At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations to enhance client services and improve adviser productivity.
- Company: Dynamic financial planning firm with a client-first, values-driven culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Join a growing team focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of financial planning while driving efficiency and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management within regulated financial environments.
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.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- 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 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. With a focus on technology-enabled operations and a strong emphasis on sustainability, we provide a rewarding workplace where your contributions directly impact our clients' financial journeys.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Financial Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the financial planning industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in operations management and your knack for problem-solving. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you’ve driven efficiency and improved client journeys.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like us at StudySmarter, and express your interest in working with them. A well-crafted email can go a long way in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest trends in financial planning and operations management. Consider taking courses or attending workshops that can boost your skills. This not only makes you more attractive to employers but also shows your commitment to continuous professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Financial Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in financial planning and operations management, and don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving skills and knowledge of FCA regulations.
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. Mention specific examples of how you've driven operational improvements in previous roles and how you align with our client-first approach.
Showcase Your Tech Savvy:We love tech at StudySmarter! Make sure to mention any experience you have with back-office systems or AI tools that can enhance operational efficiency. This will show us you’re ready to champion technology in our operations.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about our values and 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 operations management aspects of financial planning. Familiarise yourself with key processes, tools, and regulatory frameworks like FCA guidelines. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've tackled operational challenges in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Highlight your ability to identify root causes and implement sustainable improvements, as this is crucial for the Operations Manager role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Leadership
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss your experience in leading cross-functional collaborations. Share instances where you’ve successfully influenced stakeholders and driven change, showcasing your leadership style and ability to foster a collaborative environment.
✨Demonstrate Tech Savviness
Given the focus on technology in the job description, be prepared to talk about your experience with back-office systems and AI tools. Discuss how you've used technology to enhance workflows and improve efficiency, as this will align perfectly with the company's goals for scalability and service delivery.
