Operations Director in Birmingham

A highly respected UK financial services organisation is seeking an experienced Operations Director to play a pivotal role in delivering its strategic and operational objectives. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this role will provide leadership across core operational functions, ensuring that systems, processes, and people are aligned to support sustainable growth, regulatory excellence, and operational efficiency.

The Operations Director will be responsible for directing and controlling the ongoing operations of the business to meet the strategic and performance objectives set by the Executive Board. Working closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, the role will focus on optimising operational delivery while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic leadership across operational teams to deliver agreed business and performance objectives.
• Collaborating with Transformation and Technology functions to develop and implement effective operational strategies within agreed budgets and resourcing levels.
• Reviewing, developing, and enhancing operational systems and processes to meet evolving organisational needs.
• Defining and monitoring key operational KPIs, producing clear analysis and insight to support Executive Board decision‑making and effective governance.
• Overseeing operational budgets and productivity, driving cost efficiencies and improved output through people and process optimisation.
• Leading, motivating, and developing a high‑performing operational management team.
• Ensuring operating objectives and performance standards are clearly understood and fully owned across teams.
• Maintaining robust operational controls that align with internal regulatory standards and the organisation's risk appetite.
• Working collaboratively with other senior leaders to ensure alignment of strategy, priorities, and communication across the business.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a commercially astute operational leader with a strong track record within regulated financial services environments.

Essential experience and attributes include:

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent, or 10+ years' senior operational management experience.
• Experience operating at a strategic leadership level.
• Proven experience managing multiple department heads across complex operational functions.
• Strong working knowledge of financial services regulation and best‑practice operational management.
• Demonstrable experience designing and implementing productivity and performance measurement frameworks.
• Excellent analytical capability with a data‑driven approach to decision‑making.
• Strong communication, influencing, and leadership skills.
• Experience leading large‑scale projects and driving organisational change.
• Clear alignment with the organisation's core values and leadership behaviours.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mission

At IDEX, we strive for an inclusion‑first company culture where everyone is treated fairly and can bring their authentic selves to work. We recognise and acknowledge that diverse representation at every level of our business requires continuous and measurable effort. We are committed to driving conscious inclusion across our business and creating equitable pathways.