At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of back-office operations using AI and innovative processes.
- Company: Join InvestEngine, a modern investment platform focused on automation and efficiency.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values ownership, clarity, and accountability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of investment operations with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience in fintech and a strong understanding of investment back-office operations.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About InvestEngine
InvestEngine is everything the modern investor should need — simple, transparent, and built for long‑term investing. With over £2 billion invested and a growing customer base, we are scaling a platform designed for automation, efficiency and customer value. We believe the future of investment operations is AI‑powered, system‑led and radically lean — not manual, fragmented or spreadsheet‑driven.
About the Role
This is not a traditional Head of Operations role. You will act as the second‑in‑command to the Operations Director, owning execution, people leadership and the transformation of our back‑office operating model. You will run a regulator‑credible operational engine while redesigning it from first principles — removing manual work, eliminating workaround processes and building an AI‑enabled back office. This role requires someone who is motivated to build the future of operations, not optimise legacy processes.
Role Purpose
To run and evolve a high‑performing, regulator‑credible back‑office operation that delivers clean execution, strong controls and scalable processes — while designing and delivering an AI‑enabled operating model that removes manual work, reduces risk and improves consistency.
What You’ll Do
- Own operational execution & control
- Own day‑to‑day performance of core investment operations
- Be accountable for outcomes across:
- CASS reconciliations
- Payments (inbound, outbound, exceptions, controls)
- Trading lifecycle, settlement and failed trade resolution
- Corporate actions processing
- Ensure operations run accurately, consistently and without drift
- Act as escalation point for operational incidents, driving resolution to root cause
- Lead AI‑driven transformation of operations
- Identify and eliminate manual processes, workarounds and spreadsheet‑driven controls
- Redesign core workflows using AI and proprietary systems, not patchwork tooling
- Partner with Product and Engineering to build an AI‑powered back office
- Replace repetitive human tasks with automated decisioning, monitoring and exception handling
- Deliver measurable outcomes, including replacement of critical workflows and removal of manual steps
- Design scalable, system‑led processes
- Design end‑to‑end processes with clear ownership, controls and failure modes
- Remove unnecessary complexity and redundant controls
- Ensure processes are scalable, testable and resilient
- Focus on root‑cause fixes, not temporary mitigations
- Ensure all critical processes are clearly owned and documented
- Lead and develop high‑performing teams
- Lead, develop and retain strong operational teams
- Set clear expectations and hold people to high standards
- Actively manage performance, including addressing underperformance decisively
- Build a strong talent pipeline and succession coverage for key roles
- Create a culture of ownership, curiosity and continuous improvement
- Own operational risk and regulatory alignment
- Ensure operations align with FCA expectations (including CASS, SYSC and Consumer Duty)
- Act as a strong first‑line owner of operational risk
- Produce clear, decision‑useful MI for leadership and governance forums
- Be able to explain, defend and evidence how operations are controlled
Intellectual Curiosity & Standards
- Constantly ask why to understand root causes and system behaviour
- Challenge anything that does not look right, even if it meets policy
- Refuse to accept “that’s how we’ve always done it”
- Pursue issues to full resolution with persistence and ownership
- Be uncomfortable with ambiguity, weak logic and unexplained variance
Essential Experience
- Senior operational leadership experience in a fintech or digital investment platform
- Strong understanding of investment back‑office operations, including:
- CASS reconciliations
- Payments
- Trading, settlement and corporate actions
- Proven experience designing and improving end‑to‑end operational processes
- Experience working in environments with proprietary or internally built systems
- Strong track record of leading and developing high‑performing teams
- AI & technology mindset
- Demonstrated experience using technology to replace, not just improve, operational processes
- Clear frustration with manual, spreadsheet‑driven or workaround‑heavy environments
- Evidence of exploring and applying new technologies (including AI) proactively
- Strong point of view on what an AI‑enabled operations function should look like
How We Work
We are a lean, high‑standards team that values ownership, clarity and accountability. We prioritise outcomes over activity, systems over manual effort, and root‑cause thinking over quick fixes.
What We Offer
- Impact from day one: You’ll take on meaningful work from the start, tackling real challenges that drive the stability, efficiency and growth of our business.
- Room to grow: As we scale, you’ll have opportunities to expand your responsibilities, influence how we work and help shape our long‑term direction.
- Transparent and open culture: We share decisions openly, keep communication channels clear and encourage collaboration across every part of the business.
- Supportive, high‑calibre team: Work alongside talented professionals who are experts in their fields — smart, driven and generous with their knowledge.
- Remote first and flexible: Work in the way that best suits you. We focus on results, not rigid hours and trust you to manage your time effectively.
Our Hiring Process
- Introductory call with our Talent team
- Gamified cognitive assessment to understand how you think and problem‑solve
- Competency interview focused on your experience in operational risk and controls
- Senior leadership interview to explore alignment with our culture, values and strategic direction
Head of Investment Operations (Back Office, AI Transformation) employer: InvestEngine
InvestEngine is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and efficiency in investment operations, offering a unique opportunity to lead AI-driven transformation in a supportive and collaborative environment. With a transparent culture that prioritises employee growth and meaningful contributions from day one, you will work alongside a high-calibre team dedicated to reshaping the future of finance. Our remote-first approach ensures flexibility, allowing you to thrive while making a significant impact on our evolving platform.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Investment Operations (Back Office, AI Transformation)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at InvestEngine. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into AI and investment operations. Show us you’re not just familiar with the concepts but passionate about transforming them!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills. We want to hear about your past experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to operational excellence and innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Investment Operations (Back Office, AI Transformation)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI Transformation:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for AI and how it can revolutionise investment operations. We want to see your vision for a future that's not just about optimising the old ways but truly transforming them.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the right fit for this role. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively!
Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading high-performing teams, share specific examples of how you've developed and retained talent in your previous roles. We want to know how you inspire others and drive performance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at InvestEngine
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around AI transformation and operational execution. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your AI Mindset
InvestEngine is looking for someone who can lead AI-driven transformation. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used technology to streamline operations or eliminate manual processes in your previous roles. Highlight your innovative thinking!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle operational incidents. Think of scenarios where you’ve successfully resolved issues or improved processes, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Team Development Skills
As a potential leader, it’s crucial to show how you’ve developed high-performing teams in the past. Prepare examples that illustrate your approach to setting expectations, managing performance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
