At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead client accounts in Financial Services, driving growth and delivering exceptional results.
- Company: Join Optima Partners, a cutting-edge AI and data consultancy based in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus opportunities, generous holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with significant growth potential and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI transformation while building trusted partnerships with top clients.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in Financial Services and proven track record in client account management.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
About Us
Want to shape the future of AI led transformation? So do we. At Optima Partners, we connect business context, advanced analytics and engineering rigour to help organisations solve their most complex challenges and deliver measurable outcomes at speed. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Edinburgh, Optima is an AI and data consultancy specialising in transformation across Financial Services & Insurance, Energy, Telecoms and Life Sciences. Backed by significant recent investment from Growth Capital Partners (GCP), we are entering an exciting new phase of growth. This funding accelerates our expansion, strengthens our service and innovation propositions, and enables further investment in our people, technology and client delivery capabilities.
The role
This role is for someone who is a strong people person, with deep domain knowledge in Banking, Wealth, or Insurance clients. You should have deep understanding of how FS organisations leverage customer data to drive engagement, loyalty, and growth, including segmentation, journey mapping, lifecycle management, and personalised communications. Awareness of digital channels, marketing automation, CRM platforms, and AI-driven customer insights is essential, as is knowledge of loyalty programmes, customer acquisition and retention strategies. You’ll shape and drive long-term client accounts, with a focus on delivery excellence, governance and sustainable growth. Acting as the key client contact, overseeing execution, driving opportunities within accounts, and maintaining operational and financial oversight.
As a Client Director, you will be accountable for the overall success of a portfolio of accounts or complex client engagements within a single account. You will be the face of Optima to the client, owning strategic direction, commercial performance and growth opportunities. Critical delivery oversight and financial planning are part of the role, as well as growth, sales and landing large-scale, enduring programmes of work beyond current engagements. You will work with outstanding talent across Optima to bring the very best of our capabilities to clients, unlocking value through AI and data, customer engagement, and modern data foundations. Operating confidently at C-suite level, you will build trusted partnerships, drive profitable growth, and ensure exceptional delivery across all engagements.
Your role will include:
- Owning client satisfaction, perception, and long-term success
- Setting account strategy, objectives, and growth plans
- Identifying where the activity and budget is, and connecting that to how Optima can solve problems and deliver measurable value
- Balancing a portfolio of accounts or complex client engagements
- Acting as P&L owner for the client account, ensuring strong commercial performance
- Building and sustaining senior executive (CxO) relationships
- Bringing together the best Optima talent, services, and assets across the business
- Ensuring consistently high-quality delivery across all engagements
- Developing deep understanding of the client’s industry, organisation, culture, and strategic priorities
- Acting as the central point of coordination across Sales, Delivery, Service Lines, Finance, and HR
About You
You are a business-centric, entrepreneurial leader with deep sector expertise and strong credibility. Highly commercially astute, you balance delivery oversight with a growth-oriented strategy and thrive in complex, fast-moving environments. You translate AI, data science, and technology insight into measurable business outcomes. As a natural relationship builder, you engage confidently with senior stakeholders while collaborating effectively with internal delivery teams. Curious and inquisitive by nature, you are motivated to develop a deep understanding of clients and their challenges. Calm under pressure, adaptable, and confident, you operate effectively at executive level while remaining closely connected to delivery.
Essential
- Deep expertise and credibility in Financial Services covering Retail Banking, Pensions and Insurance and/or Wealth Management
- Track record of shaping and growing complex client accounts in consulting or professional services
- Experience driving profitable growth and long-term engagements
- Demonstrated success in landing large-scale, enduring programmes of work
- Ability to balance a portfolio of accounts or complex activity within a single account
- P&L accountability or commercial ownership experience
- Strong understanding of AI, advanced data science, customer engagement, and data foundations at scale
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to balance strategic vision and execution
Desirable
- Experience working in a challenger consultancy or high-growth environment
- Background in AI, data or digital transformation programmes
- Experience operating within matrixed organisations
What We Offer
- Competitive base salary
- Access to company discretionary bonus in addition to client growth incentive plan.
- Up to 37 days holiday
- Private medical insurance
- Group life and income protection
- Salary sacrifice Pension Scheme
Client Director - Financial Services employer: Optima Partners
Optima Partners is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant City of Edinburgh, offering a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth. As a Senior Data Scientist, you will not only lead impactful projects but also have the opportunity to mentor junior colleagues, ensuring a supportive environment for continuous learning. With a focus on delivering actionable insights across various sectors, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a real difference in the field of machine learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Client Director - Financial Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the Financial Services sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Client Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your deep understanding of customer engagement and AI-driven insights. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies like Optima Partners through our website. Express your interest in the Client Director position and share how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the latest trends in Financial Services. Be ready to discuss how you can leverage AI and data science to solve complex challenges. Confidence is key!
We think you need these skills to ace Client Director - Financial Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Client Director role. Highlight your experience in Financial Services and how it aligns with our mission at Optima Partners. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you've driven growth or improved client satisfaction in previous roles. This helps us understand the impact you've made in your past positions.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is not only skilled but also a great fit for our culture. Share your passion for AI and data transformation, and why you want to join us at Optima.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optima Partners
✨Know Your Financial Services Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the Financial Services sector. Understand how organisations leverage customer data for engagement and growth, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
As a Client Director, you'll need to build trust with C-suite executives. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past, focusing on your ability to connect and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you would set account strategies and growth plans. Think about specific instances where you've balanced delivery oversight with a growth-oriented strategy, and be prepared to share these insights.
✨Highlight Your Experience with AI and Data Science
Since the role involves translating AI and data insights into business outcomes, come equipped with examples of how you've used these technologies in previous roles. This will show that you can bring value to Optima's mission of AI-led transformation.
