At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in a fast-paced financial services environment and drive innovative solutions.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing fintech company revolutionising payments and banking services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of finance.
- Other info: Dynamic work culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a high-growth organisation and lead a talented operations team.
- Qualifications: 10-15+ years in financial services with strong leadership and operational expertise.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
A fast‐growing financial services and payments organisation delivering innovative solutions across Banking‐as‐a‐Service (BaaS), payments, foreign exchange (FX), and digital asset solutions. This is an opportunity for an experienced operations leader from a payments, banking, EMI, fintech or Banking‐as‐a‐Service environment to make a significant impact within a high‐growth organisation.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the operational strategy aligned to business growth objectives
- Lead operational functions across payments, transaction processing, reconciliation, settlement and banking operation
- Build scalable processes, controls and operating models to support future growth
- Drive continuous improvement, automation and operational efficiency initiatives
- Establish operational KPIs, SLAs and reporting framework
- Partner closely with Technology, Compliance, Finance, Product and Commercial teams
Payments & Banking Operations
- Oversee operational delivery across payment products and Banking‐as‐a‐Service partnership
- Manage domestic and international payment operations
- Ensure operational resilience across payment processing, settlement, safeguarding and treasury activities
- Support new product launches and expansion initiatives
- Manage relationships with banking partners, payment providers and technology vendors
Regulatory & Risk Management
- Ensure operational activities remain aligned with FCA expectations and regulatory requirements
- Maintain strong governance frameworks, controls and audit readiness
- Work closely with Risk and Compliance teams to identify and mitigate operational risk
- Ensure policies, procedures and controls remain effective as the business scales
- Support regulatory reviews and reporting requirements
- Oversee safeguarding, client money processes, reconciliation and settlement control
- Ensure accurate operational reporting and financial governance
- Partner with Finance to maintain robust operational control
- Support audit processes and regulatory requirements
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Lead, mentor and develop a high‐performing operations team
- Build a culture of accountability, ownership and continuous improvement
- Act as a key operational leader across the wider business
- Build strong relationships with regulators, banking partners and external stakeholders
Qualifications
- 10‐15+ years' experience within financial services operation
- Proven leadership experience within payments, banking, EMI, fintech or Banking‐as‐a‐Service environment
- Strong understanding of payment operations, transaction processing, settlement and operational control
- Experience building and scaling operational frameworks within a growing organisation
- Strong knowledge of FCA‐regulated environments and financial services governance
- Experience managing cross‐functional teams and complex operational processes
- Excellent stakeholder management, analytical and problem‐solving skills
- Experience supporting EMI licensing, regulatory change or authorisation programme
- Knowledge of safeguarding, client money, treasury operations and reconciliation processes
- Background in embedded finance, fintech or high‐growth financial technology businesses
- Exposure to international payments and cross‐border financial services
- Professional qualification in accounting or finance (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
Chief Operating Officer in London employer: Harrington Starr
Join a leading high-volume futures trading organisation in London, where you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the stability of critical trading and clearing platforms. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, this company offers competitive daily rates and long-term contract opportunities, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the capital markets sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer 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 Harrington Starr. 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 Chief Operating Officer 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 Harrington Starr.
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 Harrington Starr'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 Harrington Starr
✨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 Harrington Starr.
✨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 Harrington Starr 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 Harrington Starr 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.
