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.
- 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
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 operating 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!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Since the role focuses on operational improvements, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
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 experiences that align with our values and the responsibilities of the role.
Showcase Your Tech Savvy:Since we’re all about technology at StudySmarter, make sure to highlight any experience you have with back-office systems or AI tools. We want to see how you can help us improve workflows and efficiency!
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 awesome team!
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 financial planning. Familiarise yourself with key processes, tools, and technologies that are used in the industry. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you discuss how you can improve efficiency and service delivery.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully identified root causes and implemented sustainable improvements. Be ready to discuss how you approached challenges and what the outcomes were, as this aligns perfectly with the role's focus on operational excellence.
✨Understand Regulatory Frameworks
Brush up on FCA regulations and compliance requirements relevant to financial planning. Being knowledgeable about these frameworks will demonstrate your readiness to navigate the regulatory landscape and ensure operational alignment with compliance standards.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Leadership
Think of instances where you've led cross-functional teams or collaborated with senior stakeholders. Highlight your ability to influence and build relationships, as this is crucial for driving change and fostering a collaborative culture within the organisation.
