At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive operational effectiveness and continuous improvement across international businesses.
- Company: Dynamic financial services firm with a focus on quality and governance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior leadership and engage in exciting cross-business initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising processes and enhancing service delivery.
- Qualifications: Degree in Project Management or Business Operations; 5 years in quality or business improvement roles.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
London based (Hybrid working) £100,000 per annum plus benefits
Financial Services Sector
Reporting to the Head of Governance, Quality and Business Improvement, this role sits within a central corporate function responsible for driving operational effectiveness, governance, and continuous improvement across a portfolio of international businesses. This role combines business improvement, governance oversight, and regulatory compliance, supporting senior leadership and board-level committees with insight, assurance, and strategic recommendations.
Responsibilities
- Support delivery of the broader quality and business improvement strategy
- Lead the development and execution of continuous improvement and assurance initiatives
- Drive process optimisation and business transformation activities, improving operational efficiency and service delivery
- Promote a quality-first and risk-aware culture across all business areas
- Analyse complex data sets to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for improvement
- Design and implement audit frameworks and assurance programmes aligned to regulatory expectations
- Conduct or oversee internal audits (1st and 2nd party) and ensure timely close-out of actions
- Support compliance with relevant regulatory standards (e.g. financial and governance regulations)
- Deliver assurance activities including risk assessments, compliance reviews, and audits
- Support cross-business and joint venture initiatives
- Develop and track KPIs, SLAs, and management information (MI) dashboards
- Ensure strong documentation, traceability, and audit trails
- Identify systemic issues and implement sustainable improvement solutions
- Introduce tools and systems to standardise key processes
- Lead root cause analysis and deliver actionable recommendations
- Support governance reporting and, where required, attend governance forums
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree or equivalent experience in Project Management, Business Operations, or Change Management
- Professional certifications in quality or auditing (e.g. Chartered Quality Professional, Lead Auditor) are advantageous
- Proven experience (5 years) in quality, business improvement, or operational excellence roles
- Strong knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma, PDCA)
- Experience with ISO standards (e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 27001)
- Background in project and portfolio management
- Experience within regulated environments (financial or similar) is beneficial
Core Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to interpret complex data and present insights clearly
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
- Experience driving change across multi-site or international organisations
- High levels of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Systems & Tools
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Teams and SharePoint)
- Experience with collaboration and project tools (e.g. Atlassian suite, Asana or similar platforms)
Key Relationships
- Senior leadership teams and operational stakeholders
- Internal governance, compliance, risk, and audit functions
- External stakeholders where applicable (e.g. partners, clients, advisory groups)
Quality & Business Improvement Specialist in London employer: Shirley Parsons
As a Quality & Business Improvement Specialist in London, you will join a dynamic team within the financial services sector that prioritises operational excellence and continuous improvement. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to professional development ensures you have ample opportunities for growth and advancement. With a strong focus on fostering a quality-first culture and engaging with senior leadership, you'll play a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives that make a meaningful impact across our international portfolio.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality & Business Improvement Specialist in London
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Shirley Parsons looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality & Business Improvement Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Shirley Parsons. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shirley Parsons
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Shirley Parsons’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
