At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations to enhance client services and adviser productivity in a dynamic financial planning environment.
- Company: Join a chartered independent financial planning team with a client-first approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a values-driven, tech-enabled workplace.
- Why this job: Shape the future of financial planning while driving efficiency and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management within regulated financial environments is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
We are a team of Chartered Independent Financial Planners, recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). Our chartered status reflects our commitment to a client‑first approach, ethical practice, and continuous professional development.
Our team delivers holistic financial planning across a broad client base, supported by cashflow modelling tools, a secure client portal, and an integrated approach that includes ESG considerations. Now nearly 50 strong, the business has grown through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. This has created a dynamic, evolving operating environment, with an increasing focus on scalability, consistency, and quality of service delivery. We are proud of the collaborative, values‑driven culture we have built.
As we continue to scale, we are looking for an Operations Manager to help shape and support the next phase of our growth. We are seeking a hands‑on, solutions‑focused manager who is comfortable working within operational workflows to identify root causes and implement practical, sustainable improvements. The role will focus on building a high‑performing, technology‑enabled operations function that improves adviser productivity, enhances the client journey, and drives efficiency across the end‑to‑end advice process.
The Operations Manager will be responsible for leading the operational direction, scalability and service delivery of the Financial Planning business, aligned to our growth objectives and commitment to client service. Working closely with senior management and the Compliance Manager, you will ensure operational and compliance plans support the company’s financial goals, deliver strong client outcomes, and maintain a compliant, risk‑aware culture.
Key Responsibilities- Manage day-to-day operations across client services, paraplanning, and adviser support, ensuring efficient, consistent, and scalable processes.
- Manage and develop operations and client servicing teams, ensuring appropriate structure, capability, training, and performance.
- Embed strong operational governance, including SLAs, SOPs, and continuous improvement initiatives, and lead operational projects to drive efficiency and service quality.
- Champion the effective use of AI and technology to improve workflows, data structures, automation, and system integration across the Financial Planning business.
- Act as product owner for our back‑office systems.
- Partner with IT, vendors and internal teams to implement effective tech solutions.
- Work closely with the Compliance Manager to ensure operational alignment with FCA requirements (including Consumer Duty and MiFID II).
- Support operational resilience by identifying Important Business Services, defining impact tolerances, and conducting scenario testing with clear remediation planning.
- Maintain operational risk registers and collaborate with compliance and risk teams to monitor and manage operational risks.
- Lead structured problem‑solving, root cause analysis, and solution design to deliver practical, sustainable operational improvements.
- Drive improvements in adviser efficiency and the end‑to‑end client journey through strong operational management, including reducing administrative burden, optimising processes, and using client feedback to deliver continuous improvement.
- Develop and maintain operational, adviser and risk MI dashboards, ensuring data accuracy, consistency and strong data governance.
- Operations management experience within a regulated Financial Planning or Wealth Management environment.
- Strong knowledge of FCA regulatory frameworks and experience operating in a regulated environment.
- Experience with financial planning back‑office systems, with the ability to optimise existing tools and implement new solutions.
- Strong problem‑solving and solution delivery capability, with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Proven ability to lead cross‑functional collaboration and drive change across a growing business.
- Strong data and MI capability, with the ability to improve data quality, reporting, automation, and system effectiveness.
- Ability to build and influence relationships with senior stakeholders and operational teams.
- High level of integrity, sound professional judgement, and strong attention to detail.
Operations Manager - Financial Planning in London employer: Moore Kingston Smith LLP
As a leading Chartered Independent Financial Planning firm based in the heart of London, we pride ourselves on our client-first approach and commitment to ethical practice. Our collaborative and values-driven culture fosters continuous professional development, offering employees ample opportunities for growth and innovation within a dynamic environment. Join us as an Operations Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping our operational excellence while enjoying competitive compensation and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology in a thriving financial sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Financial Planning in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial planning sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Since we pride ourselves on a collaborative, values-driven environment, showing that you align with our ethos can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to tackle challenges head-on. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully implemented improvements or driven change.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Financial Planning in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Operations Manager role. Highlight your operations management experience in a regulated environment, and don’t forget to mention any relevant tech solutions you've implemented!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Talk about your hands-on approach and how you’ve driven operational improvements in the past.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:We love a good problem-solver! In your application, share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. This will show us your ability to lead structured problem-solving and root cause analysis.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our values-driven culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Moore Kingston Smith LLP
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations and understand their workflows. Familiarise yourself with their client services, paraplanning, and adviser support processes. This will help you speak confidently about how you can enhance efficiency and scalability.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully identified root causes and implemented sustainable improvements. Be ready to discuss specific operational challenges you've faced and how your solutions made a difference.
✨Emphasise Your Tech Savvy
Since the role involves championing AI and technology, be prepared to discuss your experience with financial planning back-office systems. Highlight any tools you've optimised or new solutions you've implemented that improved workflows or data management.
✨Understand Regulatory Frameworks
Brush up on FCA regulatory frameworks and demonstrate your knowledge during the interview. Discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you plan to maintain a compliant, risk-aware culture in this position.
