At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations to enhance client services and adviser productivity in a dynamic financial planning environment.
- Company: Join a values-driven team of Chartered Independent Financial Planners in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving operational efficiency and client experiences in financial planning.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management within regulated financial environments and strong problem-solving skills.
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, our business has grown through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, creating a dynamic, evolving operating environment with a 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 a hands-on, solutions-focused manager 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.
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.
- Competitive salary range of £60,000-70,000 per year.
- Comprehensive benefits package (details to be confirmed during interview).
- Opportunities for professional development and CPD.
- Dynamic, collaborative, values-driven culture.
Operations Manager - MKS Financial Planning employer: Moore Kingston Smith
At MKS Financial Planning, we pride ourselves on being a leading Chartered Independent Financial Planning firm located in the heart of London. Our commitment to a client-first approach and ethical practice fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, where employees are encouraged to grow through continuous professional development opportunities. With a focus on innovation and technology, we offer a supportive environment that empowers our team to drive meaningful improvements in client service and operational efficiency.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - MKS Financial Planning
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Moore Kingston Smith. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - MKS Financial Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Moore Kingston Smith.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Moore Kingston Smith's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Moore Kingston Smith
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Moore Kingston Smith.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Moore Kingston Smith will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Moore Kingston Smith employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
