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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations, improve processes, and drive efficiency in a dynamic financial advisory firm.
- Company: Reputable Independent Financial Advisory firm with strong growth and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Why this job: Join a senior leadership role and make a significant impact on operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in IFA/wealth management and proven leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Operations Director in Taunton with a competitive salary, bonus, and benefits. Hybrid working: 4 days in the office and 1 day working from home after the probation period. Initially, you will be required to be in the office 5 days per week.
We’re working with a highly regarded Independent Financial Advisory firm with c. £600m AUM, strong links to a well‑known accountancy practice, and a reputation for delivering high‑quality, holistic financial planning. As the business continues to grow, they’re looking to appoint an experienced Operations Director to help take the firm to the next level.
Primary focus is on operations, administration, process improvement, and data/systems optimisation. Please note this person MUST have extensive, direct experience within an IFA (Independent Financial Adviser) business.
The Opportunity of Operations Director: This is a senior, hands‑on leadership role working closely with the Managing Director / CEO. You’ll have full responsibility for driving operational excellence across the business, ensuring the smooth, compliant, and efficient delivery of advice while supporting long‑term growth and scalability.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Develop and deliver operational strategy aligned to business goals
- Oversee day‑to‑day operations across administration, paraplanning, and client support
- Drive process improvement, efficiency, and cost optimisation
- Manage operational budgets and resources
- People & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop operations teams
- Set KPIs and monitor performance
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and training
- Foster a high‑performance, client‑centric, and compliant culture
- Compliance & Risk
- Work closely with the Compliance Officer to ensure FCA compliance
- Maintain robust internal controls and procedures
- Oversee audit readiness and regulatory reporting
- Embed Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) principles across operations
- Client Service & Experience
- Ensure a consistently high standard of client service
- Improve client journey and onboarding processes
- Manage escalated client issues or complaints
- Enable advisers to deliver efficient, compliant advice
- Systems & Technology
- Ownership of CRM and operational systems (e.g. Intelliflo Office)
- Drive digital transformation and automation initiatives
- Ensure strong data integrity and MI
- Evaluate and implement new operational tools
- Commercial & Strategic Support
- Monitor operational KPIs and MI
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and revenue enhancement
- Support strategic growth initiatives (including scaling and acquisitions)
- Collaborate with finance on budgeting and forecasting
About You
Essential
- Significant experience within an IFA / wealth management environment
- Strong understanding of UK financial services regulation
- Proven senior leadership and people management experience
- In‑depth knowledge of operational workflows within advice firms
- Highly organised, commercially aware, and solutions‑focused
- Strong working experience with Intelliflo Office
- Demonstrable operational management and leadership experience within the financial planning sector
- Strong competency in systems/process improvement, especially data and technology platforms relevant to IFAs
- Hands-on management approach; must be willing and able to implement as well as lead
Desirable
- Chartered status or relevant professional qualifications
- Experience with platforms such as Aviva, Quilter, or similar
- Exposure to process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)
Locations
Director of Operations in Somerset, Taunton employer: Tate Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Tate Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations in Somerset, Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IFA and wealth management sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their operations, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in helping them achieve operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've driven process improvements or led teams in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate that you can take their operations to the next level!
✨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 are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in Somerset, Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in IFA environments and any relevant leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence in previous roles, and don’t forget to mention your passion for client service.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like improvements in efficiency or client satisfaction. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tate Recruitment
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of operational strategies and processes specific to the IFA sector. Brush up on your knowledge of compliance, risk management, and client service standards, as these will be key discussion points during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and driving performance. Be ready to discuss how you've mentored staff, set KPIs, and fostered a high-performance culture in previous roles. This is a senior position, so demonstrating your leadership style is crucial.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've improved processes or solved complex operational issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, showcasing your analytical skills and solutions-focused mindset.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Technologies
Since the role involves ownership of CRM and operational systems like Intelliflo Office, make sure you're well-versed in these tools. Be prepared to discuss how you've used technology to enhance operational efficiency and data integrity in your past roles.