At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations to enhance client services and improve adviser productivity.
- Company: Join a dynamic team of Chartered Independent Financial Planners committed to ethical practice.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven culture with opportunities for growth and impact.
- 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 - 75000 £ 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 now 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
As a leading Chartered Independent Financial Planning firm, we pride ourselves on our client-first approach and commitment to ethical practice, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful work in the financial sector. Our collaborative and values-driven culture fosters continuous professional development, while our focus on technology and operational excellence provides ample opportunities for growth and innovation. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions will directly impact our clients' journeys and the overall success of our expanding business.
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. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨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! Be ready to discuss how you've tackled operational challenges in the past. We love hands-on, solutions-focused managers, so share specific examples that highlight your experience and success.
✨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 mentioned in the job description. Highlight your operations management experience, especially in regulated environments, to show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about financial planning and how your background aligns with our values. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational improvements in previous roles.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:We love candidates who can think on their feet! Include examples of how you've tackled challenges in past positions, particularly those that required root cause analysis and practical solutions.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures it reaches the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Moore Kingston Smith
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the operations of the company. Understand their workflows, client services, and how they utilise technology. This will help you speak confidently about how you can enhance their processes and drive efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experience where you've identified root causes and implemented sustainable improvements. Highlight your approach to structured problem-solving and how it led to operational excellence.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Regulatory Frameworks
Brush up on FCA regulations and compliance requirements relevant to financial planning. Being knowledgeable about these frameworks will demonstrate your readiness to align operational strategies with regulatory standards.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Leadership
Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led cross-functional teams in previous roles. Share instances where your leadership has driven change and improved service delivery, showcasing your ability to build relationships with senior stakeholders.
