deliver meaningful transformation.
You’ll balance governance with customer experience while ensuring robust controls and risk management.
This is a collaborative, impact-driven opportunity to influence strategy and delivery in a specialist retail banking environment.
- Pay / Benefits
- competitive base salary
- Guaranteed Holiday Bonus
- Pension matching up to 12%
- Ford vehicle purchase and lease discounts
- 26 days annual leave + public holidays
- 2 paid community volunteering days annually
Responsibilities
- Lead operations management with focus on customer experience, efficiency, and resilience
- Develop and implement operational models and strategies to reduce costs and optimise processes
- Project-manage new systems, processes and operating models
- Develop and implement Operational Resilience framework and testing
- Develop and implement Consumer Duty framework and testing for resilience
- Manage control risk assessments, registers, and the controls framework
- Ensure FCA complaints handling and regulatory compliance
- Monitor and audit vendor performance to ensure quality and compliant customer service
- Manage end-to-end contract management with negotiation, drafting and review
- Collaborate with procurement to evaluate suppliers and drive cost savings
- Build strong stakeholder relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions
- Lead cross-functional process improvements leveraging technology and best practices
- Oversee outsourced vendor relationships including governance and issue resolution
- Key requirements
- Proven experience in Retail Deposits within banking/financial services
- Strong background in Operations Management and Operational Resilience
- Experience in Outsourced Vendor Management and Contract Management
- Procurement and Supplier Governance experience
- Understanding of banking regulations and regulatory requirements
- Experience developing and implementing operational strategies and operating models
- Track record in managing third-party suppliers, contracts, performance, and issue resolution
- Strong project management skills and ability to prioritise complex initiatives
- Experience managing risk assessments, control frameworks, and governance activities
- Excellent analytical, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills
- Analytical
- Stakeholder management
- Problem-solving
Operations & Contracts Manager in Essex employer: Ford
Join Ford Credit as a Financial Reporting Supervisor and be part of a dynamic team that values accuracy, compliance, and innovation in financial reporting. Located in Dunton, you will enjoy a flexible work environment, with the opportunity to engage directly with Senior Leadership while driving high-profile deliverables like the Annual Report & Accounts. Our commitment to diversity and employee growth ensures a supportive culture where your contributions are recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations & Contracts Manager in Essex
✨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 Ford. 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 Operations & Contracts Manager in Essex
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 Ford.
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 Ford'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 Ford
✨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 Ford.
✨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 Ford 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 Ford 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.
