At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence and strategic delivery for a values-driven financial mutual.
- Company: Join Buckinghamshire Building Society, an award-winning mutual with a proud heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £140k, generous benefits, and career progression support.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on collaboration and purpose.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while modernising and transforming the organisation.
- Qualifications: Proven operational leader in financial services with experience in digital change.
The predicted salary is between 130000 - 150000 £ per year.
Chalfont St Giles, Bucks (Hybrid, typically 3-4 days per week in the office) Up to £140k DOE, plus generous benefits package.
We’re delighted to be partnering with Buckinghamshire Building Society, an award-winning mutual with a proud heritage and a clear ambition for the future, on the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO role is new to the business and will be pivotal to the future success of the Society. As a mutual, their ambition depends not only on having a clear strategy, but on delivering it exceptionally and consistently for their members, colleagues and communities. This role will be accountable for SMF24 [Chief Operating Function] and brings together operational excellence, strategic delivery and cultural leadership at a time when resilience, transformation and member outcomes matter more than ever. The COO will play a critical role in helping them modernise thoughtfully, strengthen their resilience and ensure that every part of the Society works together in support of their long-term strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
- You will undertake and be accountable for the PRA/FCA Senior Management Functions for Operational delivery across Savings, Mortgages, IT, Marketing and Change [SMF24].
- Be an active member of the Executive Committee, and to chair the Society Transformation Committee, contributing strategic insight and Society change leadership.
- Be accountable for the Society Change Model and Transformation Programme delivery, across all workstreams, in line with the Society’s long-term sustainability strategy.
- Be accountable for the Society’s operational resilience posture, preserving the Society’s Important Business Services and ensuring their effective operation within Society agreed Impact Tolerances (ITOLs).
- Be accountable for the leadership and long-term evolution of the Society operating model and associated cost base, in support of the Society’s Financial Plan and long-term sustainability goals.
- Overall accountability for the Society’s marketing activity, ensuring it is well‑governed, customer‑focused, and aligned to the Society’s purpose, brand, and strategic objectives.
- Ensure a collaborative approach across the Society, in line with Society Values, maintaining trusted relationships with the Board, senior leadership peers, colleagues and regulators.
- Drive strong member service, with clear standards and MI, embedding a culture of continuous improvement.
- Oversight of third-party governance and performance relating to relationships owned by IT and Operations.
About You:
We are looking for someone who can help shape and lead an operating model that is efficient, well-controlled and ready for the future, while never losing sight of what makes them distinctive: personal service, sound judgement and a strong sense of purpose. You are a proven operational leader within financial services, with experience of leading meaningful operational and digital change in a regulated environment. You bring a strong understanding of mortgage and savings operations, alongside deep knowledge of operational risk, resilience and regulatory requirements within a mutual or similar organisation. You are commercially aware and comfortable balancing operational performance with strategic priorities and P&L accountability. Above all, you are a visible and authentic leader. You are confident leading experienced teams through change, balancing respect for heritage with a clear focus on future performance. You create clarity, build trust and bring people with you.
The Offer:
Alongside a highly competitive salary, you’ll receive a generous benefits package and genuine support to progress your career. Buckinghamshire Building Society offers a hybrid working model centred on collaboration and purpose. Given the visibility and scale of this role, a regular on-site presence (typically 3-4 days per week, and more when required) will be important to lead, influence and support the teams you oversee. If you are passionate about continuous improvement, excited by the potential of digital transformation and motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact for members and colleagues alike, we would welcome a confidential conversation. For the right person, this is a rare opportunity to make a significant impact in a values-led organisation with a clear sense of identity and ambition. We look forward to hearing from you.
Chief Operating Officer employer: Ultimate Search
Buckinghamshire Building Society is an exceptional employer that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. With a strong commitment to personal service and community, the Society offers generous benefits and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while ensuring meaningful career progression. As a leader in the financial services sector, this role provides a unique opportunity to drive transformation and operational excellence in a supportive environment that prioritises both heritage and innovation.
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