Loan Operations Manager

Loan Operations Manager

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Tandemsearch

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead daily operations, manage a dynamic team, and ensure compliance in banking processes.
  • Company: A leading UAE regional bank with a focus on innovation and growth.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team during an exciting period of operational evolution.
  • Why this job: Take charge of operations and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: 10-15 years in banking operations with strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

A leading UAE regional bank is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to assume full ownership of the branch’s day-to-day operations. This is a hands-on leadership role, not a purely managerial position. The successful candidate will work closely with a small team, bringing strong product knowledge and taking personal accountability for transaction quality, regulatory compliance, and operational controls.

The role involves providing day-to-day direction to the operations team, acting as the primary escalation point for operational matters, and serving as a key interface between the London branch and Group functions. While supported by senior management, the position requires a high degree of autonomy, particularly across trade finance, loan operations, and SWIFT settlements. This opportunity suits someone who thrives in a dynamic, lean environment and can bring structure, discipline, and leadership during a period of operational evolution.

Key Responsibilities
  • Operations Leadership & Team Management
    • Provide day-to-day leadership and technical oversight of the operations team
    • Act as the primary escalation point for operational queries, exceptions, and client/counterparty issues
    • Manage, mentor, and develop team members, including performance management and training
    • Ensure effective workload allocation, capacity planning, and prioritisation
    • Foster a culture of accuracy, control, and continuous improvement
  • Trade Finance
    • Oversee end-to-end processing of Letter of Credit (LC) transactions, including advising, amendments, document checking, discrepancy handling, and settlements
    • Ensure proper documentation control, record management, and safekeeping of original documents
    • Liaise with beneficiaries, issuing banks, and internal stakeholders to resolve queries
    • Maintain working knowledge of UCP 600, ISBP, and trade finance best practices
  • Loan & Credit Operations
    • Oversee loan operations across bilateral, syndicated, and agency facilities, including drawdowns, rollovers, repayments, and interest processing
    • Review loan documentation and Conditions Precedent (CPs) prior to drawdown approval
    • Coordinate with Agent Banks, Legal, Front Office, and Treasury on transaction execution
    • Monitor covenant compliance, facility utilisation, and reporting requirements
    • Supervise collateral and security documentation, including insurance and valuation tracking
  • Payments, Treasury & SWIFT
    • Oversee SWIFT messaging and settlements, including MT300 (FX) and MT320 (Money Market) transactions
    • Manage daily rate inputs within core banking systems
    • Support Nostro account reconciliation and investigate breaks
    • Provide cash flow reporting to Treasury for liquidity management
  • Regulatory Compliance & Controls
    • Ensure adherence to PRA and FCA regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures
    • Maintain and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
    • Manage complaints handling in line with regulatory expectations
    • Support internal audits, regulatory reviews, and external inspections
    • Ensure robust KYC/AML controls across all operational activities
  • MI, Reporting & Systems
    • Oversee receipt and review of MIS and operational reporting
    • Produce daily and monthly reports, escalating risks or issues identified
    • Lead UAT testing for system enhancements and process improvements
    • Maintain accurate data and records for regulatory and management reporting
Essential Experience
  • 10–15+ years of experience in banking operations within a branch environment
  • Strong technical knowledge across at least two of the following:
  • Trade Finance (LCs)
  • Loan / Credit Operations
  • SWIFT / Treasury Operations
  • Previous experience in a supervisory or team leadership role
  • Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks (PRA/FCA)
  • Ability to operate in a hands-on, high-accountability environment
  • Loan Operations Manager employer: Tandemsearch

    As a leading UAE regional bank, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment in our London branch. Our culture emphasises collaboration, continuous improvement, and personal accountability, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on operational excellence and regulatory compliance, we empower our team members to take ownership of their roles while enjoying the benefits of working in a vibrant city known for its financial services.
    Tandemsearch

    Contact Detail:

    Tandemsearch Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Loan Operations Manager

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the banking sector, especially those who work in operations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral that could give you the edge.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s operations. Understand their processes, especially around trade finance and loan operations. This will help us impress them with our knowledge and show we’re ready to hit the ground running.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly to hiring managers or HR through LinkedIn. A well-crafted message expressing our interest can set us apart from the crowd.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested in being part of the team. Let’s make sure our CV highlights our hands-on leadership experience!

    We think you need these skills to ace Loan Operations Manager

    Operations Leadership
    Team Management
    Trade Finance Knowledge
    Loan Operations Expertise
    SWIFT Messaging
    Regulatory Compliance
    Technical Oversight
    Performance Management
    Documentation Control
    Client Relationship Management
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Capacity Planning
    Continuous Improvement
    Data Analysis
    Risk Management

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Loan Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in banking operations, especially in trade finance and loan operations. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

    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. Share specific examples of your leadership experience and how you've handled operational challenges in the past.

    Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since this role requires strong technical knowledge, don’t forget to mention your familiarity with UCP 600, SWIFT transactions, and regulatory compliance. We love candidates who can hit the ground running!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly 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 team!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Tandemsearch

    ✨Know Your Operations Inside Out

    Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of trade finance, loan operations, and SWIFT settlements. Be prepared to discuss specific processes and regulations like UCP 600 and PRA/FCA compliance. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the terms but can also apply them in a practical setting.

    ✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

    Since this role requires hands-on leadership, think of examples from your past where you successfully managed a team or resolved operational issues. Be ready to share how you fostered a culture of accuracy and continuous improvement within your team.

    ✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

    Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to operational challenges. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills. This will help you convey your ability to handle real-time issues effectively.

    ✨Showcase Your Autonomy

    The job demands a high degree of autonomy, so be prepared to discuss times when you took initiative in your previous roles. Highlight how you managed workloads, prioritised tasks, and made decisions independently while still aligning with broader organisational goals.

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